Project Management

Question 1

What is a Project?

Answer 1

A project is the development of a new facility, resource or event from start to finish

Question 2

Who is responsible for the management of a project?

Answer 2

Client

Question 3

Define Contract

Answer 3

An agreement, with writen conditons, between two parties to share in the delivery of part of a project

Question 4

Characteristics of a Project

Answer 4

• Long gestation period
• Sanction of funds
• Overlap between design and construction
• Uncertainty
• Expected profitability from operation phase

Question 5

What contracts are usually involved in a project?

Answer 5

–Client-Specialists(e.g. Feasibility study, ground investigation)
–Client-Designer(s)
–Client-Contractor(s)
–Client-Project Manager(s)
–Contractor-Subcontractor(s)
–Contractor-Supplier(s)

Question 6

What are the main stages of a construction project?

Answer 6

• Apprasial
• Definition
• Design
• Construction
• Comission
• Operation and Maintenance

Question 7

After what stage is a project sanctioned?

Answer 7

• Definition

Question 8

When are contracts awarded?

Answer 8

• Begining of the Construction Phase

Question 9

How does the ability to influence cost change over time?

Answer 9

It decreases

Question 10

How does construction cost change over time?

Answer 10

It increases

Question 11

What is the relationship between costs?

Answer 11

Influence decreases as expenditure increases (65% of cost can be commited while only spending 5%)

Question 12

When do decisions have the most impact on cost?

Answer 12

Before sanction

Question 13

How is project management different from ordinary management?

Answer 13

• Team only togetehr for one project

- Sequence of project stages

Question 14

Project Management covers:

Answer 14

Managing:

• Organisation
• Project Scope
• Time
• Budget
• Performance
• HR
• Communications
• H&S
• Procurement

Question 15

What are the three Maxims for project managers?

Answer 15

• PM identified at start of project and remain in control until end
• PM concentrates on managing work
• All decision should be made to maximise the chance of meeting the clients objectives

Question 16

What is the Project Development Process?

Answer 16

• Feasability Studies
• Conceptual Design
• Detailed Design
• Construction
• Comission

Question 17

What are the objectives for a project?

Answer 17

• Time
• Cost
• Quality

Question 18

Secndary Objectives?

Answer 18

• Use of local contractors/labour
• Training of clients’ staff
• Large/Minimal Client involvement
• Safety/Enviromental

Question 19

How to gague imprtance of objectives from client?

Answer 19

• Q&A
• Scenario - What if?
• Sensitivity Analysis - Quantative

Question 20

Project Managements Building Blocks to Success

Answer 20

What? - Define the scope if the project to meet objectives
How much? - Determine all resources needed
Who? - Get the right mix of skills with appropriate organisation
How? - Create a realistic execution plan reflecting best practice
When? - Agree a realistic schedule incrporating resource constraints
What if? - Assess project risks, mitigate and reflect in action plans
Where? - Regularly monitor progress and taje action to ensure plans are achieved
What did we learn? - Carry out reviews throughout and after project then update project process