Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

TASK 1 THE PRINCIPLES AND BENEFITS OF PROJECT

management
AC 1.1 The Principles of Project Management,
Pass: Described six principles of project management
Merit: Description included examples linked to civil engineering projects
Project management is the use of tools, knowledge, processes, and expertise to
ensure the successful completion of a project. The projects are time-defined efforts aimed
at producing value through products, services, or outcomes consistent with their
objectives and range of achievements. Project management is different from other
management models because of its time-binding nature; management is an ongoing
activity, and project management is performed only during the project period. Project
management has 15 principles.

1.1.1 Management by Stages

The project management by stage outline the advanced processes for delivering a
successful project. That is also called the project management life cycle. The project
management life cycle is including five phases. The initiation phase is to first step of the
project. At this stage, explore the concept for the project and go into detail. The planning
phase is to plan all the project processes and activities needed to ensure the success of
the project and to create a comprehensive plan. In the execution phase, the project team
develops a product or service and presents the final product to the client. The monitoring
and controlling phase are after project implementation monitoring and controlling
project progress to avoid overruns. The final stage of project management is the closing
phase. Figure 1.1.1 shows the construction work breakdown structure of an 8 ½ storeyed
reinforced cement concrete building (Lambra Condominium)by management by stages.

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

8 Storyed Building
1

Monitoring and
Initiation Planning Execution M & E Work
Controlling
1.1 1.2 1.3 1.5
1.4

Design Work Procurement Pegging Out Milestone Painting Work

1.1.1 1.2.1 1.3.1 1.4.1 1.5.1

Seek Technicns and

Estimating Substructure Work Budget Celing Work
Labors
1.1.2 1.3.2 1.4.2 1.5.2
1.2.2

Scheduling Site Fencing Ground Floor Work Quality Control Plumbing

1.1.3 1.2.3 1.3.3 1.4.3 1.5.3

First Floor to Seventh

License Site Cleaning Electrical Work
Floor Work
1.1.4 1.2.4 1.5.4
1.3.4

Building Permit Surveying Penthouse Work Final Clean-up

1.1.5 1.2.5 1.3.5 1.5.5

Levelling Roofing Work

1.2.6 1.3.6

Elevator Installation
1.3.8

Figure 1.1.1 Lambra Condominium Project Work Break Down Structure

1.1.2 Decision Making

Decision-making is the process of creating selections by gathering information
and assessing other alternate solutions. There are 7 steps to making an effective decision.
Step 1 – identify the decision, and define the nature of the decision. Step 2 – is gather the
relevant information, that is helpful for a perfect decision. Step 3 – identify the alternative,
after step 2 identify the other options or choices. And make a list of these other options.
Step 4 – weight the evidence, this step is an internal process. In this step, the requirement
is to weigh the evidence. Step 5 – choose an alternative, it is based on the first four points

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

mentioned above. Step 6 – to take action. In the final step 7, need to review the decision.
To finish the work on time, and to safety in the 8-storeyed RCC construction mentioned
above, the right decisions are made every day, from a professional engineer (PE) to
laborers.

Figure 1.1.2 Seven Steps to Effective Decision Making

(www.umassd.edu)

1.1.3 Leadership
Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and
guide other members or followers of an organization. 4 style of leadership are autocratic,
democratic, laissez-faire, transformational. An autocratic leadership style is a form of
management in which one person controls all decisions and receives little input from
another member. Democratic leadership also commonly known as inclusive leadership,
is about characterized by consultation with subordinates. In construction, leadership is
even more necessary. The success or failure of project management depends on the
project leadership style. In construction project can’t manage with one leadership style.
Project leaders in the construction industry can lead with certain styles that are effective
based on the given moment or situation within the project.

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

Figure 1.1.3 Leadership Pyramid

(sa.linkedin.com)

1.1.4 Define role and responsibilities

To start a construction project, one must specify roles and responsibilities. This
team must need to define the roles and responsibilities for completing the tasks. In a
construction project team, roles can be divided according to phase. The initiation phase,
includes the project sponsor/client, shareholder, and developer, in the planning phase
includes the project manager, architect, structural designer, and contractor, in the
execution phase, includes the site engineer, drafter, surveyor, quantity surveyor,
supervisor, plumber, etc. It is significant to have a legal structure for the project and team.
Belbin’s team role is famous for roles and responsibilities.
Table 1.1.1 Belbin’ team Roles
Belbin Team Roles

shaper challenges the team to

improve
Action-oriented roles implementer puts ideas into action
completer finisher ensures through timely
completion
coordinator act as a chairperson
People-oriented roles team worker encourages cooperation
resource investigator explores outside
opportunities
plant present new ideas and
approaches
Thought oriented roles monitor-evaluator analyze the options
specialist Provides specialized skills

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

1.1.5 Delegation

Delegation means delegates authority to subordinates within the designated area

and is responsible for this result. A successful construction project must need an effective
delegation. Delegation should do these things - update key priorities (tell what want to
do), clarify expectations, give support, be patient and be clear about the level of authority.
On other hand, should not do these things – expect people to read minds, underestimate
others of capacity, and delegate unique ability activities.

Figure 1.1.4 Effective Delegation Life Cycle Process

(www.sketchbubble.com)

1.1.6 Negotiation
Negotiation is a strategic dialogue that solves a problem in a way that is acceptable
to both parties. Negotiation can take a long time from weeks to months and months to
years. Usually decided when both parties agree on a proposed number. The negotiation
consists of two or more parties working together to reach a final agreement.
Stages of Negotiation in construction project
1. Preparation and Planning.
2. Definition of Ground Rules.
3. Clarification and Justification.
4. Bargaining and Problem Solving.
5. Closure and Implementation.

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

AC 1.2 Project Management Benefits to Organizations and Individuals

Pass: Explained six benefits of project management
Merit: Explained the benefits of project management including examples linked to civil
engineering projects
Project management is a powerful tool that can deliver many benefits to
organizations and individuals. It is also the systematic process used to manage and
control a wide range of projects within an organization. There is eleven benefit – increase
efficiency, enhanced communication with the main contractor and sub-contractor, a
better understanding of the client chief, more effective delivery of project outcomes,
improved client satisfaction, better development opportunities with the thin project
team, improvement in quality and input, opportunities to expand work done, increase in
competitive edge, improved risk assessment, and greater flexibility. The Lambra
Condominium Project offer the following benefits.

1.2.1 Increase Efficiency

Essentially, operational efficiency for construction is the ability to deliver projects
or services in the most cost-effective manner without sacrificing the quality of work,
productivity, or profits. Efficiency is a measurable concept that can be determined using
the ratio of useful output to total input. Increasing efficiency allows to achievement the
desired output and reduces the waste of resources such as time and energy. Some
examples of improving construction efficiencies would be as: reduction of idle time for
project teams, optimized and automated planning, reduced waste, and reduction of
errors and rework. For example, if going to build a condominium, carefully consider pre-
construction planning, project safety, and team training to increase efficiency.

Figure 1.2.1 Efficiency Ratio Formula

1.2.2 Better Development Opportunities within Project Team

Lambra Condominium Construction project management also better development
opportunities within a construction project team. Regarding the Sri Lankan construction
teams, the issues related to the development of the team were identified by testing the
Tuckman and Jenson (1977) model. This model was chosen after a comprehensive
evaluation process due to its high compatibility with construction teams.

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Table 1.2.1 Bruce Tuckman Model of Team Development

A construction project cannot go directly from the forming stage to the performing
stage. The board of directors and the contractor meet today and cannot construct a
quality building tomorrow. For project team development, every team member involved
in a construction project must go through all the stages in the Tuckman model. Table 1.2.1
describe the challenges and opportunities for work teams.

1.2.3 Enhanced Communication with Main Contractor and Sub Contractor

The main contractor is the sole contractor responsible for completing the project
under the terms of the contract and conditions. A subcontractor might work on task base
contracts with no fixed date or long-term arrangements. Mostly these skills are
specialized. Doing project management enhanced communication with the main
contractor and sub-contractor. The main contractor and subcontractor relationships on
the Lambra Condominium project team are excellent as a result of the aforementioned
advantages.

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

Figure 1.2.1 Communication with the main contractor and subcontractor

(www.thebuildinginspector.net)

1.2.4 Increase Competitive Edge

A competitive edge is a measure of a person who wants to be better than others.
Competitive advantage is the conditions that allow a company to produce a value-added
service at an affordable price. Competitive advantage is that a company can be more
productive and more profitable than its competitors. A competitive edge is also important
in project management. For example – in the early days of the Internet, newspaper
owners are slow to respond to online news. They think people will continue to pay for
the news once a day. Suddenly modern internet is reached, and it allows them to let go of
their competitive advantages. These benefits are very crucial in construction projects to
win bids, secure contracts, and achieve profitability.

Figure 1.2.2 Competitive advantages model

(www. cmgtech.com)

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

1.2.5 Opportunities to Expand Work Done

SWOT analysis is a framework used to assess a company’s competitive position
and strategize. It can help to analyze the strength, weaknesses, and opportunities of the
project. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threads. Strength is
a resource or ability that can be effectively used to achieve an organization’s goals.
Weaknesses stop an organization from functioning at its best. An opportunity chances for
something positive to happen. Threads include things that can have a negative impact on
business from the outside. Strengths and weakness are can control but opportunity and
treads are not controlled.

Figure 1.2.3 SWOT analysis

(www.linkedin.com)

1.2.6 Improved Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is the identification of risks that may affect an organization’s
performance. Improved risk assessment is very important in the project. The key purpose
of risk assessments is – to identify health and safety hazards and assess risks presented
in the workplace, to assess the effectiveness and appropriateness of existing control
measures, and priority should be given to any additional arrangements required as a
result of the assessment. There are 5 steps to risk assessment – identify the hazards,
decide who might be harmed and how, evaluate the risks and decide on precautions,
record findings and implement them, review the assessment and update if necessary.
Improved risk assessment in construction projects is important to identify potential
hazards, reduce accidents and delays, ensure worker safety, and protect project
stakeholders from financial losses.

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Unit – 504 Project Management Soe Moe Aung

Table 1.2.2 Risk Assessment Matrix

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