Construction

What is Construction Project Management?

In brief, construction project management is the process of managing construction projects. But when you’re talking about managing a construction project in comparison to other types of projects, the distinction is mostly that construction is mission-based. That means that the project’s organization ends with the end of the project build. While generally project management is defined as managing resources over the life cycle of a project through various tools and methodologies to control scope, cost, time, quality, etc⁠—when working in the construction industry your outlook must be broader. It usually includes a wider variety of constraints to consider that are specific to the design and build of construction projects. Construction project management can interact with a variety of different disciplines in the lifetime of a project as well, from architecture to engineering to public works to city planning.

Types of Construction Projects

There are a variety of different types of construction projects, depending on the different construction sectors. There are two sectors in construction: residential and commercial. Depending on the sector, there can be up to four different types of projects:

  • Residential home building and renovation
  • Heavy industrial construction
  • Commercial and institutional construction
  • Engineering construction
    • That means there are a wide variety of types of construction projects that require construction management in order to be successful. Construction management might be required for a simple home to a large bridge, from engineering a dam build to an airport seismic retrofit project. Construction project managers, then, manage the beginning and end of a project build, often managing on-site to ensure the safe, successful construction.

    The Construction Project Manager

    Construction project management is run by a construction project manager. This person is tasked with the planning, coordination, budgeting and supervision of the construction project. Construction project manager responsible for the following tasks:

  • Estimate and negotiate project costs
  • Formulate budget
  • Create schedule and work timetables
  • Determine which methods and strategies are appropriate for the project
  • Communicate with clients and stakeholders, re. budget, progress, etc.
  • Lead or interface with workers, teams and other construction professions on technical and contract details
  • Work with building, construction and regulatory specialists