Project Management and its Implementation in the Construction Sector

 
In a professional environment, a Project Manager must ensure that the project stays on schedule and within the limited budget. A project usually involves a high level of uncertainty, often faced with potential risks that may arise.

So, how can this be overcome?

By using a method or approach called Project Management, these issues can be addressed. This article will further explain what project management is, its main objectives, and the processes or stages that must be implemented.

What is Project Management?

Quoting from the Project Management Institute, project management is a practice that combines knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to complete a series of tasks to achieve the desired maximum results.

Essentially, through this approach, a Project Manager is expected to manage a project well to achieve predetermined goals. Some examples of such projects include software development projects, construction projects, natural disaster relief efforts, and sales expansion.

What Are the Objectives of Project Management?

The main objective of project management is to achieve effective and efficient project goals within the available budget, time, and resources. However, in its implementation, there are also other equally important objectives. Here are some other objectives of project management:

1. Produce good and systematic project planning.
2. Conduct structured project activities.
3. Minimize risks or potential negative impacts.
4. Ensure the quality standards of the project being executed.
5. Enhance communication and collaboration abilities among teams and stakeholders.

What Are the Stages of Project Management?

A project with good and satisfying results certainly goes through various comprehensive processes. Starting from the initiation, planning, execution, control & monitoring, and closing stages.

1. Initiation
The initiation stage is the foundation or the beginning before drafting a plan. There are several points or variables that need to be determined beforehand:

• Project objectives
• Project scope
• Organizational structure
• Project milestones

 
This stage is marked from the initial phase of a company winning a tender or award until the appointment of the team involved in the project.

2. Planning
The planning stage is a crucial phase, where the Project Manager prepares all planning strategies based on the predetermined cost, time, quality, and safety. In the construction field, some examples of planning typically include:

• Technical plans
• Cost plans
• Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) plans
• Master plans

 
Coordination among relevant stakeholders is required for the preparation and approval of these plans.

3. Execution
The execution stage is the implementation phase of the project, referring to the tasks planned beforehand. The Project Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth operations in the field without any hindrances.

The execution stage in project management encompasses three aspects: engineering, procurement, and construction.

• Engineering
  Producing technical details referring to the previously prepared plans as a project implementation guide.
• Procurement
  Procuring goods/services necessary for the successful project implementation. All resources must be available timely and in line with the desired specifications and quality.
• Construction
  Involves physical construction, installation, and all predetermined construction works.

4. Control & Monitoring
All ongoing work or progress must be supervised by a Project Manager. This monitoring is conducted to ensure alignment between planning and execution and to address any emerging issues. Generally, aspects such as project performance, organization, cash flow, and vendor performance need to be considered at this stage.

5. Closing
This stage is marked by contract completion, final document submission, and handover to relevant parties when the project is completed and approved by the project owner and other stakeholders.

That’s a short explanation of project management and its stages in the construction field that need to be understood. In its implementation, this process will be much more complex, requiring strong managerial skills and a deep understanding of industry standards.

As an experienced contractor, Semesta Konstruksi has successfully implemented project management processes for nearly two decades, since construction projects began in 2005.