challenges in construction management

Challenges Facing Today’s
Construction Manager

Supplemental Reading for CIEG 486-010 Construction Methods & Management

Bob Muir, PE
Fall 2005

Challenges Facing Today’s Construction Manager
By Bob Muir, PE
Introduction
There are numerous challenges facing today’s construction manager. Some are new to the industry, and some are centuries old. Many of these challenges are a direct result of construction operations, while others a result of indirect, peripheral activities. A surprising number of challenges are not construction issues but must be addressed and managed by the construction manager (CM) to ensure project success. Some of the construction issues include workforce considerations, safety, time constraints, and the changing nature of the work. Non-construction challenges that CMs face that are part of the business landscape include legal issues, government regulations, environmental concerns, and socio-political pressures. It is critical that the CM understands the demanding realities that he or she faces in the planning and control of construction operations. The Challenges of Construction

Construction Issues

Rising Costs

Time

Peripheral Pressures

Quality

Socio-Political

Environmental

Legal

Wages

Delivery of materials, supplies, & equipment Design
Criteria

Erosion &
Sedimentation
Control

Public
Involvement in
Planning, Design,
& Construction

Claims
Avoidance,
Support, and
Mitigation

Materials &
Supplies

Government restraints Inspection

Wetlands &
Parklands

Civic/Community
Groups

Liability

Productivity

Productivity

Lack of
Skilled
Workers

Lead
Abatement

Advisory Boards

Fiduciary
Duty

Time delay

Changes

Supervision

Asbestos

NIMBY
Syndrome

Capital equipment

Design schedule Finance

Toxic waste,
PCBs ' etc.

Codes and
Permits

Inflation

Construction
Schedule

Availability of
Materials

Noise

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