A study by McKinsey found that 98% of construction projects go over budget and 77% experience delays.
What’s the reason?
One reason is unclear objectives! Even experienced construction professionals can fail if they are unclear about the main objectives of construction management.
Research by Pirotti, Keshavarzsaleh, Mohd Rahim & Zakaria (2020) supports the above statement. They found that unclear objectives in construction projects hurt project success.
Therefore, understanding the objectives of construction management is critical. It’s not just about building structures; it’s about achieving specific goals. So, in this article, we will explore how these objectives contribute to successful construction. Let’s get straight to the point.
Core Objectives of Construction Management
Objectives of construction management cover everything from project planning to material management. However, the endgame is to complete the project on time, within budget and with adequate quality.
In addition, the quality of the project depends on the construction manager overseeing all these activities. Their primary duty is to deliver projects on time and to manage resources, including labour, materials, and equipment.
1. Project Planning and Scheduling
One of the key objectives of construction management is achieving crystal clarity about the construction process from the beginning to completion.
For example, construction firms always carry out complex projects in phases, like the Delhi Metro. How do the project managers know which task to perform next? They have well-developed a project plan with an effective schedule for each task. They stick to this schedule!
To make strategic planning and be clear about schedule times, construction managers employ advanced tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Project Management Software to create detailed 3D models along with timelines. These tools help visualise the entire project lifecycle, from laying the foundational stones to the final handover.
Besides, consider factors such as monsoon seasons and local festivals that may affect the schedule to create a workable plan. The better your planning, the better your execution, and the better the end result!
2. Ensuring Project Completion within Time Constraints
One of the primary aims of it is to make sure that a project finishes on time. Construction projects can be delayed easily and that results in higher costs or even lawsuits. The Dwarka Expressway in Delhi NCR is the most appropriate example of delayed completion. The delay led to countless legal challenges and significant cost overruns.
Therefore, time management in construction becomes important.
Construction managers should draw up realistic project schedules. It is also up to them to regularly review progress and check that all the tasks are progressing as planned. To track progress regularly, they can use the Construction Management Software features, such as the dashboard, which provides real-time updates on progress, and reporting functions.
Moreover, if delays happen, proper action has to be taken in real-time, like:
- Reschedule tasks and update the project schedule accordingly.
- Reallocate the necessary resources to get the project back on track.
- Analyse the causes of delays and document lessons learned to improve future projects.
As well as technology, managers should have the right time management skills. The ability to think ahead and always have a plan B will also help.
3. Adhering to the Project Budget
As read above, 98% of construction projects go over budget. That reality makes budget planning arguably the most critical among the objectives of construction management.
Construction managers must budget for every bit of their project to be part of the 2% of projects that are completed within the original budget. Along with strategic planning, they also need to track costs against the budget throughout a project. If they do experience cost overruns, they must identify the reason and correct them.
Effective cost management also means that you need to know how to get the best deals when dealing with suppliers and employees. To do this, managers should use Construction Project Management Software with robust budgeting and cost-tracking capabilities. This software can help them to:
- Accurately track and allocate costs to the correct budget categories.
- Track actual spending against the planned budget in real time.
- Identify potential cost overruns early and make adjustments.
- Generate detailed budget reports for stakeholders.
Additionally, techniques like Earned Value Management (EVM) are used to track project performance against budget, providing early warnings of potential financial issues.
4. Achieving Quality and Compliance Standards
No matter how big or small the job, maintaining quality is a critical part of any new construction project. This means ensuring that the work is carried out to the required quality standards and that the end result will satisfy the client.
Construction managers must develop a quality management plan that outlines the quality standards of the project and how they will be achieved. Additionally, compliance with regulations is another important goal. It is their responsibility to make sure that the work meets all local building codes and regulations.
One way they can achieve this is by using quality management systems (QMS), such as the globally recognised standard ISO 9001. Construction software helps managers make detailed roadmaps to adhere to local quality standards throughout the project. This tool also ensures compliance with industry standards and client expectations.
5. Prioritising Safety on the Construction Site
Safety is at the top of any contractor’s mind because the Indian construction industry experiences 38 fatal accidents every day. Ensuring the safety of a construction site is, therefore, one of the main objectives of construction management.
Construction managers need to develop a safety management plan that outlines project-specific safety procedures. A safety management plan must adhere to OSHA regulations. In the Indian context, the safety plan should follow the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996. These protocols must also include what action to take in the event of an accident or emergency.
Additionally, construction firms should implement comprehensive safety programmes aligned with both international standards and local regulations set by bodies like the National Safety Council of India. Finally, regular safety training sessions ensure that workers at all levels understand and adhere to safety protocols.
6. Effective Team Coordination
Construction management is a group effort, and team coordination is part of construction management. So construction is an industry with many hands working on the same projects, from architects to engineers, from contractors to clients.
Through Construction Management Software, managers can communicate changes to the entire project team through alerts, comments, and file sharing. Consequently, this keeps everyone in the same direction to ensure the smooth running of the project.
Similarly, good leadership is essential for strategic planning and team coordination. Project managers need to be good at motivating their teams, defusing situations where conflict has arisen, and making tough decisions. When in sync, these key objectives of construction management ensure 100% success.
7. Material Management: Minimising Waste and Maximising Efficiency
One of the main objectives of materials management is to ensure that the right materials are available at the right time. It involves the planning, procurement, storage and use of construction materials.
Effective materials management also requires careful planning and coordination with suppliers. It also involves tracking the use of materials to avoid overuse or waste.
One way to minimise waste and maximise efficiency is to reuse materials wherever possible. You can fill in debris in muddy areas to make it easier to transport. In this way, site managers can help reduce the environmental impact of construction projects while improving their bottom line.
The ultimate goal of materials management in the overall construction management effort is to reduce waste, lower costs, and improve project efficiency.
8. Sustainable Construction
One of the key objectives of construction management is to balance the need for development with environmental responsibility.
This is especially important in a country like India, where rapid urbanisation often puts a strain on natural resources. One example is the exploitation of the Aarey forest for the construction of the Mumbai Metro. In this case, the Supreme Court slapped the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation with a fine of ₹10 lakh.
That’s why “sustainable construction” is becoming a big deal nowadays.
Normally, the construction industry uses a ton of energy and resources. By using sustainable construction practices, the industry aims to be more eco-friendly. This means using recycled materials, green cement, or making buildings that use less energy. The Indira Paryavaran Bhawan building in Delhi is an awesome example that uses little energy. Basically, it makes its own energy.
Additionally, construction managers increasingly focus on aligning their practices with both global standards like LEED and Indian green building certifications such as GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment). This approach not only meets regulatory requirements set by government bodies but also enhances the project’s marketability.
Sustainable construction in India often involves innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting, using low-emission equipment, and solar panel integration, contributing to the country’s broader environmental goals.
9. Continuous Improvement
Continuous improvement helps businesses stay competitive and efficient.
Construction managers in complex projects like the development of highways embrace innovative practices such as Agile Construction methodologies. This approach allows for flexibility and rapid adaptation to new challenges.
Moreover, by using technologies like construction ERP software, continuous improvement initiative implementation becomes easier because the tool often involves regular feedback loops with workers, suppliers, and clients on a single screen. This centralised information helps managers make analytical decisions for improvements.
10. Project Closeout and Documentation
On project closing, construction managers should prepare proper documentation. This is because it safeguards against potential disputes.
In addition, careful management of close-out procedures ensures that all contractual obligations are met. It reassures that the project is ready for handover.
In the tedious process of closing, Construction Project Management Software is a valuable tool. It can:
- Digital approvals and client approvals to speed up the closeout process.
- Put all important documents in one place, including RFIs, submittals, forms, and checklists.
- Automated generation of closeout task lists to ensure all necessary steps are predefined and followed.
- Warranty management to easily access and track warranty information for materials and workmanship.
- Automated archiving of project records upon completion to ensure compliance and future accessibility.
Conclusively, this tool ensures accurate documentation and a smooth transition for closeout.
The Future of Construction Management
Technological advances and sustainability trends are determining the future of construction management.
Both play a crucial role in achieving the core objectives of construction management — delivering projects on time, within budget, and to a high-quality standard.
Emerging technologies like Construction ERP, Building Information Modelling (BIM), drones, and artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionising the management of construction projects. Further, these technologies help streamline processes, improve communications and enhance decisions.
Simultaneously, the construction industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability. Future construction management objectives are likely to include integrating green building practises, utilising sustainable materials and minimising environmental impact. The move towards sustainability not only benefits the environment but also contributes to building a reputation.