1. Traditional Project Management (Waterfall)
This approach is linear and sequential, where each phase of the project (conception, initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure) must be completed before the next begins. It's suitable for projects with well-defined outcomes and where changes are unlikely or expensive to implement once the project starts.
2. Agile Project Management
Agile methodology is iterative and flexible, allowing for changes and adjustments throughout the project based on feedback and testing. Originally developed for software development, Agile has been adapted for use in construction, particularly in projects where requirements and solutions evolve through collaborative effort.
3. Lean Construction
Inspired by lean manufacturing principles, lean construction focuses on maximising value and minimising waste in terms of materials, time and effort. This approach emphasises continuous improvements, efficient use of resources and a collaborative project culture to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
4. Critical Path Method (CPM)
CPM is a step-by-step project management technique that identifies critical and non-critical tasks with the aim of preventing time-frame problems and process bottlenecks. It's widely used in construction for scheduling project activities and managing the timing of tasks to ensure project completion within a specified time frame.
5. Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
Similar to CPM, PERT is a statistical tool used to plan and control project tasks. It focuses on the time required to complete each task and identifies the minimum time needed to complete the entire project. PERT is particularly useful for projects with a high degree of uncertainty in activity times.
6. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
IPD is a collaborative project delivery method that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimise project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste and maximise efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction.
7. Construction Management at Risk (CMAR)
CMAR is a delivery method where the construction manager commits to completing the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). The construction manager acts as a consultant to the owner in the development and design phases and as the equivalent of a general contractor during the construction phase.
8. Design-Build
In the design-build approach, design and construction services are contracted by a single entity known as the design-builder or design-build contractor. This approach can reduce project timelines and costs by overlapping the design and construction phases of a project.
Each of these approaches has its advantages and is suited to different types of projects based on complexity, size, budget, time constraints and the specific requirements of the project owner. The choice of project management methodology can significantly impact the success of a construction project, influencing its overall quality, timeliness and cost-efficiency.
9. Client Managed
The above approaches can be chosen by the relevant contractors and consultants to meet the requirements of your project. With this in mind, most of the above isn't so relevant to your journey. Of course there is also the opportunity for you to self-manage and so this is where knowing how the above approaches work may better guide you in your choice of strategy.
