Dionisio, Charisse Elaine V.CE157/A1May 8, 20152011150701Homework #1

1. What is a Construction Project Manager? Define the role of a Construction Project Manager in the construction phases.A construction project manager sets up the estimates, the budgets and the construction timetable for the client and develops the construction strategy. He selects the subcontractors and workers, and provides required explanations for the builders and other professionals associated with the project, coordinating and collaborating with the architects, engineers and specialists. The construction manager also ensures the construction project complies with all building codes and any other legal or regulatory requirements. When delays or problems occur as they always do the construction manager is the projects first responder, ready to make the changes required to move the project past the issue.The project manager and project team have one shared goal: to carry out the work of the project for the purpose of meeting the projects objectives. Every project has a beginning, a middle period during which activities move the project toward completion, and an ending (either successful or unsuccessful). A standard project typically has the following four major phases (each with its own agenda of tasks and issues): initiation, planning, implementation, and closure. Taken together, these phases represent the path a project takes from the beginning to its end and are generally referred to as the project life cycle.

INITIATION PHASETheinitiation phase, or starting the project phase, includes all the activities necessary to begin planning the project. The initiation phase typically begins with the assignment of the construction project manager and ends when the project team has sufficient information to begin developing a detailed schedule and budget. Activities during the initiation phase include project kickoff meetings, identifying the project team, developing the resources needed to develop the project plan, and identifying and acquiring the project management infrastructure (space, computers).

PLANNING PHASETheplanning phase, or the organizing and preparing stage, the construction project manager develops more detailed schedules and a budget. The planning also includes developing detailed staffing, procurement, and project controls plans. The emphasis of the planning phase is to develop an understanding of how the project will be executed and a plan for acquiring the resources needed to execute it. Although much of the planning activity takes place during the planning phase, the project plan will continue to be adjusted to respond to new challenges and opportunities. Planning activities occur during the entire life of the project.

EXECUTION PHASETheexecution phase, or carrying out the work phase, includes the major activities needed to accomplish the work of the project. In any project, a construction project manager spends most of the time in this step. During project implementation, people are carrying out the tasks, and progress information is being reported through regular team meetings. The project manager uses this information to maintain control over the direction of the project bycomparing the progress reportswith the project plan to measurethe performance of the project activities and take corrective action as needed. The first course of action should always be to bring the project back on course(i.e., to return it to the original plan). If that cannot happen, the team should record variations from the original plan and record and publish modifications to the plan. Throughout this step, project sponsors and other key stakeholders should be kept informed of the projects status according to the agreed-on frequency and format of communication. The plan should be updated and published on a regular basis.Status reports should always emphasize the anticipated end point in terms of cost, schedule, and quality of deliverables. Each project deliverable produced should be reviewed for quality and measured against the acceptance criteria. Once all of the deliverables have been produced and the customer has accepted the final solution, the project is ready for closure

CLOSING PHASETheclosing phase, or closing of the project phaserepresents the final stage of a project.The construction project managerreviews the project to ensure orderly and timely completion, including development of punch-lists, monitoring implementation, training and warranty periods, resolution of outstanding issues, reviewing claims or disputed issues.

2. What are the issues and concerns affecting the following:

a. Construction Project Manager Costs can vary according to conditions Success is dependent upon the quality of its people Difficult to manage and supply utilities and other resources Overhead costs associated with disruption of work Loss of production Failure to meet contract

b. Contractors fluctuation in construction material costs delay in collecting dibs from clients lack of experience in contracts low margin of profit due to competition

c. Engineering and Designing Proprietors Last minute changes by client Insufficient overall design time Unstable client's requirements Delay of client decision Consultants tend to copy and modify from their previous works to minimize time and cost.

d. Construction Workers Design complexity Weather conditions Disruptions Schedule compression Overtime Shift Site congestion

e. Construction Materials and Manufacturers Availability of Material Cost of Raw Materials (Cost of Unprocessed Material) Manufacturing Costs (Cost of Processed Material) Transportation Cost Cost of Placing Maintenance Cost

f. Equipment Suppliers and Lessors Unstable rate and cost of lease fund Inadequate long term low cost fund Instability in government policies Psychology of asset ownership Poor legal and regulatory environments Low level of professionalism in lease practice among others

g. Engineering and Construction Educators Insufficient time to cover the material considered necessary Weakness in engineering practice Lack of laboratory equipment

3. What are some challenges faced by the following in the new century?

a. Construction Project Manager Escalating impact of environmental issues Increasing government regulation through the construction codes and licensing requirements

b. Contractors Greater competition Improving Industry Practices and Techniques

c. Engineering and Designing Proprietors Raising the Skills Level Develop innovative design-build solutions

d. Construction Workers Advancement in technology that will require lesser workers Environmental problems that will have greater effect on healthe. Construction Materials and Manufacturers Shortage of a few materials Higher quality standards Replace or eliminate environmentally unfriendly materials Promote usage of sustainable building materials

f. Equipment Suppliers and Lessors Deterioration of equipment Maintenance and repairs

g. Engineering and Construction Educators More funding to be directed to engineering and construction education is needed in order to address the national skills shortage of professional engineers Changes in the education system to address the shortage crisis