Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Construction Management shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Construction Management offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Construction Management at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Construction Management? Wrong! If the Construction Management is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Construction Management then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Construction Management? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Construction Management and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Construction Management wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Construction Management then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Construction Management site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Construction Management, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Construction Management, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

Construction Management refers either to the study and practice of the managerial and technological aspects of the construction industry (including construction, construction science, construction management, and construction technology), or to a business model where one party to a construction contract serves as a construction consultant, providing both design and construction advice.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) says the 120 most common responsibilities of a Construction Manager fall into the following 7 categories: 1. Project Management Planning, 2. Cost Management, 3. Time Management, 4. Quality Management, 5. Contract Administration, 6. Safety Management and 7. CM Professional Practice which includes specific activities like defining the responsibilities and management structure of the project management team, organizing and leading by implementing project controls, defining roles and responsibilities and developing communication protocols, and identifying elements of project design and construction likely to give rise to disputes and claims.

Study and practice Construction management education comes in a variety of formats: formal degree programs (two-year associate degree; four-year baccalaureate degree, masters degree, engineer degree, doctor of philosophy degree, postdoctoral researcher); on-job-training; and continuing education / professional development. For information on degree programs, reference ACCE, the American Council for Construction Education, or ASC, the Associated Schools of Construction.
The recognized institute for construction management in Great Britain is The Chartered Institute of Building in Ascot.

According to the American Council for Construction Education (the academic accrediting body of construction management educational programs in the U.S.), the academic field of construction management encompasses a wide range of topics. These range from general management skills, to management skills specifically related to construction, to technical knowledge of construction methods and practices. There are many schools offering Construction Management programs, including some that offer a Masters degree. A comprehensive list can be found at http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/tools/search.php#


Business model Typically, the construction industry includes three parties: an owner, a designer (architect or engineer), and the builder (usually called the general contractor). Traditionally, there are two contracts between these three parties as they work together to plan, design, and construct the project. The first contract is the owner-designer contract, which involves planning, design, and possibly, some aspects of construction. The second contract is the owner-contractor contract, which involves construction. An indirect, third-party relationship exist between the designer and the contractor due to these two contracts.

An alternate contract or business model replaces the two traditional contracts with three contracts: owner-designer, owner-construction manager, and owner-builder. The construction management company becomes an additional party engaged in the project to act as an advisor to all three parties. The construction manager's role is to provide construction advice to the designer, design advice to the constructor, and both construction and design services, such as materials and subcontracts as necessary, to the owner.

Design Build Contracts Recently a different business model has become more popular. Many owners - particularly government agencies have let out contracts which are known as Design-Build contracts. In this type of contract, the construction team is known as the design-builder. They are responsible for taking a concept developed by the owner, completing the detailed design, and then pending the owner's approval on the design, they can proceed with construction.

There are two main advantages to using a design-build contract. First, the construction team is motivated to work with the design team to develop a design with constructability in mind. In that way it is possible for the team to creatively find ways to reduce construction costs without reducing the function of the final product. The owner can expect a reduced price due to the increased constructability of the design.

The other major advantage involves the schedule. Many projects are given out with an extremely tight time frame. By letting out the contract as a design-build contract, the contractor is established, and early mobilization and construction activities are able to proceed concurrently with the design. Under a traditional contract, construction cannot begin until after the design is finished, the project is bid and awarded, and the team can mobilize. This type of contract can take months off the finish date of a project

Agency CM "Agency" CM is a fee-based service in which the construction manager is responsible exclusively to the owner and acts in the owner's interests at every stage of the project. The construction manager offers advice, uncolored by any conflicting interest, on matters such as:

• Optimum use of available funds;
• Control of the scope of the work;
• Project scheduling;
• Optimum use of design and construction firms' skills and talents;
• Avoidance of delays, changes and disputes;
• Enhancing project design and construction quality;
• Optimum flexibility in contracting and procurement.

Comprehensive management of every stage of the project, beginning with the original concept and project definition, yields the greatest possible benefit to owners from Construction Management.

CM At Risk At-Risk CM "At-Risk" CM is a delivery method which entails a commitment by the construction manager to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), in most cases. The construction manager acts as consultant to the owner in the development and design phases, (often referred to as "Preconstruction Services"), but as the equivalent of a general contractor during the construction phase. When a construction manager is bound to a GMP, the most fundamental character of the relationship is changed. In addition to acting in the owner's interest, the construction manager must manage and control construction costs to not exceed the GMP, which would be a financial hit to the CM company.

CM "At Risk" is a global term referring to a business relationship of Construction contractor, Owner and Architect / Designer. Typically, a CM At Risk arrangement eliminates a "Low Bid" construction project. A GMP agreement is a typical part of the CM and Owner agreement somewhat comparable to a "Low Bid" contract, but with a number of adjustments in responsibilities required by the CM. Aspects of GMP agreements will be elaborated below. The following are some primary aspects of the most potential benefits of a CM At Risk arrangement:

Budget management: Before design of a project is completed ( 6 months to 1-1/2 years of coordination between Designer and Owner), the CM is involved with estimating cost of constructing a project based on hearing from the designer and Owner (design concept) what is going / desired to be built. Upon some aspect of desired design raising the cost estimate over the budget the Owner wants to maintain, a decision can be made to modify the design concept instead of having to spend a considerable amount of time, effort and money re-designing and/or modifying completed construction documents, OR, the Owner decides to spend more money or obtain higher financial support for the project. To manage the budget before design is done, construction crews are mobilized, CM is spending tens of thousands per week just having onsite management, major items are purchased, etc, etc,...is an extremely more effcient use of everyone's time, effort, Architect / Designer's costs, and the CM's General Conditions costs, AND delivering to the Owner a design within his budget.

Selecting constructor: ( to be elaborated )

Maintaining positive working relationships among the Owner, Architect / Designer and Constructor: ( to be elaborated )

Maximizes the awareness among Owner, Architect / Designer and CM of all parties needs, expectations in order to perform their part of the project in the most efficient manner. ( to be elaborated )

"Fast Track" construction / design: ( to be elaborated )

Regulation In the UK the industry is regulated though Construction Design Management regulations, which prevent incidents on construction sites and civil engineering structures once competent

External links

• American Council for Construction Education
• Associated Schools of Construction
• Construction Management Association of America
• National Institute of Construction Management and Research, India
• Construction Manager Certification Institute
• US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Full list of accredited graduate and undergraduate Project Management Degrees in the US and abroad. (list maintained by the International Project Management Commission)
• Graduate course Construction Management in India
• Construction Specifications Institute
• http://cife.stanford.edu/
• http://cm.csuchico.edu/

References

See also

• Architect
• Architectural engineering
• Civil engineering
• Construction engineering
• Construction software
• Joint Contracts Tribunal
• Submittals (construction)
• Shop drawing

Construction Management refers either to the study and practice of the managerial and technological aspects of the construction industry (including construction, construction science, construction management, and construction technology), or to a business model where one party to a construction contract serves as a construction consultant, providing both design and construction advice.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) says the 120 most common responsibilities of a Construction Manager fall into the following 7 categories: 1. Project Management Planning, 2. Cost Management, 3. Time Management, 4. Quality Management, 5. Contract Administration, 6. Safety Management and 7. CM Professional Practice which includes specific activities like defining the responsibilities and management structure of the project management team, organizing and leading by implementing project controls, defining roles and responsibilities and developing communication protocols, and identifying elements of project design and construction likely to give rise to disputes and claims.

Study and practice Construction management education comes in a variety of formats: formal degree programs (two-year associate degree; four-year baccalaureate degree, masters degree, engineer degree, doctor of philosophy degree, postdoctoral researcher); on-job-training; and continuing education / professional development. For information on degree programs, reference ACCE, the American Council for Construction Education, or ASC, the Associated Schools of Construction.
The recognized institute for construction management in Great Britain is The Chartered Institute of Building in Ascot.

According to the American Council for Construction Education (the academic accrediting body of construction management educational programs in the U.S.), the academic field of construction management encompasses a wide range of topics. These range from general management skills, to management skills specifically related to construction, to technical knowledge of construction methods and practices. There are many schools offering Construction Management programs, including some that offer a Masters degree. A comprehensive list can be found at http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/tools/search.php#


Business model Typically, the construction industry includes three parties: an owner, a designer (architect or engineer), and the builder (usually called the general contractor). Traditionally, there are two contracts between these three parties as they work together to plan, design, and construct the project. The first contract is the owner-designer contract, which involves planning, design, and possibly, some aspects of construction. The second contract is the owner-contractor contract, which involves construction. An indirect, third-party relationship exist between the designer and the contractor due to these two contracts.

An alternate contract or business model replaces the two traditional contracts with three contracts: owner-designer, owner-construction manager, and owner-builder. The construction management company becomes an additional party engaged in the project to act as an advisor to all three parties. The construction manager's role is to provide construction advice to the designer, design advice to the constructor, and both construction and design services, such as materials and subcontracts as necessary, to the owner.

Design Build Contracts Recently a different business model has become more popular. Many owners - particularly government agencies have let out contracts which are known as Design-Build contracts. In this type of contract, the construction team is known as the design-builder. They are responsible for taking a concept developed by the owner, completing the detailed design, and then pending the owner's approval on the design, they can proceed with construction.

There are two main advantages to using a design-build contract. First, the construction team is motivated to work with the design team to develop a design with constructability in mind. In that way it is possible for the team to creatively find ways to reduce construction costs without reducing the function of the final product. The owner can expect a reduced price due to the increased constructability of the design.

The other major advantage involves the schedule. Many projects are given out with an extremely tight time frame. By letting out the contract as a design-build contract, the contractor is established, and early mobilization and construction activities are able to proceed concurrently with the design. Under a traditional contract, construction cannot begin until after the design is finished, the project is bid and awarded, and the team can mobilize. This type of contract can take months off the finish date of a project

Agency CM "Agency" CM is a fee-based service in which the construction manager is responsible exclusively to the owner and acts in the owner's interests at every stage of the project. The construction manager offers advice, uncolored by any conflicting interest, on matters such as:

• Optimum use of available funds;
• Control of the scope of the work;
• Project scheduling;
• Optimum use of design and construction firms' skills and talents;
• Avoidance of delays, changes and disputes;
• Enhancing project design and construction quality;
• Optimum flexibility in contracting and procurement.

Comprehensive management of every stage of the project, beginning with the original concept and project definition, yields the greatest possible benefit to owners from Construction Management.

CM At Risk At-Risk CM "At-Risk" CM is a delivery method which entails a commitment by the construction manager to deliver the project within a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), in most cases. The construction manager acts as consultant to the owner in the development and design phases, (often referred to as "Preconstruction Services"), but as the equivalent of a general contractor during the construction phase. When a construction manager is bound to a GMP, the most fundamental character of the relationship is changed. In addition to acting in the owner's interest, the construction manager must manage and control construction costs to not exceed the GMP, which would be a financial hit to the CM company.

CM "At Risk" is a global term referring to a business relationship of Construction contractor, Owner and Architect / Designer. Typically, a CM At Risk arrangement eliminates a "Low Bid" construction project. A GMP agreement is a typical part of the CM and Owner agreement somewhat comparable to a "Low Bid" contract, but with a number of adjustments in responsibilities required by the CM. Aspects of GMP agreements will be elaborated below. The following are some primary aspects of the most potential benefits of a CM At Risk arrangement:

Budget management: Before design of a project is completed ( 6 months to 1-1/2 years of coordination between Designer and Owner), the CM is involved with estimating cost of constructing a project based on hearing from the designer and Owner (design concept) what is going / desired to be built. Upon some aspect of desired design raising the cost estimate over the budget the Owner wants to maintain, a decision can be made to modify the design concept instead of having to spend a considerable amount of time, effort and money re-designing and/or modifying completed construction documents, OR, the Owner decides to spend more money or obtain higher financial support for the project. To manage the budget before design is done, construction crews are mobilized, CM is spending tens of thousands per week just having onsite management, major items are purchased, etc, etc,...is an extremely more effcient use of everyone's time, effort, Architect / Designer's costs, and the CM's General Conditions costs, AND delivering to the Owner a design within his budget.

Selecting constructor: ( to be elaborated )

Maintaining positive working relationships among the Owner, Architect / Designer and Constructor: ( to be elaborated )

Maximizes the awareness among Owner, Architect / Designer and CM of all parties needs, expectations in order to perform their part of the project in the most efficient manner. ( to be elaborated )

"Fast Track" construction / design: ( to be elaborated )

Regulation In the UK the industry is regulated though Construction Design Management regulations, which prevent incidents on construction sites and civil engineering structures once competent

External links

• American Council for Construction Education
• Associated Schools of Construction
• Construction Management Association of America
• National Institute of Construction Management and Research, India
• Construction Manager Certification Institute
• US Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Full list of accredited graduate and undergraduate Project Management Degrees in the US and abroad. (list maintained by the International Project Management Commission)
• Graduate course Construction Management in India
• Construction Specifications Institute
• http://cife.stanford.edu/
• http://cm.csuchico.edu/

References

See also

• Architect
• Architectural engineering
• Civil engineering
• Construction engineering
• Construction software
• Joint Contracts Tribunal
• Submittals (construction)
• Shop drawing

Construction Management BSc (Hons) - Course Information - Northumbria ...
Construction Management BSc (Hons), University of Northumbia at Newcastle, situated in the North East of England, has two campuses, one in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne and ...

Management Construction - Project Management - Building ...
Construction management consultants. Company information and client details.

Construction Jobs - Management & Engineering Vacancies in Construction ...
Construction Jobs - Senior management and engineering vacancies in construction. Search for a new career

New Construction (Design and Management) Regulations
Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 ... The Approved Code of Practice (ACoP) Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007

New Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007
The Construction (Design and Management) (CDM) Regulations 2007 (CDM 2007) came into force on the 6 April 2007

ConstructionMall - Construction Management
Construction information for UK and Europe. Jobs, news, contracts, catalogue and websites of companies involved with construction

Construction Management
Construction Management Research Group Research by staff, research fellows, associates and postgraduate students of the Construction Management Group addresses the whole range of ...

CMS - Construction Management Software Ltd..Estimating
Construction Software Systems, Estimating ... 10th September, 2008 Belfast - CMS CONTRACTO read more; 8th October, 2008 Strabane - CMS CONTRACTOR D read more ...

Construction Management Jobs - Eden Brown
Construction Management Jobs. Construction Management Jobs and vacancies available across the UK and London.

The Bartlett: Construction Management
overview of CPM] [Details of new MSc and PhD EPSRC Studentships]