What is Project Management? From Concept to Concrete
If you’re wondering ‘what is project management?’, you’ve come to the right place!
There are lots of different components involved in the construction process, so understanding the role of every professional can seem impossible. Nevertheless, project management is a vital cog in the construction process. As such, you should have some understanding on their roles and responsibilities as a minimum.
In this blog, we will give you an overview of why PM’s are an important and irreplaceable part of the entire operation.
What is Project Management?
As the name would suggest, a project manager is responsible for seeing the project through from start to finish. It is a PM’s job to organise contractors, materials, resolve issues, manage a budget, and ensure a project is completed within the deadline set. They will also work alongside the architect to ensure that plans are executed correctly.
The Project Lifecycle
Still wondering ‘what is project management’? A project managers role goes beyond the examples we gave above. There are several different stages to a construction projects lifecycle, with different responsibilities at every stage.
Initiation
During the initiation phase, a project manager must liaise with stakeholders to learn and understand the project’s goals. They will also carry out a preliminary assessment of the projects feasibility; taking into account the budget, timeline, and resources available. Your PM may also work on a project charter document that outlines the project’s scope and goals.
Planning
During the planning phase, a project manager must develop a crisis plan to deal with any problems that could arise. They will also allocate resources during this stage, such as materials, equipment, and contractors. Furthermore, will also establish mechanisms for tracking project costs.
Executing
During the execution phase, it is your project managers responsibility to keep morale high among the team, fostering a positive working environment. They will also oversee the project plan to ensure tasks are completed to schedule and they may also need to implement their crisis management plan during this phase, should any issues arise. They will also be responsible for stakeholder communication, addressing any concerns or questions they may have.
Closure
During the closure phase, your project management team will complete a project review to ensure that each task has been completed. They will also compile all project documentation, from initial plans to closure documents.
Communication with stakeholders has been a crucial part of the process, so during the closure phase, they will need to ensure a smooth transition to the appropriate person (or people).
Contact Us
Based in Essex, Munday + Cramer have over 40 years of experience in project management. What’s more, we also specialise in architecture, surveying, procurement, bid writing, and facilities management too!
For more guidance on ‘what is project management’ or further information about working with the Munday + Cramer team, get in touch with our experts today! You can reach us by clicking here, or by calling us directly on 01245 326 200.