Project Management in high rise construction

Mr. Chionh Chye Luay, Project Director SEP Consulting Pte Ltd

Essentials of Project Management What is Project Management?

What exactly are Project Management and Construction Management? These two terms have been used inter-changeably in the local context that over time, there has been a lot of confusion when performance expectations kick in. This is more so when foreign consultants are involved.

Project Management in the local context, normally involves the site management team (Project Manager) in managing the Works Contract, ensuring full compliance with the terms and conditions of contract by both the Contractor and Employer. Project management should ideally begin with the inception of the project, meaning, commencing from the masterplanning right through to sketch design, detailing, contract documentation, contract procurement and construction. In so doing, the Project Manager has to manage the tasking and scheduling of the design and documentation phase of the project and subsequently, control the quality of the Works as specified in the Contract, monitor the completion schedule and assisting the Contractor to manage the time schedule. The Project Manager should also be in a position to advise on the appointment of consultants and site staff, and recommend contractual arrangements and certify entitlement of cost variations and time claims by Contractor. These tasks can only be accomplished successfully with the able assistance of the other key Consultants, such as Architects, Structural Engineer and MEP Engineers and also the Site Supervisors.