Project Management

Project management is the practice of initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria at the specified time. The primary challenge of project management is to achieve all of the project goals within the given constraints.
In simple terms, project management means the process of leading a team to hit goals or complete deliverables within a set timeframe.

• The functions of project management for construction generally include the following:
• Specification of project objectives and plans including delineation of scope, budgeting, scheduling, setting performance requirements, and selecting project participants.
• Maximization of efficient resource utilization through procurement of labor, materials and equipment according to the prescribed schedule and plan.

• Implementation of various operations through proper coordination and control of planning, design, estimating, contracting and construction in the entire process.
• Development of effective communications and mechanisms for resolving conflicts among the various participants.

The Project Management Institute focuses on following distinct areas requiring project manager knowledge and attention:

• Project integration management to ensure that the various project elements are effectively coordinated.
• Project scope management to ensure that all the work required (and only the required work) is included.
• Project time management to provide an effective project schedule.
• Project cost management to identify needed resources and maintain budget control.
• Project quality management to ensure functional requirements are met.
• Project human resource management to development and effectively employ project personnel.
• Project communications management to ensure effective internal and external communications.
• Project risk management to analyze and mitigate potential risks.
• Project procurement management to obtain necessary resources from external sources.