Construction management aims to control the quality of a project's scope, time, and cost (sometimes referred to as a project management triangle or "triple constraints") to maximize the project owner's satisfaction. It uses project management techniques and software to oversee the planning, design, construction and closeout of a construction project safely, on time, on budget and within specifications.
Practitioners of construction management are called construction managers. They have knowledge and experience in the field of business management and building science. Professional construction managers may be hired for large-scaled, high budget undertakings called capital projects. Construction managers use their knowledge of project delivery methods to deliver the project optimally.
The functions of construction management typically include the following:
- Specifying project objectives and plans including delineation of scope, budgeting, scheduling, setting performance requirements, and selecting project participants.
- Maximizing the resource efficiency through procurement of labor, materials and equipment.
- Implementing various operations through proper coordination and control of planning, design, estimating, contracting and construction in the entire process.
- Developing effective communications and mechanisms for resolving conflicts.
- Ensure work meets standards through inspections and adherence to quality requirements.
- Identify, assess, and manage risks to minimize disruptions and ensure project success.