It’s all in the detail
Jim Stephen, Account Executive for Construction Solutions at Microsol Resources, argues the case for using new building methods and efficiently managing projects in order to create better buildings.
The construction sector in the UK is finally recovering from the effects of the pandemic. The value of construction new work fell in 2020, but it’s now experiencing strong growth and is valued at over £115 million.
With more construction projects planned and executed countrywide, there is also a growing demand for new building methods and improved project management strategies to help project managers and teams complete projects on time, on budget and according to clients’ specifications.
Some examples of challenges that project managers are facing, as well as suggestions for how they can improve their approach, are discussed below.
This article also features insights into the future of construction, including the latest technologies and trends that professionals can use to enhance their project management strategies.
Common challenges
There are many moving parts involved in the standard construction lifecycle. Whether you’re working on a residential project or a massive Government contract, proper construction management plays a critical role in planning, carrying out and finishing these projects.
The following are some examples of construction management challenges that can delay projects, lead to extra costs and interfere with the quality of team members’ work:
Unclear goals affect timelines
Over one-third (37 per cent) of projects – including many construction projects – fail because of poor goal-setting. When project managers fail to set clear goals, establish specific deadlines, or specify roles and responsibilities, they’re more likely to encounter avoidable challenges, such as missed deadlines that delay the entire project (and result in frustrated clients).
Poor hazard management leads to accidents
The construction industry in the UK has one of the country’s highest average fatality rates. It’s three times the national average (and the fatal injury rate is four times higher than the national average).
Accidents, even those that aren’t fatal, slow projects down and interfere with a team’s ability to complete tasks and meet deadlines. As a project manager, it’s your job to ensure team members are aware of and abide by specific rules and safety guidelines. Otherwise, the chances of on-the-job accidents, injuries and deaths increase.
Overspending causes projects to collapse
The results of one survey revealed that 69% of construction projects were over budget by more than 10%. The project manager plays a critical role in keeping the project on budget and avoiding overspending. If they go over budget by too much – which can happen when teams don’t have clear goals, or accidents occur because of poor hazard management – the entire project collapses and nobody gets paid.
Project managers don’t correct clients’ unrealistic expectations
It’s not uncommon for clients to have unrealistic expectations, particularly regarding budgeting and timelines. Construction project managers can feed into these unrealistic expectations if they’re unwilling to correct and adjust them from the beginning of the project. Failure to speak up puts the entire project in jeopardy and, naturally, leads to more frustration on the client’s part.
Effective project management for construction projects
To deliver better buildings, exceed client expectations and stay on track throughout the construction process, construction project managers must refine their strategies and do more to keep on top of their projects, meet objectives and avoid delays without overspending.
Here are some specific strategies construction project managers can use to achieve these goals:
Rigorous communication protocols Construction project managers must take the time to create and implement a rigorous communication protocol. There are so many moving parts involved in a construction project, regardless of its size or scope, and there must be a solid strategy for everyone to stay in touch. It’s up to the project manager to clarify to all team members, stakeholders, contractors, etc., how they should communicate (using a specific app, via email, etc.). Project managers must also abide by these protocols themselves. Otherwise, they open the door for other communication methods, misunderstandings and missed messages.
Dynamic planning and budget tracking
Another way that project managers can improve communication and simplify the planning and budget-tracking processes is by using dynamic, collaboration-focused tools. For example, by creating spreadsheets that various contractors, subcontractors and stakeholders can contribute to and update regularly, it’s easier for project managers to ensure they’re working with the most up-to-date information. These kinds of tools also make it easier to track people’s movements and produce a ‘paper trail’ that can be referenced in the event of confusion or misunderstandings throughout the project.
Frequent check-ins and in-depth observations
Part of effective communication and overall project management is regular check-ins and careful observations. Construction project managers must do more than
just send and respond to emails or read reports from other team members. They must actually visit the construction site in person and on a regular basis. While there, they should inspect various aspects of the project to ensure it’s being executed according to the customers’ needs and expectations.
Many issues related to misunderstandings, overspending and on-site accidents/injuries can be avoided with frequent site visits and careful inspections.
Strategic soft skill usage during client meetings
Soft skills like communication, conflict resolution and problem solving are essential to successful construction project management. It’s easy for project managers to overlook these skills and focus on the more technical aspects of their jobs. However, the ability to connect with others and address problems promptly and effectively also plays a vital role in keeping projects on track and on budget. When project managers take the time to learn how to communicate, they can help clients set realistic expectations. They can also resolve conflicts that take place between other team members – conflicts that could also result in delays and other avoidable challenges.
Conclusion
Whether you want to adopt new building methods or simply want to refine your project management strategy to avoid overspending, missing deadlines, or frustrating clients, the suggestions and strategies shared above can help you achieve objectives, win more contracts, and build a more successful construction business.
Technology and trends
In the coming years, new technologies and trends will become more popular and continue to revolutionise the way project managers plan, execute and complete various jobs.
The following are some of the most noteworthy technologies and tools to start incorporating into your construction management strategy:
Building Information Modeling (BIM): A process that involves generating and managing digital representations of a place’s physical and functional characteristics.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI construction software delivers valuable insights, predictions and recommendations to help stakeholders make informed choices and aid project managers in streamlining operations.
Internet of Things (IoT): IoT technology can help with project progress monitoring and provide project management with real-time data.
Automated Reporting Systems (ARS): Automated reporting systems can streamline reporting and communication processes to increase project efficiency and ensure all managers, stakeholders, and team members have access to the latest information.
