Construction project manager - morning tasks
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
A construction project manager occupies a very big position with a lot of major responsibilities. Their days are usually busy and the whole project, including those working for the project, depend on their decisions being sound. A wrong decision can lead to the project being cancelled, started over, or closed indefinitely.
Therefore, it is important that whoever occupies this position utilises skills learned and experience gained to manage projects.
The most productive part of the day is believed to be the morning, because that is the time when a human’s brain has been 'rebooted' and is open to new ideas. There are a few things successful project managers do at the start of their day.
[edit] Exercise
Project managers should develop a workout routine for the mornings, as this can help relieve the body of the previous day’s tiredness. A work-out should be done before showering or having breakfast to have the body perform at an optimal level. If there is less time to spare, even a half-hour work-out is ideal.
[edit] Review the previous day’s work
Regardless of how busy the day ahead is, successful project managers should take time to go through the previous day’s work. Every aspect of the project should be reviewed to see if it is moving forward as expected or stalling. This process provides valuable time to think through plans and strategies before getting to the construction site.
[edit] Communication with stakeholders
It can be easiest to get hold of stakeholders first thing in the morning, before they have become busy with the pressing events of the day. Therefore, this can often be a good time to update them on the progress of the project. Clients can also be updated at this time.
This is also a good time to read and write emails as it will often be difficult to attend to them once at the site. It is preferable that there are no pending unread messages before leaving for work.
[edit] Schedule day’s tasks
Before starting a project, an overall schedule should be created to serve as timeline for the project. Daily tasks to achieve should also be scheduled, as well as tasks for the team.
[edit] Analyse departments
At a construction site, each department handles a different task and their collective efforts are what lead to a successful project completion. The project manager needs to monitor and analyse the workings of each department to determine whether they are being productive or not.
New strategies can be drawn up to motivate less productive departments, assigning them more responsibilities or re-assigning some responsibilities from an overwhelmed department of the workforce.
[edit] Check resources
The project manager does not want to be caught off-guard when resources get depleted. Therefore, it is important to take some time to analyse how resources have been used the previous day to avoid having to strain the budget.
A daily analysis is much better than a scheduled analysis because then the project manager is in a position to act fast. For instance, if a certain department is overusing resources, the project manager can reassign some of the resources to other departments facing shortages.
[edit] How to achieve these tasks in the morning
Most project managers use digital platforms to help centralise the whole project management process. With project management tools, they are able to do everything from a central point. With a cloud-based web solution it can be possible to send emails, write memos, monitor and analyse data, allocate resources, set duties, update clients and communicate to all departments, all from a computer or mobile phone.
Project management solutions used by many successful project managers in the construction industry, as a means of unloading the busy schedule they face once arrived on site.
--GenieBelt 08:57, 17 Mar 2017 (BST)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Association for Project Management APM.
- Avoiding construction delays.
- Code of practice for project management.
- Commercial manager.
- Construction project management course essentials.
- David Trench - A career in projects.
- How to become a construction manager.
- Interview with Stephen Trench - Project manager.
- Monte Carlo simulation.
- Project manager.
- Project manager's report.
- Project monitoring.
- Top 5 construction project planning tips.
Featured articles and news
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
The Grenfell Tower fire, eight years on
A time to pause and reflect as Dubai tower block fire reported just before anniversary.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.
Construction contract awards hit lowest point of 2025
Plummeting for second consecutive month, intensifying concerns for housing and infrastructure goals.
Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025
Examining the state of mental health in construction, shedding light on levels of stress, anxiety and depression.