MAPA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF CIVIL, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND

GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
4th Quarter A.Y. 2014 2015

HOMEWORK NO. 1

CE157/A1
7:30AM-12NN
S209

Submitted by:
CABRERA, Aubrey Camille C.
CE 4
2011180008

Submitted to:
Engr. Lamberto Marcial

May 8, 2015

1. What is a Construction Project Manager? Define the role of Project

Manager in the construction project phases.
The success planning, execution, monitoring, control and the closure of a project
is the overall responsibility of a construction project manager. The construction
project manager must possess amalgamation of skills including an ability to ask
penetrating inquiries, distinguish unstated assumptions and resolve struggles, as
well as more general management skills. Construction project managers
administer construction projects from start to finish, guaranteeing that projects
are accomplished within time and budgetary restrictions. An understanding of the
construction business and the ability to work under deadlines in a fast-paced
environment are important for career success.
To be able to perform effectively within tight time-scales, keep within strict
budgets and create positive client environment such that clients become/remain
in a good relationship throughout the contract is one of their responsibilities.
They will manage a set of service deliveries, which must be achieved on time to
ensure all activities in the schedule are completed in time. To overcome certain
task, project manager must show initiative and be able to find ways to best adapt
a situation to provide a successful overall critical path analysis.
A PM will be anticipated to support the improvement of the headship, both on-site
and back in the offices. They will must to consolidate the preeminent team
possible to complete the project, whilst training and teaching the employees
towards the companys core values. Reinforcement of excellence and quality in
work will lead to a great standing amongst clients.

Initiation Phase
The project objective is identified during this phase. By this time the Project
Manager is appointed simultaneously the project is initiated. Approval is then
sought by the project manager to move onto the detailed planning phase.
Planning Phase
At this phase, the project manager along with his team needs to identify the
works to be done for the project. The scope management is identified buy his
team during this phase. The project manager harmonizes the preparation of a
project budget by providing cost estimates for the labor, equipment, and
materials costs.
Execution
In the execution phase of the construction phases, leading the team in putting the
plan in the motion is what the Construction Manager is expected to do at this
moment. The CM is responsible for maintaining control and communication
during the implementation of the project. In any project, a project manager
spends most of the time in this step.
Closing Phase
The role of the Project Manager at this phase is to release the final deliverables
to the customer, handing over project documentation to the business, terminating
supplier contracts, releasing project resources, and communicating the closure of
the project to all stakeholders.
2. What are some issues affecting the following: (present)
a) Construction Project Manager
b) Contractors
c) Engineering & Design Professionals
d) Workers
e) Construction Material & Manufacturers
f) Equipment Suppliers & Leasors

a. Many of these challenges are a direct result of construction

operations, while others are a result of indirect, peripheral activities.
Construction issues include workforce considerations, safety, time
constraints, and the changing nature of the work itself.
Nonconstruction challenges that CMs face that are part of the
business landscape include legal issues, government regulations,
environmental concerns, and socio-political pressures.
b. Public/private partnerships
PPP projects are an important source of construction and investment
income for many of the largest construction companies, however, they
can also be high risk. There is a time-lag between bidding for a project
and receiving earnings. Project over-runs are common and can
present a significant risk.
Fraud/ethics
A large proportion of engineering and construction companies report
being the victim of serious economic crimes. While theft of assets
might be regarded by some as an accepted risk of doing business,
regulators are taking a hard line on companies who turn a blind eye to
these activities. Companies should also be aware of the impact this
can also have on their reputation and share price.
Risk management
Construction projects are high risk. They present enormous fiscal
requirements and unusual logistical challenges for companies
constructing new office buildings, plants or production facilities.
Underestimating risk can lead to poor procurement strategy or the lack
of skilled resources to actively manage the risk of project
implementation may lead to poor decision-making.
Resolving disputes
The inherent and often unexpected risks on a new construction project
present key challenges to engineering and construction companies.
For example, if a project is delayed or disrupted, significant resources
are engaged and management time consumed. The outcome can have
serious consequences on corporate value.

Sustainability
Engineering and construction companies are demonstrating varied
responses to the new range of pressures, expectations and drivers of
developing a sustainable business strategy. The more forward-thinking
companies are addressing the issues and actively engaging with their
range of stakeholders to understand the risks and opportunities.
However, most companies to date have only taken a compliancedriven approach, thus missing the wider opportunities sustainability
presents. Relationships with sub-contractors
Construction contractors are under constant pressure to improve
margins, reduce costs and improve predictability. Developing long-term
relationships with key strategic suppliers is a key part of delivering this
strategy. This involves construction companies motivating their
contractors to be pro-active, develop new approaches, solutions and
work with them to reduce risk.
c. The consultants face some of the major problem or concerns in the
Construction Business nowadays. Currently, these firms are in a very
competitive business and innovation plays a big part for the success.
Innovation is necessary today for various reasons. The requirements of
employers and civil society have an increasing impact on projects: the
constraints in terms of long term development, health and safety are
now indisputable. Innovative solutions must be found to meet these
requirements.
d. The issues faced by the Construction workers nowadays are related to
employment and the ability to get a job in the Construction Business.
e. Uncertainty
Uncertainty in the global economy, uncertainty in the credit markets,
uncertainty in how new regulations will affect business, uncertainty
about what competitors are doing, and uncertainty about how new
technology will affect the business.
Globalization
Understanding foreign cultures is essential to everything from the
ability to penetrate new markets with existing products and services, to
designing new products and services for new customers, to
recognizing emergent, disruptive competitors that only months earlier

werent even known. The problem to b solved is to better understand

international markets and cultures through better information gathering
and analysis of what it all means. Innovation It seems big companies
are struggling with innovation and a better innovation process is at the
top of the agenda for most CEOs, but the idea of a more innovative
culture appears too frightening to many. The problem to be solved I
how to become more innovative while still maintaining a sense of
control over the organization.
Technology
The pace of technological improvement is running at an exponentially
increasing rate. While this has been true for several decades, the pace
today makes capital investment in technology as much an asset as a
handicap because a competitor may wait for the next-generation
technology, which may only be a year away, an then use it to achieve
an advantage. The problem to be solved is to develop a long-term
technology strategy while remaining flexible enough to take advantage
of unforeseen technology developments.
Supply Chains
Because of uncertainty in demand and the need to stay lean,
companies are carrying smaller inventories than ever. At the same
time, uncertainty in supply driven by wildly changing commodity prices,
an apparent increase in weather related disruptions, and increasing
competition for raw materials makes supply chain planning more
challenging than ever. Smaller suppliers that, five years after the global
financial crisis, still struggle to get the credit they need to keep up with
their larger customers demand exacerbates an already unwieldy
situation. The problem to be solved is to develop a supply- chain
strategy that not only ensures the lowest costs, but also minimizes the
risk of crippling supply-chain disruptions.
f.

Logistics
Maintenance
Quality Assurance and Preservation
Competition

g. Experience
Globalization
Innovation
Competition
3. What are some challenges faced by the following in the next century?
a. Construction Project Manager
b. Contractors
c. Engineering & Design Professionals
d. Workers
e. Construction Material & Manufacturers
f. Equipment Suppliers & Leasors
a. The main challenge that the Project Managers will be facing in the next
century would probably be related to Environmental Issues. The project
managers will need to innovate and provide a sustainable structure that
could handle future environmental problems and also help solve these
issues.
b. Contractors need to be very good in the field of civil engineering they are
into because there would be a great competition. Only those contractors
who produces work with the highest level of quality would be the ones to
stay in the practice of being a contractor.
c. One of the main challenges that consultants in the next century would
probably face is the competition that they will be facing against new and
old firms. At the same time, newer designs and construction methods
would be introduced and the engineers of the future must be
knowledgeable with these.
d. Construction workers would need to gain more knowledge and adapt to
the process of construction in the next century. They would need more
experience or practice. Since we are talking about the next century, a lot
of changes might happen and one of the things we cant avoid is the

advancement in technology. The future technology in the Construction

industry might replace these workers.
e. The problems that might be involved in here would be related to possible
environmental problems in the next century. These materials would
definitely be outdated or even out of stock due to the changes or
limitations of our environment. These manufacturers would need to adapt
to these limitations and think of a way or alternative.
f. Equipment suppliers main problem in the future is the possible
deterioration of their current roster of equipment and the development of
more advanced ones. If they dont have the money to upgrade their
system they would be left out by competition and that usually means the
end for the company.
g. Continuous study on the latest trends in the engineering market.
Continuous research on the latest construction methodologies and
studies with regards to civil engineering applications.
More educators to suffice the increase in learners