CMA3005 - Introduction to Construction Management Assignment Sample

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 Introduction

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Construction management may be defined as a service which includes several aspects that associated with the project such as quality, safety, schedule and scope. Construction managers (CMs) perform an important part in the constantly changing field of construction. Wherein, designs are turned into impressive structures and the dreams of designers are fulfilled. These professionals guide progress by negotiating a complicated network of construction tasks with skill, proficiency in technology and unalterable commitment. CMs possess a deep understanding of management of projects intricacies in addition to construction techniques, supplies and other related laws. Their expertise includes the management of budgets, resource distribution and quality control and spans throughout the demanding process of planning to the actual implementation.

Likewise they encourage ethical conduct by assuring honesty, justice and sincerity in all transactions. This overview examines the various aspects of managers in construction, such the past, executive methods, moral principles and significant contributions to upholding health & security requirements. They examine the intricate web of their roles, exposing the crucial information that characterise their profession and showing the path. They follow to transform creative ambitions in real, environmentally friendly and safe environment. Construction managers stay flexible in dealing with of challenges and changes, modifying their strategies while encouraging innovations. Current report will provide deeper insight about the roles, responsibilities and challenges facing by construction manager. Further, it also entails techniques which undertaken construction manager for the purpose of effectual management.

2.Defining and describing a Construction Manager

 1. Background of construction manager

In construction industry, CM plays a significant role in providing a liaison between developers, engineers and suppliers. Construction mangers (CMs) are highly qualified people who have responsibility pertaining to handling building initiatives from beginning through completion (Jiaet, et. al, 2021). Guaranteeing that construction tasks are completed on schedule, under spending plan, and in keeping with quality and security requirements, professionals play a role in both the arranging and carrying out stages. CMs are essential players in the building cycle since they're equipped with an extensive knowledge of the methods of construction, supplies, and legislation.

(ii) Roles and responsibilities of construction manager

Project planning and coordination: Developing an extensive plan for a project is just one of a CM's primary tasks. They cooperate with the engineers and architects to come up with comprehensive schedules, efficiently assign resources and determine milestones for the project. To guarantee a seamless interaction and efficient workflows amongst each member of the constructing team, CMs collaborate with different stakeholders.

Budget Management: Management of project budgets is within the oversight of managers of construction. Through every phase of the life cycle of the project, they evaluate and maintain track of expenditure (Kerzner, 2019). In order to keep the undertaking within its financial limits, CMs cooperate thoroughly with vendors and subcontractors in order to get lower prices while getting the best price reductions on services or products.

Quality control and safety compliance: Managers of construction have responsibility for making sure that building works conform to security rules and come to the highest performance standards. In order to ensure that the finished item complies with the project specifications, they conduct out periodic checks, handle problems rapidly and put quality control processes into place (The Role of a Construction Manager: Responsibilities and Expectations, 2023). In an effort to avoid incidents and harm onsite, CM’s rigorously enforce security standards, hold security instruction meetings, while maintaining track of conformance.

(iii) Challenges faced by construction managers

CM’s frequently collaborate on complicated tasks involving multiple stakeholders, complex designs, and modern technology. To keep up efficient project execution, coordinating of these the intricate details calls for excellent organisational and communication skills. It is an enormous challenge of balancing resources; including supplies, equipment and employment, while minimising expenditures (Harris, et.al, 2021). To avoid delay while sticking to the project's schedule, CM’s need to make certain that funds are used effectively. It may prove challenging to keep up with the constantly changing landscape of architecture regulations and legislation. Construction managers have to constantly educate themselves about and adjust to evolving state, local and federal laws with the goal to guarantee that construction endeavours remain legal.

3. Management techniques employed by Construction Managers

(i) The management techniques employed by Construction Managers

 Project planning and scheduling: Construction supervisors meticulously organise tasks, allocating duties, creating realistic schedules, as well as effectively managing resources. Gantt graphs and critical route evaluations are frequently produced with the aid of innovative software technology, helping visualise dependencies among projects and deadlines.

Risk Management: It is necessary to determine potential dangers as well as develop methods that minimise them. Construction managers perform out thorough assessments of risk, including consideration variables like weather, labour challenges as well as supply chain interference (Jackson, 2020). They develop alternate strategies to deal with unexpected occurrences and keep projects going ahead. This can be helpful in doing smooth work.

Collaboration and communication: By maintaining clear paths for communication among different stakeholders, construction managers ensure that everybody is on the exact same page (5 strategies of a successful construction project manager, 2023). The exchange of information can be enhanced by frequent team conferences, performance updates as well as digital communication tools which encourage collaboration and avoid misunderstanding.

(ii) Advantages of effective management techniques.

Enhanced Efficiency: Projects that have been carefully designed are profitable as they effectively use resources. Tasks are made simpler which reduces unavailability and improves production. By eliminating bottlenecks, efficient leadership approaches ensure that projects progress at their quickest feasible rate.

Cost control: Better control of costs comes through effective utilisation of resources and handling of risks. Strong managers that are employed in the construction sector can negotiate beneficial agreements, avert costly postponements and decrease wastage (Kinicki and Williams, 2020). Projects are successfully completed within the allowed budget restricts as a consequence of effective planning and financial oversight.

Quality Guarantee: Commitment to quality requirements is highlighted in efficient organisational procedures. Construction managers maintain an eye on the advancement of the construction job in order to make sure that the workmanship and supplies comply with industry norms. The excellent goods generated through this dedication to details improve the credibility of a construction business.

(iii) Disadvantages of poor management techniques

Delays in projects: Project delays can be attributed by insufficient planning and communication. Tasks delay as a result of confusing goals, poorly handled resources, communication gaps and lack of collaboration leading to missed deadlines. Costs could rise and the customer's trust in the work could be damaged by delaying in work.

Budget Overruns: Over budgets are frequently seen in poorly handled projects. Financial assets can be put under pressure by incorrect projections, insufficient cost tracking, and unexpected expenses (Pham, et.al 2019). Exceeds hurt the image of a construction business in additional to its financial results.

Quality Compromises: Quality reductions could arise from poor monitoring. The standard of the final outcome may be damaged by poorly organised projects using lower-quality supplies or going throughout the stages of construction fast enough. This can result in difficulties with structure, hazards to safety, and consumer dissatisfaction.

The fundamental element of a profitable construction venture is competent management.  They promise efficient resource utilisation, quick conclusion and excellent outcomes. On the opposite hand, inefficient management techniques can result into mistakes, budgets overrun and destroyed excellence, underlining the vital part that skilled Construction Managers perform in this construction field.

4. The behaviours of Construction Managers at the workplace.

(i) The ethics guiding construction management

Construction managers' (CMs) behaviour in the job environment is controlled by an ensemble of ethical standards and values known as morality. Openness, honesty, candour, and accountability are some of these values. CMs are tasked with crucial responsibilities that such as monitoring budgets, preserving security and executing projects to a high standard (Armenia, et.al 2019). Sustaining trust amongst stakeholders, including customers, vendors and staff members, necessitates adhering to moral principles.

Transparency is the number one goal for moral managers of construction in every relationship. By providing the right details to clients, vendors, and staff members, they are making sure that everybody is well-informed. Accountability is crucial since CMs regularly engage in contractual and purchase discussions. They have to maintain their own interests distinct and ensure that all choices are fair and equitable.

(ii) Evaluating how positive ethical behaviour will support collaboration in a project.

Teamwork that works in construction initiatives depends on the basis of good morals. Workers of the team build confidence when CMs honour ethical values. A cooperative place of employment is encouraged by trust that allows honest discussion and sharing of thoughts and concerns. The sense of teamwork can be promoted by moral CMs addressing every stakeholder dignity and respecting their points of view and efforts.

 In addition, ethical behaviour builds trust. Customers and teammates are more inclined to trust recommendations provided by a CM with an excellent track record for morality. The negotiations, resolving issues and process of decision-making have become easier due to this faith (Floridi, et.al 2021). Equality is an essential for responsible CMs as well, which is why they strive to ensure that employees and contractors receive treatment fairly. Equal consideration raises morale and encourages more devotion to the endeavour’s achievement.

The achievements of professionals in construction and their initiatives depends entirely on their ethical behaviour. Understanding moral standards fosters a positive setting for work, encourages cooperation, and encourages trust. Construction managers can enhance their standing in the industry as well as the overall efficacy and environmental sustainability associated with construction programmes by following moral standards.

5.Overviewing of health and safety in construction sites

(i) Work at Height regulations and their importance

Rules for works at height constitute crucial precautionary laws meant to stop accidents and fatalities when that works beyond the ground's surface. The regulations require that workers and their managers comply with strict norms when performing at high places. Particularly on scaffolding, which is ladders, the roofs, or any other type of obtained the surfaces, in numerous nations, particularly the UK (Moretti, et.al 2020). The significance of decreasing the risks posed by falls, which continues to be a few of the biggest contributors of mortality and serious harm in the construction sector, cannot be overemphasised.

Before working at high places, these requirements demand comprehensive risk assessments as well as making sure appropriate equipment are utilised and that all preventative measures are taken. It emphasises how crucial it is to educate employees, ensuring they are conscious of hazards as well as how to use machines properly. Working at height ought to be performed only whenever it is considered secure to do so, and that requires careful preparation, leadership, and organisation.

(ii) Manual Handling Operation regulations and their importance

Excessive load dealing and musculoskeletal problem avoidance are the main objectives of the Manually Handling Operation Rules. These regulations cover many kinds of manual handling jobs, involving carrying, pulling, pushing, moving and lower. The important role of these constraints is in limiting the likelihood of manual handling-related damage, which may end up in serious health issues that last a lifetime and time leave from employment.

In accordance to the regulations, companies must assess potential risks arising from manual handling responsibilities and place preventative measures in action. To decrease the demand for manual labour, this might be done through the use of technological assistance, giving the right education and organising the responsibilities (Sohn-Rethel, 2020). Workers must get proper education and training to ensure that they are aware of dangers and understand how to deal with loads correctly to avoid injuries.

(iii) The role of a Construction Manager in managing health and safety at the workplace.

Risk Assessment and planning: Before anything begins, construction managers are obligated to do deeply assessments of risk (What are the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992?, 2023). They anticipate any possible hazards, especially those linked to operating at heights & performing manual labour, and come up with comprehensive strategies for mitigating those dangers. This preventive approach provides the foundations for a safe working environment.

Supervision and Training: Construction managers maintain a close watch on regular operations and make ensuring that security processes, including that specified by Working at Heights and manual-handling regulations have been adhered with. They offer workers the required learning, with particular emphasis on employing appropriate instruments, processes, as well as security laws (Harris et.al 2021). In order to improve awareness of security amongst the staff, regularly toolbox discussions as well as safety training are conducted.

Compliance and continuous Improvement: Construction managers take steps to guarantee that the job site adheres with every safety and health regulation that applies. They engage out regular checks to spot risks that could occur, keeping an eye at the way secure equipment are being employed, and maintain safety standards. They additionally advocate a culture of on-going enhancement, wherein got lessons from accidents or these are examined, improved standards of safety and practises are carried out.

The advancement of a culture of security at construction locations is greatly helped by the managers of construction. Managers of construction establish a workplace in which employees are able to complete their responsibilities securely and efficiently whereas decreasing the risk of injury or accident by following to Working at the height and handling manually laws and regulations, successfully handling risks, guaranteeing regulation, as well as offering adequate instruction.

 CONCLUSION

By summing up the report construction managers are generally professionals in the construction industry, with a combination of expertise in technology, managerial skills, and ethical behaviour in an extensive set of abilities. They are the organisers of advancement, ensuring sure that developments in construction are not simply composed of concrete and mortar, but also the outcome of thorough preparation, work together, and steady devotion to both safety and quality. Their position extends far deeper than simply developing designs for projects. Construction managers skilfully handle the complicated environment of construction tasks, from careful planning of projects as well as effective control of resources. To encourage and implement ethical behaviour tight security regulations are enforced by the manager. They serve as a lot more than simply leaders; they additionally create safe spaces, handle financial matters and enforce ethical practises. Construction managers turn construction locations into changing centre of development, cooperation and invention by effortlessly bringing together these responsibilities.

Construction managers preserve their adaptability through affecting their approaches and adopting on-going development in dealing with challenges which includes the complexity of the project, financial boundaries and change legislation. Their dedication and perseverance to the growth and success of the sector has been shown by the capacity to direct venture though those challenges. The job description of managers of construction is always expanding as social needs and processes for building develop. Their understanding and commitment to perfection helps develop not only stunning landscapes but additionally bright, environmentally friendly neighbourhoods. Construction managers serve as the foundation of this construction businesses, making sure the structures that people reside in are not just lasting but also exemplify creativity, security and ethical conduct. Every structure they build carries the mark of their history; as does the more secure, interconnected society they contributed to create.

References

Books and journals

• Armenia, S., Dangelico, R.M., Nonino, F. and Pompei, A., 2019. Sustainable project management: A conceptualization-oriented review and a framework proposal for future studies. Sustainability, 11(9), p.2664.
• Floridi, L., Cowls, J., Beltrametti, M., Chatila, R., Chazerand, P., Dignum, V., Luetge, C., Madelin, R., Pagallo, U., Rossi, F. and Schafer, B., 2021. An ethical framework for a good AI society: Opportunities, risks, principles, and recommendations. Ethics, governance, and policies in artificial intelligence, pp.19-39.
• Harris, F., McCaffer, R., Baldwin, A. and Edum-Fotwe, F., 2021. Modern construction management. John Wiley & Sons.
• Harris, F., McCaffer, R., Baldwin, A. and Edum-Fotwe, F., 2021. Modern construction management. John Wiley & Sons.
• Jackson, B. J., 2020. Construction management JumpStart: the best first step toward a career in construction management. John Wiley & Sons.
• Jia, J., Ma, G., Jiang, S., Wu, M. and Wu, Z., 2021. Influence of social media use at work on construction managers' work performance: the knowledge seeker's perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 28(10), pp.3216-3235.
• Kerzner, H., 2019. Using the project management maturity model: strategic planning for project management. John Wiley & Sons.
• Kinicki, A. and Williams, B.K., 2020. Management: A practical introduction. McGraw-Hill.
• Moretti, A., Menna, F., Aulicino, M., Paoletta, M., Liguori, S. and Iolascon, G., 2020. Characterization of home working population during COVID-19 emergency: a cross-sectional analysis. International journal of environmental research and public health, 17(17), p.6284.
• Pham, N. T., Tu?ková, Z. and Jabbour, C. J. C., 2019. Greening the hospitality industry: How do green human resource management practices influence organizational citizenship behavior in hotels? A mixed-methods study. Tourism management, 72, pp.386-399.
• Sohn-Rethel, A., 2020. Intellectual and manual labour: A critique of epistemology (Vol. 224). Brill.

Online

• 5 strategies of a successful construction project manager, 2023. Online. Available through https://www.smartsheet.com/content-center/best-practices/project-management/5-strategies-of-construction-pm
• The Role of a Construction Manager: Responsibilities and Expectations, 2023. Online. Available through< https://reviewnprep.com/blog/the-role-of-a-construction-manager-responsibilities-and-expectations/>
• What are the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992?, 2023. Online. Available through <https://praxis42.com/resources/health-and-safety/what-are-the-manual-handling-operations-regulations1992/#:~:text=The%20Manual%20Handling%20Operations%20Regulations%201992%20(MHOR)%2C%20as%20amended,workplace%20due%20to%20manual%20handlin>