My Project Management Lessons » Planning

Construction Stage Services Costs

michael — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:34:57 +0000

Construction stage services cost more if the design is still being done when construction begins.

Target all the design to be done before construction begins.

If that is not possible, try to have complete deliverables packages complete before construction begins.

If design is still proceeding when construction starts, the constructors will require a lot more input from the designers, leading to higher design costs (in construction stage services).

Get Clear Directions on Organizational Priorities

michael — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:59:42 +0000

Most companies or organizations have multiple projects all pulling at resources to achieve their goals.

It is important that the program or projects manager be aware of what each projects status is and what the priorities need to be. These priorities should be managed and communicated with the department heads and project managers so that people are aware of where resources are needed most and where they should be allocated based on the overall goals (not just the goal of each individual project).

It is also up to the individual project managers to forecast what resources they will need so that proper planning of resource allocation can be done by management.

The ultimate priorities need to account for things such as late fees, penalties, the image of the organization, client satisfaction etc.

If proper planning and resource forecasting is done, there should not be a problem with multiple projects pulling at scarce resources (which leads to internal conflicts).

Consider Overall Costs

michael — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:02:02 +0000

Remember in your planning that the costs of materials are often less than the labour costs to install them.

Consider the ease and speed of installation even if the materials may cost more.

For example, laying asphalt may be more expensive in materials than using pavers, but it may work out to take less labour time than laying pavers and so the overall cost may be lower

Prepare for Workshops and Presentations

michael — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 19:26:59 +0000

When running or coordinating a workshop or a presentation, make sure you have a printout of all the presentation so you can easily track where the presenter is up to.

Also make sure to have a printout of the schedule.

A printout is important as you may not be able to view it on the computer if that is connected to the projector and it is displaying the material to the audience.

Specialist Expertise

michael — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:12:19 +0000

Identify the specialist expertise you will need for the project as early as possible. This could include designers of specialised equipment or processes that are not normally done by your company or that your company has very few of. E.g. Traffic signal designers, commissioning engineer for complicated equipment. Related Posts Get Help When You Don’t [...]

Prioritise Tasks That Others Depend On

michael — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 01:07:13 +0000

Make sure you put a priority on tasks that other people require to be completed before they can start on their tasks.

Your team members may require you to approve something or send them something before they can proceed with work. It is very important that you put a priority on getting that task done and inform them of its completion. Otherwise you are slowing their work and costing more time and money than just your own time.

It may be necessary to do those tasks before you do tasks that have no dependencies.

Seasonal Influences

michael — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 10:14:08 +0000

Consider seasonal influences on construction. Wet/dry season, snow, monsoon, etc. Be prepared for this and plan accordingly, with allowance for unexpected weather. Related Posts Wet Weather Delays Check for influences on your project. Be Very Reliable

Estimating Design Time

michael — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:48:57 +0000

Get to know the usual time schedules for producing plans, drawings, and designs in your organisation.
Estimates may be 2 weeks but people with experience in the organisation may know to double this when told 2 weeks by the design department.

Project managers should keep up with the designers for their project regularly to see what they are working on and what their priorities are.
Resources often get pulled onto other tasks/projects, so it important you stay informed.

Possibly escalate to the projects director if necessary.

Using the Word “Float”

michael — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:04:42 +0000

Using the Word Float

It is a good idea to avoid using the word “float” in a schedule or cost report to a client.

Instead you could use phrases such as “Critical Evaluation of final commissioning items”, or something similar.

Using the word “float” usually leads to management or the client wanting it reduced.

Of course only use the alternative wording if it is a necessary float and the words reasonably describe the use.

Schedule a Project Logically

michael — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 09:01:25 +0000

Don’t schedule backwards from the end date.

Program the project logically. Do it forwards then adjust to fit for time.

If you do it backwards, you aren’t planning the project, you are just fitting schedule to match the end date, that won’t help achieve the tasks, and will probably mean you go past the scheduled date anyway.