There is no sense in stating the obvious, but when it comes to effective project management, it is imperative that there is adequate planning, execution, and control of the given project. Specifically, a construction project requires that the project manager is aware of all time and financial constraints of the particular project. In most cases, the main challenge of project management is to realize all the project goals with the available resources. Moreover, these particular types of professionals help to ensure that the project is moving according to plan. Other functions include schedules, developing communications strategies and adequate project planning. Unforeseen delays and demands to change the original scope of the work can all bring turmoil to a construction timeline; however, a good project manager has the skills and expertise to overcome these obstacles.
Tips for Effective Project Management
The following are some of the ideal recommendations that a construction project manager should take into account when improving or developing their management regime.
Good Communication
Most projects will not be successful without the right communication strategies. For this reason, the project manager should consider what works best for the team and develop a plan that accommodates the needs of everyone. Real time progress reports and updates are invaluable since it helps keep track of the business actions, which in turn helps to eliminate risk. Good communication also involves regular talks with employees and listening to their various concerns or suggestions about improving the project as a whole. A good construction project manager should document every possible aspect of the entire project including expenditures, as well as external and internal meetings.
Adequate Planning
Ultimately, your project goals should be set in a coherent and well-written scope of work. Every department of the given project should abide by the terms of the document and also use it to set the platform for final results of the project overall. For this particular reason, at the outset of a project, it is considered a form of professional practice to discuss with your client, review the project timeline along with the expect scope of the project. For a construction project manager, this might mean that you may have to explain why it may take longer to produce a stable and safe building for public use.
Know When to Reward or Engage the Team
Perhaps the single most important tool in your repertoire as a project manager is knowing when to engage and reward hard working employees. This particular type of strategy falls back to the concept that employees require incentive schemes to boost their motivation and productivity levels. For this particular reason, identifying dedicated members of the team helps set the right example for other employees. More so, as a manager you earn more respect from the team when you give credit where credit is due. As a construction project manager, your job title involves completing some request under strict conditions, so the ability to engage your employees inspires leadership and confidence.
Develop Your Skills
For most project managers, a lot of time is spent in the office, and even more time is spent on the job site. Managing your subcontractors and scheduling project timelines, keeping track of change orders, and permitting procedures along with managing your budget requires some supplementary skills. While most contemporary companies outsource the help of other professionals to complete such tasks, it is much more convenient for your business if you can complete these tasks using your skills. Developing an interest in topics related to your particular project might go a long way in improving your general repertoire of competencies.
Implement Recent Technologies and Software
Leveraging technological advancements such as mobile devices and software are crucial to the success of projects in today’s construction world, especially if the scope of your project is large. More so, nowadays construction software that can be customized to accommodate the unique needs of your project are becoming essential aspects of any construction project. The added benefit of these types of solutions is that they can automate specific procedures for construction project managers, so they will have more time to manage other important project activities. The software can also be beneficial for communicating goals and project updates to your team.
Education and Experience
Although it is possible for one to work their way up in a construction company to become a project manager, it is a good idea to earn your degree in project or construction management. You will be exposed to various project management concepts that are essential if you are to produce good results for your clients each time. For instance, with the increasing desire for green buildings, you could go and learn more about energy saving applications such as solar lighting and efficient lighting systems. Aside from education, the experience plays a significant role in any project manager’s skills and overall results. This type of advantage stems from the fact that an experienced project manager has likely learned valuable lessons and has also acquired vast knowledge from industry leaders.
Things to Avoid
A good project manager should avoid certain pitfalls and tendencies that might end up damaging the goals of the entire project. These dangers should be avoided at all costs if the project is to be completed with satisfactory results. A project, and all of its related aspects can be delicate, and if you handle it carelessly, it can easily fall apart. Some of these avoidable aspects include:
- Lack of adequate budgeting
- Procrastination
- Poor communication with staff members
- No goals or vision for the project
- Poor staff recruitment, framework, and strategy
At the end of the day, it is essential for any project manager to have sufficient insight into the do’s and don’ts of any given project for optimal results each time. Failure to do so will result in failure and the inability to fulfill the needs of your client, thus damaging your overall reputability and reliability. However, a project manager who utilizes these tips for effective construction project management will experience more successful projects overall.
Original Article: http://www.constructionworld.org/how-to-effectively-manage-each-construction-project/
