4 of 28

INTRODUCTION

Organising, procuring, coordinating, and controlling construction sites and projects are crucial aspects of successful project management in the built environment.
Effective organisation involves creating a comprehensive project plan, establishing an efficient site layout, and implementing robust safety protocols.
Procurement strategies focus on identifying necessary resources, establishing supplier relationships, and negotiating contracts to ensure timely and cost-effective acquisition of materials and services.
Coordination of resources, including workforce and equipment, is essential for maintaining smooth operations and adhering to project schedules.
Quality control measures, including regular inspections and compliance with industry standards, must be implemented to ensure the project meets required specifications.
Ongoing monitoring and control processes are needed to track progress, manage budgets, and implement corrective actions when needed, to ensure projects remain on course for successful completion.

5 of 28

ORGANISING CONSTRUCTION SITES AND PROJECTS

The principal contractor is responsible for organising, procuring, coordinating and controlling materials
Develop a comprehensive site layout plan
Establish clear roles and responsibilities for all personnel
Implement an effective communication system
Create a detailed project schedule
Set up proper site security measures

6 of 28

PROCURING FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

Buyers or quantity surveyors should conduct thorough market research for suppliers and subcontractors
Develop clear procurement strategies aligned with project goals: Specialised materials may require ordering months in advance, Just-in-time delivery, etc.
Establish robust tendering processes
Negotiate contracts with attention to quality, cost, and timelines
Maintain proper documentation of all procurement activities

7 of 28

COORDINATING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES

• Hold regular coordination meetings with all stakeholders

• Utilise project management software for efficient coordination

• Ensure proper sequencing of construction activities

• Maintain open lines of communication between site and office teams

8 of 28

CONTROLLING CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

• Implement rigorous quality control measures

• Conduct regular site inspections and audits

• Monitor and control project costs: utilise earned value management techniques

• Track project progress against the schedule

9 of 28

TIMELY DELIVERY OF MATERIALS, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Develop a detailed logistics plan/delivery schedule
Coordinate with suppliers for just-in-time deliveries
Implement a robust inventory management system
Establish clear delivery protocols and designated unloading areas
Regularly review and update material requirements

(129) Just in Time by Toyota: The Smartest Production System in The World - YouTube

Just-in-Time (JIT) Inventory Management

10 of 28

SITE STORAGE FACILITIES

Designate appropriate storage areas for different materials
Ensure proper protection of stored materials from weather and damage
Implement a clear labelling and organisation system
Provide secure storage for valuable equipment and materials
Comply with regulations for storage of hazardous materials (COSHH)

11 of 28

SITE DISTRIBUTION METHODS

Establish efficient material handling processes
Utilise appropriate mechanical aids for material movement
Implement a clear system for requisitioning materials
Ensure proper training for personnel involved in material distribution
Regularly review and optimise distribution methods

12 of 28

WORKFORCE REQUIREMENTS

• Conduct thorough workforce planning

• Ensure all workers have appropriate skills and certifications

• Implement a comprehensive site induction process

• Provide ongoing training and development opportunities

• Monitor workforce productivity and address issues promptly

13 of 28

HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

• Comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015

• Implement a robust health and safety management system

• Conduct regular risk assessments and method statements

• Ensure provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Adhere to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

14 of 28

GROUP-ASSESSMENT TASK

Scenario:

The Lincoln Medical School building project serves as a practical case study for understanding real-world applications of construction management principles. Time-lapse footage provides a unique opportunity to observe the entire construction process in a condensed timeframe [Watch at a playback speed of 0.25].

Instructions:

Carefully observe the provided time-lapse footage of the Lincoln Medical School building construction.
Take detailed notes on observable construction activities.
As a group (4-5 students), compile a list of best practices observed in (Reasonable deductions can be made). You can make reasonable assumptions about the activities:
Procurement activities (e.g., material delivery timing, storage solutions, sourcing and selecting suppliers and subcontractors, etc.)
Coordination activities (e.g., sequencing of trades, site access and logistics for deliveries, site meetings, communication between design team and construction team, etc.)
Organising activities (e.g., site layout, storage areas, offices, welfare facilities, etc.)
Then, share and discuss individual observations.

Time-lapse footage of the construction of our Lincoln Medical School building

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ir8u9mXlyNE

15 of 28

MANAGING CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Quality Assurance and Quality Control.

16 of 28

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Proactive approach/quality management system to prevent defects and ensure quality
Focuses on processes and procedures
Aims to establish standards and methodologies
Example: Implementing a standardised checklist for material inspections

Reactive approach to identify and correct defects in materials or works produced
Focuses on the finished product or ongoing work
Involves testing, inspections, and measurements
Example: Conducting concrete strength tests and/or slump tests on site

QUALITY CONTROL

17 of 28

KEY QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESSES IN CONSTRUCTION

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Systematic management of project documentation
Companies can use their own Quality Management Systems or ISO 9001 certification to control documentation
Ensures all stakeholders have access to current information
Example: Using a cloud-based system for storing and updating project documents
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is required by the UK government for its public sector projects

Managed by the principal contractor
Centralised log of all project drawings
Tracks revisions and distribution of drawings
Example: Maintaining a spreadsheet with drawing titles, drawing numbers, revisions, and issue dates
Building Information Modelling (BIM) reduces the chance of using outdated drawings during construction

DRAWING REGISTER

18 of 28

KEY QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESSES IN CONSTRUCTION

SPECIFICATION USE

Specifications provides essential information about the materials, finish and workmanship required
Ensures adherence to project specifications
Provides clear guidelines for materials and workmanship
Example: Regular team briefings on specification requirements for each work package
Building Information Modelling (BIM) provides greater control and detail when producing specifications

The clerk of works keeps the client updated on the quality and project progress. Also, instructs onsite tests to be performed
On-site verification of materials and workmanship
Includes both destructive and non-destructive testing
Example: Conducting slump tests for concrete before use or load testing for piles or crack monitoring

SITE TESTING

19 of 28

TYPICAL TESTS

Grading of substrate/Particle size analysis
Concrete sampling/Compressive strength test
CBR testing
Slump tests
Tensile test
Fire door safety testing
European (CE mark)/British Standards (BSI Kitemark)
British Board of Agrement

20 of 28

KEY QUALITY ASSURANCE PROCESSES IN CONSTRUCTION

OFF-SITE TESTING

Laboratory testing of materials and components
Ensures compliance with standards before delivery to site
Example: Testing steel samples for tensile strength at a certified laboratory. Testing the compressive strength of concrete.
Laboratory are certified by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)

Ensures construction adheres to specified dimensions
Involves regular measurements and surveys
Example: Using laser scanning to verify as-built dimensions against design models
Surveyors should use accurate, modern, UKAS-accredited, calibrated equipment for their survey activities. They must refer to up-to-date site plans and ascertain the coordinates on the drawings against existing bench marks.
Control points must not be set up such that they are not disturbed during construction

DIMENSIONAL QUALITY CONTROL

21 of 28