Aside from the project owner, the top-level aspect of a construction project often involves two key players: the project manager (PM) and the construction manager (CM). These people work alongside each other to plan and coordinate tasks and provide status updates to the owner. While their jobs overlap with one another, there are striking differences between their duties.
The table below compares construction management and project management in terms of their scope, purpose, the expertise required, and responsibilities.
Benefits
It goes without saying that effective management is crucial when handling construction works, but how exactly does it benefit construction projects?
The primary strength of construction management lies in organizing workflows to ensure that tasks and activities go according to plan. This practice promotes a systematic order of carrying out jobs while avoiding disjointed processes. The latter, according to the most recent McKinsey Global Construction Productivity Survey, is one of the main drivers of poor construction performance. In other words, construction management improves overall productivity and boosts project performance.
The advantages of construction management also flow into other aspects of the construction process. In particular, it helps construction teams:
- Save time and money
- Optimize resources for a more efficient project delivery
- Prevent, mitigate, and manage risks in the construction process
- Build safe and better-quality infrastructure
Functions
Construction management consists of the following functions and tasks to fulfill the objectives and requirements of the construction project:
- Cost management –track and control funds throughout the construction process to ensure it stays within the allocated budget.
- Schedule management – map out and consistently follow a master timeline for construction tasks to complete projects on time.
- Quality management – develop, implement, and monitor quality assurance and quality control protocols in all levels of construction work to meet the owner’s standards, purpose, and objectives.
- Safety management – establish procedures to ensure safety within the construction site and building before occupancy.
- Change management – assess, carry out, and document necessary modifications or alterations in the original construction plan.
- Inspections – perform regular inspections throughout the construction process to verify its quality, safety, and legal compliance.
- Documentation – maintain a record of all correspondences, procedures, approvals, and change orders throughout the construction process.
