Modern construction project management tools and techniques make planning and completing construction projects more efficient. When used in combination with project management software, they make the work easier, faster and reduce costs.
Construction managers at any point in their careers should have a working knowledge of the best practices in project tools and techniques. By using them, leaders can control the work, do higher quality work, complete projects on time, and finish within budget.
Stakeholder Mapping
Before managers can begin any construction project, they must know who the stakeholders are and which ones will be actively involved. They list the members to contact in priority order to understand their expectations and other input. Managers understand that stakeholders have vested interests in projects and can influence them. Typical stakeholders include:
- Clients
- Investors
- Manager’s Employer
- Suppliers
- Project Team
- Architects
- Engineers
Managers learn how to deal with stakeholders by establishing two-way communications. They report the progress of the work so each party stays informed as needed. Changes in plans can be coordinated early on to avoid mistakes.
A Feasibility Study Is Conducted
After the stakeholder mapping is underway, a feasibility study is conducted to let managers know if the construction project is worth undertaking. The study lets stakeholders know if the project is a practical one that will lead to a successful outcome. The study consists of:
- All resources needed for each project and if they are attainable
- The return on investment (ROI) to show if the project is profitable
- Presenting it to stakeholders before any work has begun
- SWOT analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to the work
In summary, the feasibility presents the pros and cons of each construction project.
| “Construction managers at any point in their careers should have a working knowledge of the best practices in project tools and techniques.” |
Modern Construction Project Management: Cost-Benefit Analysis
A cost-benefit analysis takes the feasibility study one step further for a more comprehensive overview of each project. It provides data to determine which projects are feasible and which ones should be deleted.
All costs are researched and totaled to determine the project’s value from a business perspective. The value of benefits must be assigned monetary values for comparison to costs. If the benefits outweigh the costs, the project is probably worth pursuing. The bottom line is the ROI in dollar amounts and/or a percentage goal. This data-driven approach is better than going on hunches or opinions.
Modern Construction Project Management: Work Breakdown Structure
Once a project is approved, it must be planned and organized. There are many tasks and phases to complete, and this is where a work breakdown structure (WBS) is helpful. The WBS divides the work into smaller and more manageable steps and flows like this:
- It serves as a graphic representation of every task
- The top shows the final product with boxes below it that represent large tasks
- Each box spreads out with smaller tasks directly related to it.
- Each box is checked off as the tasks are completed
This approach provides an overall visual picture to project completion.
Modern Construction Project Management: Charts And Diagrams Supplement The WBS
Other charts and diagrams are used in combination with the WBS planning tool, including:
- Gantt Charts display the progress of individual tasks on a horizontal line.
- Project Network Diagrams show how different activities interact in projects.
- Kanban Boards are boards with moving cards to show the progress of tasks.
- Risk Matrix Charts show the likelihood and severity of various potential risks.
- PERT Diagrams are used to schedule the timing of project tasks and project completion.
- The Critical Path Method displays several paths to job completion and the best one to take.
All these charts and diagrams are helpful when used with project management software.
Project Management Software Is A Must
Project management software organizes a business’s workflow in transparent visual displays. This digital technology tracks, schedules, and maps out projects and assignments. Your work team can share a virtual space to view and follow up on the work.
Everyone on your team can gain permission to access the software to collaborate on tasks and methods and schedule assignments. It is a useful tool to boost productivity and streamline communication by allowing participants to see how close each task is to completion. It is also a great tool for companies that employ remote workers. Learn more about all these tools and techniques in a construction management program. Call us today at for (877) 591-1070 more information
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