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Construction Project Manual

A construction project manual is one of the primary educational tools used by students interested in pursuing a career in construction management, as well as professionals working in the field. Most construction project manuals are required for coursework, though some interested individuals read them on their own.

A construction project manual can explain the science of organizing, planning and managing resources to complete a construction project--preferably on time and under budget. The construction project manual describes the role of the lead individual, the project manager, in overseeing the construction schedule, the allocation of personnel and equipment and the project's budget.

The traditional approach to construction project management, as detailed in a construction project manual, includes five major steps: project initiation, project planning and design, project execution or construction, project monitoring and project completion. Many construction projects include a number of sub-stages in each major step, including pre-planning, conceptual design, schematic design, design development, construction drawings and construction administration.

Construction project management is led by a project manager, who is a professional in the field of project management. The project manager has the ultimate responsibility over the planning, execution and successful completion of the project. A critical element of construction project management is keeping the project on schedule and within the set budgetary parameters. In order to achieve these goals, the project manager must establish clear project objectives.

A project manager is responsible for responding quickly to the changing needs of the client, no matter how they alter the size and scope of the project. This can be a difficult process; making changes to a project can affect its cost, the time needed to complete it, the number of employees needed to successfully complete the project and the quality of work done. Having the ability to adapt to abrupt changes requires forethought, preparation and, in many cases, a good rapport with the client.

Since construction project management is frequently a complex process, highly experienced or well-educated individuals are tasked to serve as project managers. Most have college degrees in fields like civil engineering or construction science, though some construction manager bachelor of science degrees are now offered at universities around the United States. While all project managers have substantial experience in the field, those without degrees normally have 20 years or more of work experience under their belts before becoming project managers. Many states require project managers to pass qualification tests, and a number of industry associations now offer certification exams--exams where a construction project manual can come in handy.

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