Construction management is a vital part of any construction project. There are many functions of construction management, but here are 11 that you can’t afford to ignore.
By understanding these functions, you can ensure that your construction project runs smoothly and efficiently!
Table of Contents
Here are the 11 Functions of Construction Management
Function 1: Project Management
Construction project management is a critical process for businesses that want to ensure the successful completion of construction projects. The first step is to create a detailed project plan that considers all the costs associated with the project.
Next, the project manager must identify the most efficient and effective project management methodologies and technologies to track team performance and keep costs under control.
Once the project plan is in place and the right tools have been selected, the project manager can begin implementing the plan and monitoring its progress.
By following these steps, businesses can increase the chance of completing their construction projects.
Function 2: Cost Management
Cost management is a critical function in any construction project, and cost management is the “planning, monitoring, and reporting of costs throughout a project’s lifecycle.”
In other words, it’s the process of tracking and controlling project costs from start to finish. For businesses, this means having the right strategies and tools in place to set the budget at the initial stages of a project and track costs over time to prevent overruns.
This can be a challenge, particularly for large and complex projects. But with the right cost management strategies in place, businesses can keep their construction projects on track and within budget. Here are four key strategies for effective cost management:
1. Planning: The first step is to develop a clear and accurate project plan that includes all anticipated costs, and this will serve as the baseline against which all actual costs will be compared.
2. Tracking: Once the project is underway, it’s essential to track all actual costs against the budgeted amounts. This can be done manually or with software specializing in construction cost management.
3. Reporting: Regular reports should be generated to compare actual costs against the budgeted amounts. These reports should be shared with all relevant parties so that everyone is aware of the project’s financial status.
By following these three steps, businesses can better manage the costs associated with their construction projects.
Function 3: Time Management
Time management is a crucial component of any construction project. By definition, construction projects are temporary endeavors with specific deadlines.
Every day counts, and there is no room for wasted time. An effective construction project manager must keep track of numerous tasks and activities, all while ensuring that each one is completed on time and within budget. This can be a daunting challenge, but a few key strategies can help.
First, it is crucial to develop a clear and concise project plan. This document should outline the specific tasks that need to be completed and the timelines for each one.
Second, regular progress reports should be generated to track progress and identify potential issues.
Finally, effective communication is essential to ensure that everyone involved in the project knows the deadlines and the importance of meeting them.
By following these simple steps, construction project managers can help ensure that their projects are completed on time and within budget.
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Function 4: Quality Management
Quality management is a vital function in any construction project. By ensuring that the project commences as per specific quality metrics and completes as per the client’s satisfaction, businesses can protect themselves from expensive mistakes and potential legal liabilities.
Quality assurance and control processes help identify and correct problems before they cause costly delays or jeopardize safety.
In addition, effective quality management can improve project efficiency and profitability by reducing rework and maximizing client satisfaction.
As a result, quality management should be carefully considered in any construction project. By taking the time to establish adequate quality assurance and control processes, businesses can ensure a successful outcome for their projects.
Function 5: Contract Administration
A company’s construction contract administrator (CA) is responsible for handling the legalities of construction projects and managing different contracts with clients, architects, subcontractors, and suppliers.
To avoid potential problems, businesses need to clearly understand their obligations under the contract.
The CA must also effectively communicate with all parties involved in the project. Furthermore, the CA must have a good working relationship with the project manager to ensure that the project stays on track.
While the CA may not be directly involved in the construction work itself, they play a vital role in ensuring that the project runs smoothly and meets all legal requirements.
Function 6: Safety Management
Construction project management is a process that includes a series of specific steps, or functions, to ensure that a construction project is completed safely and on time. Function 6 in this process is safety management.
Safety management includes all of the procedures and protocols put in place to ensure the safety of both workers and construction site visitors.
This can include everything from job site safety audits to employee training on safely operating machinery. Safety management is an essential part of any construction project, and project managers need to be familiar with all aspects of it.
By taking the time to implement adequate safety measures, construction projects can run more smoothly and safely, protecting both workers and the general public.
Function 7: Scheduling
A critical function of construction management is the development of a schedule. This schedule outlines the timeline for the entire project, including how long each stage will take.
Construction managers must consider a variety of factors when developing a schedule, such as the availability of labor and materials. They must also be aware of potential delays, such as bad weather or unexpected difficulties.
Construction managers must track progress once the schedule is complete and ensure that the project stays on track. This involves regular communication with the workers and other members of the team.
By keeping a close eye on the schedule, construction managers can help to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Function 8: Staffing
A construction project is a complex undertaking that requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. From architects and engineers to electricians and laborers, every role is essential to completing the project.
Construction managers play a vital role in coordinating the efforts of all these workers. One of their most important responsibilities is staffing.
An effective construction manager will carefully assess the skills and experience of each employee and assign them to tasks that play to their strengths.
This helps to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget, but it also helps foster a sense of teamwork and camaraderie among employees.
By putting the right people in the right roles, construction managers can help to ensure that every project is a success.
Function 9: Directing
A construction manager’s job is to make sure a construction project arrives on time and under budget. To do this, they must wear many hats, from negotiating contracts to overseeing the budget to hiring and firing workers.
One of the most important jobs of a construction manager is directing. This involves training, supporting, and correcting employees to complete their tasks entirely and correctly.
Construction managers often have to deal with difficult personalities and situations, so it takes a special kind of person to succeed in this field. But for those up to the challenge, directing can be a rewarding and satisfying experience.
Function 10: Controlling
Construction management involves a lot more than just overseeing the construction site. It also requires careful planning and coordination to ensure that the project stays on schedule and within budget.
One of the most critical aspects of construction management is controlling. This involves comparing the project’s progress against the original plan and making any necessary adjustments to ensure that deadlines and objectives are met.
This can be a complex and challenging task, but it is essential for keeping the construction project on track.
By carefully controlling the construction process, construction managers can help to ensure that the final product meets all of the requirements.
Function 11: Coordinating
Construction managers are responsible for more than just overseeing the construction process. They also play a vital role in coordinating the activities of different departments and ensuring that everyone is on the same page.
This can be a challenging task, but it’s essential for keeping the construction project running smoothly. By coordinating the efforts of different departments, construction managers can help avoid confusion and delays.
In addition, clear communication among all parties involved in the project helps to ensure that everyone is aware of any changes to the plan.
By coordinating and communicating effectively, construction managers can help to make sure that construction projects are completed on time and within budget.
FAQs about function of construction management:
What are the functions of construction management and engineering?
Construction management and engineering are two of the most important aspects of any construction project. The construction management team is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the construction process, from the initial planning stages to the completion of the project.
The engineering team is responsible for designing and developing the plans and specifications for the construction project.
These two teams work to ensure that the construction project is completed on time, within budget, and to the highest possible standards.
It would be impossible to complete a construction project without construction management and engineering.
What are the functions of the Construction Manager during the pre-construction phase?
The role of the Construction Manager during the pre-construction phase is to provide expert advice on all aspects of the construction process.
They will work with the owner to develop a clear understanding of their needs and requirements and create a detailed project plan that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and budget.
The Construction Manager will also be responsible for identifying and procuring the necessary materials and equipment and hiring and managing the construction team.
During this critical phase, the Construction Manager will ensure that all aspects of the project are coordinated and executed flawlessly to deliver a successful outcome for the owner.
Final Thoughts :
Construction management is a critical process for ensuring the success of any construction project. The 11 functions we’ve outlined are essential to the smooth running of any build, from start to finish.
Whether you’re a contractor working on your projects or managing a team of builders, it’s important to be aware of these critical responsibilities and put them into practice.
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