Project Planning Management and Control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Project Planning Management and Control - Essay Example However, it should not escape the construction industry stakeholders that there are certain core factors and challenges that unpleasantly affect the planning, implementation and the completion of construction projects (Cleland and Gareis, 2006). Thus, construction stakeholders have to be conversant with and knowledgeable about the core principles of project planning, control, and management to successfully execute construction projects. Generally, project management entails all activities that deal with leading, planning, securing, organizing, administering and controlling resources so that defined project goals and objectives are achieved. Unlike normal business undertakings, construction projects are rather unpredictable, non-repetitive and rarely permanent in the functional activities that create the desired objectives. Project managers and workers thus require special and distinct technical and management skills/strategies to ensure all project factors and challenges are identifi ed and addressed thoroughly (Cleland and Gareis, 2006). This paper explores the various factors and challenges in construction projects and the possible solutions to the challenges. ... In most cases, project owners hire project contractors, whose duties include the coordination of all sub-contractors for a project. Different projects require different types and number of contractors. For instance, in simple housing projects, sub-contractors could be metalworkers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers and dry-wall installers. Effective contractors ensure that no gaps exist between the completion of one stage and the commencement of the next, thus saving time, cost and labor (Kerzner, 2003). Sound contracting principles and practices also ensure that only the best contractors that would not cause project friction by allowing job overlaps and delays are hired. Effective contracting is thus not only essential for the ordering and supplying of materials and laborers but also for the coordination of both off- and on-site sub-contractors (Kerzner, 2003). Furthermore, contractors serve as the link between project owners and workers through properly established commun ication avenues. Among the other construction project factors worth noting are efficiency, organization and project safety. To progress smoothly and realize its goals and objectives, a construction project requires the highest levels of planning and organization. The first indication of organization in construction projects is the presence of labor on-site with all the processes and material supplies well-coordinated (Phillips, 2003). This process and material coordination is particularly important for projects that rely on different suppliers for materials. In fact, in such projects, it would be quite costly if materials are omitted or supplied late. The increased