Project Management in Construction (Case 1)

Construction projects invariably involve huge cost outlays and there are several players working concurrently at a given point of time to meet time targets. The role of a co-ordinator can be therefore crucial, but quite often performed by the owner/builder himself. There is usually cost and time over-runs and disputes about non-compliance with standards or specifications. This is because he leaves it individual group heads to manage the interactions. A better arrangement is when the developer or the building owner appoints an independent project manager .The project manager is the owners agent during the entire design and construction process. The role is similar to that of the design and construction. This is shown in figure 1.2 below.Notice the project managers central position in the organization. This position enables her to monitor and coordinate all design and building tasks in accordance with the developers goals. The project manager ensures that the architects designs are within the developers goals. The project manager ensures that the architects designs are within the developers cost allowances and building requirements and that the contractors work is executed according to contract specifications and at a fair price. The project manager is executed according to contract specifications and at a fair price. The project manager is involved throughout the project life cycle: he or she oversees preliminary architectural design, does the subcontracting, and controls site work according to design specification, time, cost, and worker safety.

Figure 1.2: The project Manager in a construction project

Questions: 1) What would happen if the Architect is chosen as the Project Manager? 2) Who are the stakeholders in this project? 3) What will be the role of the owner/builder in this project? 4) Study some typical construction projects in your locality and compare the organization structure with the above case.