Managing Complex Construction Projects

Managing Complex Construction Projects

Author: John K. Briesemeister

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2018-03-14

Total Pages: 213

ISBN-13: 0429943709

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To many program, project, or construction managers, a complex project seems to be a labyrinth with many hidden dangers. This book is a guide through that labyrinth. It explains best practices and provides insight so they cannot only identify hidden dangers but also effectively manage the construction process to either mitigate or eliminate these risks. The book presents a systems-based approach to construction project management that can facilitate a greater understanding of the complexity inherent in large construction projects and how that complexity can be effectively managed. The systems approach permits the onsite construction project manager to take a complex construction project, break it down into manageable pieces, and ensure that all systems are in alignment with the original goal of the project. This approach combines industrial engineering, project management, and finance into a unified approach for effective management of complex construction projects, ranging from a power plant to a highway project. The book explains how to manage construction projects successfully through an approach based on the three following systems: Project Management System Work Management System Quality Management System The problem with complex programs and projects is that many managers are only equipped with a knowledge of project management. A system for construction is a collection of many processes effectively working together to produce a specific deliverable, which is usually defined in the program or project’s contract. This system has a series of specific inputs and outputs, which are what the customer expects from the company or companies performing the work. This book develops checklists based on these inputs and outputs, which managers can use when first arriving onsite, and provides a "nuts and bolts" approach for managing a complex construction project onsite. The author shares valuable lessons learned during a career of more than thirty years of working on various construction sites around the world. These lessons learned are filled with valuable information to aid readers become more effective as a program, project, or construction manager of complex construction projects.


Managing Complex Projects

Managing Complex Projects

Author: International Institute for Learning

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2010-08-03

Total Pages: 183

ISBN-13: 0470927984

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The application of project management techniques is considered standard practice in today's business environment. What is not widely known is that the learning gap separating good project management from exceptional project management is not as great as one might think yet, the difference in the return on value can be quite significant. Many factors determine how projects are approached, such as rapid shifts in technology, a fluctuating market, changes in a business's organizational structure, and politics. As these forces add to a project's complexity and duration, project managers must develop strategies that allow them to think outside the box and create new on-the-go methodologies. Managing Complex Projects delivers the tools necessary to take on an unpredictable economy with an adaptable battle plan proven to meet the differing needs of an ever-expanding set of partners and stakeholders involved in a project. This book shows how to solve some of the issues facing today's project manager, including: Dealing with multiple virtual teams located around the world Working with partners and stakeholders that may have limited project management tools and experience Adjusting to long-term projects in which the stakeholders may change Managing projects where stated goals and objectives differ among stakeholders This book shows how companies such as IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft, and Siemens are exploring new avenues to aid them in taking on complex projects by combining "hard" skills, such as risk management and scheduling, with "soft" skills that focus on interpersonal communication. Managing Complex Projects serves as a lifesaver for time-crunched project managers looking for new ways to maximize their efforts.


Project Management

Project Management

Author: Hira N. Ahuja

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1994-06-14

Total Pages: 528

ISBN-13: 9780471591689

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Using a systems perspective, this updated version concentrates on the planning, scheduling and control factors of a project needed to bring it in on time and on or under cost. This edition contains expanded coverage of computer simulation and applications, information management and expert systems in project management. Includes a new chapter on Total Quality Management.


The Management of Projects

The Management of Projects

Author: Peter W. G. Morris

Publisher: Thomas Telford

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 380

ISBN-13: 9780727725936

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This book will undoubtedly become one of the classics of the project management literature.There will be a growing need for project managers who can look beyond the internal processes of their projects to the organisational, technological and socio-economic contexts in which projects must be managed. A good starting point would be for all project managers to read this.book.- Construction Management and Economics


Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control in Construction

Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control in Construction

Author: Calin M. Popescu

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 1995-03-20

Total Pages: 630

ISBN-13: 9780471028581

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Critical Path Method (CPM) and Performance Evaluation and ReviewTechnique (PERT) are widely recognized as the most effectivemethods of keeping large, complex construction projects onschedule, under budget, and up to professional standards. But thesemethods remain underused because they are poorly understood and,due to a host of unfamiliar terms and applications, may seem morecomplicated than they really are. This encyclopedia brings together, in one comprehensive volume, allterms, definitions, and applications related to the time and costmanagement of construction projects. While many of these termsrefer to ancient and venerable building practices, others haveevolved quite recently and refer specifically to modernconstruction and management techniques. Sources include hundreds ofprofessional books, trade journals, and research publications, aswell as planning and scheduling software vendor literature. The detailed glossary of all applicable terms includes across-referenced listing of examples that describe real-worldapplications for each term supplied. An extensive bibliographycovers all applicable books, articles, and periodicals available onproject planning, scheduling, and control using CPM and relatedsubjects. This book is an important quick reference and desktop informationresource for construction planners, schedulers, and controllers, aswell as civil engineers and project managers. It is also theultimate research tool for educators, students, or anyone who seeksto improve their understanding of the management of modernconstruction projects.


Guide to Good Practice in the Management of Time in Complex Projects

Guide to Good Practice in the Management of Time in Complex Projects

Author: CIOB (The Chartered Institute of Building)

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2010-11-09

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 1444329618

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Delayed completion affects IT, process plant, oil and gas, civil engineering, shipbuilding and marine work contracts. In fact it affects all industries in all countries and the bigger the project, the more damage delayed completion causes to costs, to reputation and sometimes, even to the survival of the contracting parties themselves. In simple projects, time can be managed intuitively by any reasonably competent person, but complex projects cannot and a more analytical approach is necessary if the project is to succeed. Although much has been written about how to apportion liability for delay after a project has gone wrong there was, until recently, no guidance on how to manage time pro-actively and effectively on complex projects. In 2008, the CIOB embarked upon a 5-year strategy to provide standards, education, training and accreditation in time management. The first stage, this Guide to Good Practice in Managing Time in Complex Projects, sets down the process and standards to be achieved in preparing and managing the time model. As a handbook for practitioners it uses logical step by step procedures and examples from inception and risk appraisal, through design and construction to testing and commissioning, to show how an effective and dynamic time model can be used to manage the risk of delay to completion of construction projects.


Project Management in Construction

Project Management in Construction

Author: Anthony Walker

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-01-30

Total Pages: 350

ISBN-13: 1118500393

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As with all previous editions of Project Management in Construction, this sixth edition focuses on systems theory as the approach suitable for organizing and managing people skilled in the design and completion of construction projects. It discusses the many competing paradigms and alternative perspectives available, for example in relation to differentiation and integration, as well as the emerging study of temporary organizations and its relevance to construction project management. Whilst encompassing the need to develop further theoretical aspects of construction project organization theory, this edition has also enhanced the application of organization studies to practical issues of construction project management. More emphasis has been placed on the added complexity of construction project management by issues surrounding clients and stakeholders, and the control and empowerment of project participants. Additional focus has been placed on sustainability issues as they impinge on construction project management, on reworked views on supply chain management and on developments in partnering, together with clarification of the shifting terms and definitions relating to construction organization structures and their uses.


Management of Construction Projects

Management of Construction Projects

Author: John E. Schaufelberger

Publisher: Taylor & Francis

Published: 2017-03-27

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1315529084

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Unlike the majority of construction project management textbooks out there, Management of Construction Projects takes a distinctive approach by setting itself in the context of a single and real-world construction project throughout and also by looking at construction project management from the constructor’s perspective. This project-based learning approach emphasizes the skills, knowledge, and techniques students require to become successful project managers. This second edition uses a brand new, larger, and more challenging case study to take students through key stages of the process, including: contracts and subcontracting; estimating, scheduling, and planning; supply chain and materials management; cost control, quality, and safety; project leadership and ethics; and claims, disputes, and project close-outs. Also new to this edition is coverage of emergent industry trends such as LEAN, LEED, and BIM. The book contains essential features such as review questions, exercises, and chapter summaries, while example plans, schedules, contracts, and other documents are stored on a companion website. Written in straightforward language from a constructor’s perspective, this textbook gives a realistic overview and review of the roles of project managers and everything they need to know in order to see a successful project through from start to finish.