Construction project management involves looking after and guiding a construction project throughout its life. A construction project manager fulfils the construction project management duties. 

General Management Duties

The construction project management duties vary in each individual project, however there are general responsibilities which the construction project manager has to fulfil.

The general management duties are as follows:

• Quality Management – Quality management is one of the most important duties that a construction project manager needs to do. The construction project manager must ensure that all outcomes are at the best standard possible. 
• Cost Management – Costs need to be managed during the project’s life. It is always important to regularly check project costs and to make adjustments when necessary. 
• Safety Management – The worksite needs to be safe at all times. It is imperative that the construction project manager implements a safe worksite to avoid any hazards or injury. 
• Contract administration – Contracts need to be managed and all the conditions need to be met. It is up to the construction project manager to ensure all the parties in the executed contracts are satisfied. 

General Tasks Involved

The construction project manager has various general tasks to fulfil throughout the entire project’s life.

The general tasks that the construction project manager will be involved in includes but is not limited to:

• Hiring, coordinating and overseeing teams 
• Preparing and organizing the budget 
• Adhering to the timeline and building program
• Attending to any variations which may arise
• Liaising with all stakeholders involved in the project
• Conducting regular site inspections 
• Ensuring the safety of all employees
• Comply with all construction laws and regulations 

Although these general tasks are relevant throughout the project’s life cycle, there are specific tasks that construction project management fulfils at each individual stage of the project’s life.

Construction Project Management at Various Stages of the Project’s Life Cycle

The construction project manager is responsible for different tasks at various stages of the construction project life cycle. There are 5 stages of the construction project life cycle:

• Initiation
• Planning
• Execution
• Performance & Monitoring
• Closure

Initiation

During the initiation stage, the construction project manager will establish and evaluate the project’s goals. The construction project manager is responsible for determining whether the project is viable or not. The construction project manager will need to approve the project’s feasibility before the next stage. 

Planning

After the project’s feasibility is completed, the construction project manager will need to engage appropriate consultants to design the project based on its initial plans. It is the construction project’s manager’s duty to ensure all parties are adhering to the contract terms and that all parties are satisfied by the executed contracts. 

Execution 

During the execution stage of the project, construction begins. The construction project manager is responsible for ensuring a timely completion of the project. The construction project manager will attend meetings as well as manage to any variations which are foreseen. The construction project manager will also be involved with organising and administering the project’s progress payments. These payments are to all the suppliers, contractors, and relevant stakeholders during the project’s construction. It is also imperative that during this stage, the construction project manager ensures the worksite is safe from all hazards. 

Performance & Monitoring

The performance and monitoring stage often occurs simultaneously with the execution stage. It is during this stage that the construction project manager will oversee and supervise the project’s execution. The construction project manager will measure the progress and the performance of the team as well as the project as a whole. 

Closure

At the last stage of the project, the construction project manager will need to communicate with all stakeholders on the closure of the project. The construction project manager will also ensure all the contracts are terminated, as well as administering all documents to the relevant parties. 

Overall, construction project management is important to ensure the project runs as smoothly as possible. Each stage of the project has a set of individual duties that the construction project manager needs to fulfil, and there are general tasks that the construction project manager needs to fulfil throughout the project’s life.

The Alpha14 team boasts more than 50 years collective industry experience developing and managing projects and is able to fulfil all construction management duties for you. 

For more information on our projects, experience, or joint venture and partnerships, contact projects@alpha14.com.au