Construction management: Knowledge hub

What is construction management?

Construction management is the professional discipline that oversees the planning, coordination and control of a construction project from its earliest stages through to completion. The term typically refers to both a method of project delivery and the role of the construction manager.

It can also have a more formal meaning in relation to construction management contracts, a procurement route in which the works are constructed by a number of different trade contractors, who are contracted to the client but managed by a construction manager.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) use of the term in a much broader way meaning, 'Management of the development, conservation and improvement of the built environment'.

What does the role involve?

A construction manager is typically appointed by a client to act in their interests, managing the programme, budget, quality and safety of the construction works.

The role involves setting up the project strategy, coordinating design and procurement, managing risk, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining clear communication between the client, designers, contractors and stakeholders. Effective construction management relies on leadership, technical knowledge, negotiation skills and a strong focus on health and safety.

Why does it matter?

Construction management matters because it gives clients more direct control over how their projects are delivered. By separating management from construction, clients can benefit from faster decision-making, clearer accountability, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In a sector facing pressure to deliver projects more efficiently, sustainably and safely, construction management can provide a framework for achieving better outcomes.

Key articles about construction management

Here are some of the key and widely read articles about construction management on Designing Buildings:

Fundamentals of construction management

• 10 construction manager tips for successful project execution. Practical guidance for Construction PMs
• Collaborative practices for building design and construction. Overview of collaborative working practices.
• Construction contract. General contract structures.
• Construction management. The procurement route and responsibilities of the construction manager.
• Construction manager. The role, duties, and appointment of a construction manager.
• Construction management: outline work plan: Stages 1-12. Explains day-to-day tasks at each of the project stages.
• Management in the construction industry. Broad view alongside other management functions in construction.

Contracts and procurement routes

• Admeasurement contract. Included in classifications as contrasting fixed quantity contract types.
• JCT Construction management contract. Contract form designed for client appointed trades under CM.
• Contractor led procurement route. Contractor-led projects.
• Difference between procurement and purchasing. Frequently used interchangeably, but actually different.
• Engineering Procurement and Construction Management Contract. Hybrid CM/EPC-style contracting model.
• Procurement routes. The range of procurement routes that can be adopted.
• Procurement route options pros and cons. Various routes and their respective strengths/weaknesses.
• Emerging cost contracts – Time & material style contracts where CM-like services use reimbursement models.
• Guaranteed maximum price –Mechanism relevant to CM’s cost control under certain procurement deals.

Team, responsibilities, and stakeholder structures

• Consultant team. A brief run through of the 40 or so roles that maybe involved.
• Contract administrator for construction contracts. What the role entails and who normally takes it on.
• Design team. Roles and responsibilities.
• Lead consultant for building design. What the role entails and who normally takes it on.
• Integrated project team. Collaborative working between all of those involved in the delivery of a project on a day to day basis.
• Management structure for construction clients. Internal structures to manage oversight and decision-making.
• Procurement team for design and construction. The team managing the procurement packages and processes.
• Project manager. Roles and responsibilities.
• Stakeholder management for building design and construction. Guidance on a key elements of projects.
• Supply chain management in construction. Coordination responsibilities within construction projects.
• Third party dependancies. External relationships.
• Types of contractor. 20 different types and definitions.

Planning, scheduling, costing, risks and quality management

• Change control. Ensures potential changes are recorded, evaluated, authorised and managed.
• Commercial management for construction businesses. Responsibilities of cost and contract administrators.
• Cost control in building design and construction. Outline work plan stage activities.
• Defects. Elements of a project that fail to meet contract requirements.
• Disputes. Resolve disagreements quickly and cost-effectively through early negotiation or alternative dispute resolution.
• Logistics. Planning and managing the flow of supply-chain resources.
• Mobilisation. Pre-construction setup activities.
• Quality control for construction works. Standards, procedures, certificates and approvals.
• Resource management. Planning and allocating materials, labour, equipment, and other resources efficiently.
• Risk management. Integrating risk control into team structures Designing Buildings.
• Scheduling construction activities. Terms, principles steps and guidance.
• Site facilities. Essential on-site infrastructure to support construction operations.
• Time management of construction projects. Float, critical path, milestones and scheduling considerations.
• Value engineering in building design and construction. Historical context and current methods.
• Other roles might include administration, legal notices, legal obligations, meetings, reporting, scope management, budgets, cash flow, variations, site inspection, compliance, access, materials, plant, snagging, and handover protocols.

Technology, innovation, sustainability, and future trends

• Building information management. The use of BIM to improve the use of information.
• Construction management software. Tools used for estimating, scheduling, cost control and documentation.
• Construction project management software. Introduction, history and features for practical use.
• Fast track construction. Prioritising time above all else, including cost and potentially quality.
• Information technology in the construction industry. Introduction and examples of IT in construction.
• Sustainable procurement. Meet the needs of the present without compromising needs of future generations.
• Impact of leveraging BIM for construction management and monitoring in modern industry. General points.
• Modern methods of construction. off-site manufacture, modular and smart assembly CM delivery.

All articles about construction management

There are more that 1,000 articles about construction management on Designing Buildings. A full index is available here.

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