Abstract In this article, the writer notes that the need for constructionmanagement has never been more critical than in the present for construction projects and in fact due to technological advances the constructionmanager's realm is one that has greatly diversified. The paper then presents research that clearly demonstrates that the need exists for highly educated, trained and qualified construction project management more than ever before due to issues of safety and security. The paper also relates that the purpose of the study is to research and examine constructionmanagement and to gain an understanding of how the needs and demands in construction project management have changed as compared to historical and traditional constructionmanagement.
Outline:
Statement of Thesis
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Significance of the Study
Methodology
Literature Review
Findings of the Study
Recommendations for Research
From the Paper "First the project must be organized prior to design and construction and while the project is ongoing the project manager will have considerations of labor, material, and equipment utilization. Cost estimation will be important as well as the economic evaluation of facilities and investments and the financing of the facilities to be construction. Other considerations include construction pricing and contracting and fundamental scheduling procedures as well as more advanced scheduling techniques. The project manager as well must consider cost-control, cost-monitoring and cost-accounting during the term of the construction project. Other considerations in project management include quality control and safety during construction and finally the organization and use of project information."
Abstract This paper reviews the history of the role of the constructionmanager. According to the paper, constructionmanagement is defined as the term applied to the technique of managing the various designs and construction processes of a building project on behalf of an owner or client.
From the Paper "One important role is scheduling. A large part of the construction manager's time is spent preparing and working with schedules. Scheduling is a principal function of construction law. Scheduling is simply planning in advance the events to be accomplished over time and putting them into a document (Volume 2). The schedule must be very precise and detailed. While on the sight, the construction manager must stay informed of progress being made and make sure that schedule deadlines are being met (Handbook Online). When problems and delays occur, the construction manager must be able to work things out and adjust the schedule to where the deadline can still be met (Volume 2). Without scheduling, the construction project is not likely to be completed on time. "
Tags: General, Services, Administration, (GSA), architect, budgeting, project, team
Abstract This paper examines external factors that can cause problems in construction projects.
From the Paper "Construction projects are often used to describe the project management process because of the many interrelated tasks that must be accomplished in order for the project to be completed on time and within budget. Construction projects are also used to demonstrate risk management and risk aversion principles because of the many external factors that can have a detrimental effect on the project. If a task is not accomplished early in the process it can put the entire project offtrack and may cause ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the role that the project manager plays in the construction safety standards for organizations in today's environment. It aims to support the thesis that the project manager can have a measurable impact on the safety of the construction project. The paper looks at how the project manager can communicate the safety standards to his employees and improve construction safety.
Table of Contents:
Role of the ConstructionManager The Project Manager as a Policy Maker
The Project Manager as a Communicator
The Project Manager as a Facilitator
How Can We Measure the Impact of the Project Manager on Safety?
ManagingConstruction Safety: An International Perspective
Managerial Commitment to Safety
Special Issues in Construction Safety
Suggestions for Improving Construction Safety
From the Paper "The final requirement of a safety program is to provide a means of review. If and when a circumstance occurs, one needs to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the accident. Corrective action needs to be taken in order to make certain that it does not occur again in the future. Safety needs to become a part of employee reviews. It is expected that these measures will result in fewer employee complaints, reduced absenteeism, lower expenses due to injuries, and reduced worker's compensation claims. Fewer accidents and injuries has a positive affect on the workplace. It can result in improved employee morale and job satisfaction. It can have a measurable impact on productivity, reduced hidden costs, and reduced insurance claims. All of these positive benefits mean projects that come under budget."
Abstract In this article, the writer looks at Florida, that has a high concentration of migrant labor in all industries involving manual labor. The writer notes that this concentration of migrant, or otherwise largely Hispanic, workforce is readily apparent in the construction industry where large numbers of Hispanic workers are regularly employed. The writer looks at the problems faced by the U.S. in order to ensure the safety and care of such employees. Further the writer discusses related U.S. welfare and social policies, in comparison to Canada.
From the Paper The United States has long resisted using government programs to reduce inequalities to the degree that Canada has, and the result is predictable in that the problems in the U.S. are much greater. At the same time, Canada has been reconsidering some aspects of its social policies. The assumption made by this statement is common, that capitalism does not cover certain types of social program, certain types of human needs, while the welfare state does cover these elements. Between Canada and the United States, this has been illustrated most starkly over the past couple of decades by the difference in terms of health care. Canada offers a comprehensive and centralized health care system, a so-called single payer system, while the United States does not and has been embroiled in controversy for years as a result.
Abstract This paper describes commercial construction as "building projects exclusive of residential construction," and discusses commercial construction from both an economic point of view and from the point of view of the community. The paper discusses why commercial construction is a boon to the construction business, providing stable work even when residential construction is at a lull. The paper also discusses the complexities of managing commercial construction.
From the Paper "Commercial construction is defined as "building projects exclusive of residential [single- or two-family home] construction". It is one of the biggest segments of the entire construction industry and is believed to have strengthened the industry in recent years due to rapid and steady growth. The commercial sector has been growing steady for some time now as is evident from market research and reports. Back in 2000, Sinderman wrote: "...the state of the commercial real estate market is strong. The demand for office, industrial and retail buildings remains high, and, as Internet-based companies continue to grow, specialized facilities have become more popular than ever." In 2005, a construction report by McGraw-Hill supported that claim: "The commercial and infrastructure construction segments are providing a lift to the overall construction industry, marking a role reversal from most of the past two or three years. According to October 2004 figures for future construction contracts calculated by McGraw-Hill Construction, Lexington, Mass., overall new construction starts increased 4 percent in October versus September (on a seasonally adjusted basis), with nonresidential and infrastructure construction gaining while the residential sector fell slightly." (Late Rebound)"
Tags: commercial, construction, residential, business, office, hotel
Abstract This paper discusses green building construction and points out that this design saves energy as well as money. The paper explains that green building construction is vital and is a determinative of project success. The paper also explains that the individual needs to take the initiative in addressing construction design and development and associated costs as well as funding, marketing and sales. In addition, the paper tells us that green building construction holds great financial promise for the future. A graph of taxes by state is included with the paper.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Significance of study
Methodology
Literature Review
Findings and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Andrew Meyerson (2005) entitled: "The Dollars and Cents of Green Construction" states that green construction and design can not only save energy but also can result in monetary savings in the areas of: (1) Tax breaks and rebates; (2) Lower construction costs; (3) Reduction or elimination of the need for heating and air-conditioning equipment and the associated costs of purchase, maintenance and electricity; (4) Reduction in energy and water bills by as much as fifty-percent; (5) Increase in labor productivity, retail customer sales and apartment rental prices; and (6) Protection of operating budgets from increases in energy prices. (Meyerson, 2005, p. 2) Meyerson relates that practically all states offer incentives in the form of reduction of taxes for construction that is friendly to the environment. (2005, p. 4) Additionally in green construction projects where a pre-existing structure is on the construction site, cost savings may be realized through reuse of as much of the existing structure as possible. Additionally, is it necessary to be aware of the attitudes that serve as drivers of the choice of clients to use the firm and added to this is the fact "that commercial 'green buildings' outperform their conventional counterparts across a wide variety of metrics, including energy savings, occupancy rates, sale price and rental rates, another very practical and often times overlooked data for improving the cash flow of the client is the "energy efficient commercial building tax deductions.""
Tags: green, building, construction, funding, marketing, save, money, energy
Abstract This paper presents a market analysis and assessment of four low-income housing development projects in Chicago and their impact on surrounding residential neighborhoods. The study conducted was designed to determine whether or not such housing projects have negative effects on surrounding neighborhoods and considered such factors as design and construction quality, building density, the presence or absence of litter, landscaping, ages and conditions of parked cars and window treatments. Also considered by the study were the number of children in the complex and their ages. The study was conducted assuming that the projects were adequately managed and fully occupied and the residents occupying the development project met government-established income criteria. The study found that the stereotype that low income housing projects negatively affect surrounding residential neighborhoods is not necessarily true and, moreover, low-income housing built right in our backyards might have no effect at all on property values.
From the Paper "Although the specific loan guarantees, tax credits, or rent subsidy programs varied between the four projects, all were entirely either low-income or very low-income family housing developments in developing suburban areas. The quality of the management of the projects chosen could not be determined in advance. As it turned out, all of the projects chosen for the study appeared to be adequately managed and were fully occupied. Therefore, the conclusions assume competent management-not an insignificant factor. Because of the prevailing image of low-income housing, some measurable negative impact was expected; the method developed for analyzing the projects attempted to account for this impact."
Abstract This paper examines how the problems arising within Potters, a company specializing in product sourcing of construction materials, are not just the concern of the company, but the various organizations that are affected by the problems as well. It looks at how Potters offers over 24,000 different products and how the key to developing long-term relationships with suppliers and customers is by figuring out what the most prevalent products are for those customers and then developing long-term relationships with those suppliers who offer those particular products. The paper contends that Potters must take a careful approach towards implementing any changes and can do that by understanding the patterns of supply and demand and how quality management programs and ERP implementations are strategic business initiatives that aspire to improve firm performance
From the Paper "A method of addressing the issue of 'rolling' stocks can be to have the suppliers be responsible for ensuring that their displays are always stocked with new product. In this manner the suppliers would have an agent that would visit the store on a regular basis to track specific sales items and the effects of various promotions. By asking the supplier to be responsible for their own display areas, the responsibility and need to stock new items on a regular basis would be left up to the supplier. This would also cut down on Potter's employee costs by freeing the employees from having to restock the various supplier's displays. Product sales would presumably be more efficient and profitable since the responsibility to do so would be taken on by the suppliers. "
A review of how knowledge management (KM) maintains the value of managing a firm's collective knowledge, which is the key to providing supply chain solutions.
Abstract The paper defends the position that there is value of knowledge management to the field of supply chain logistics, which is a paradigm shift in thinking about the field of supply chains. The paper explores the areas of attempting to define knowledge management and aligning it and exploring knowledge management value within the field of supply chain logistics.
Outline:
Introduction
Logistics
Defining Knowledge Management Defining Supply Chain Logistics
Knowledge as a Strategic Resource
Creating value through KM within the Service Industry
Decision Path: Outsourcing or Leveraging Knowledge
Knowledge Creating Company
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to Davenport's and Smith's contribution to the The Knowledge Management Yearbook 2000-2001, entitled, "Managing Knowledge in Professional Service Firms", details how Professional Services (PS) firms were pioneers in managing knowledge and have developed a certain sophistication in the area; because a core business function of PS firms is to sell their knowledge and application of it. These core competencies in learning how to effectively and efficiently create, diffuse, and use professional knowledge are providing value to the clients of professional service providers, but there is a measurable gain with respect to the supply chain logistical functions of their clients as well. The professional services industry, which includes legal, accounting and tax, consulting, and systems integration services, is knowledge intensive (Davenport & Smith, 1999). These knowledge intensive activities are present in both the professional services industry as well as industrial industry. A new development in today's modern economy is the prevalence of Business Process Outsourcing."
Abstract Waste management and the landfill industry in general have emerged in the past few decades as an area of concern for citizens, government officials and policy makers alike. The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was designed to govern the handling and disposal of "hazardous wastes" at sites that were then currently active. The RCRA affects sites where such wastes were treated, stored or disposed of since November 19, 1980. Thus, any person that generates "hazardous waste" is governed, as are persons that treat, store or dispose of hazardous wastes. This paper discusses the changes in the waste management and landfill industry as a result of the RCRA, the reconfiguration of the solid waste industry after the EPA banned local small dumps, and includes policy analysis and recommendations for the future in this area.
From the Paper "The RCRA requires landfill owners to prove that they can afford to maintain their landfills after closure and to correct environmental problems the landfills cause. Trust funds are the most promising of the mechanisms owners may use to provide financial assurance (Lee, at 35-39). After the EPA banned small dumps, a large landfill industry arose, causing a reconfiguration of the solid waste industry. Public and private landfill owners face additional compliance deadlines under the municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill regulations issued by the EPA."
Abstract In this article, the writer makes suggestions for how Comcast should build a training facility for technical support staff. Taking quality management into consideration, the writer describes how the paper focuses on important training issues like ergonomics. Further, the writer discusses Deming's P.D.S.A. model.
From the Paper "Comcast has reached a stage where the company believes that it needs a separate training facility for technical support personnel. In order to make recommendations about building a training facility, it is important to understand the fundamental precepts of employee training. A study of ergonomics is essential to making appropriate recommendations relating to the appropriate design for this training facility for Comcast. Ideally, the facility will be capable of serving a variety of other purposes when it is not in use for training field technical service personnel.
Tags:management, business, deming, PDSA, training facility, training, ergonimics, construction
Abstract Federal contracts for construction, while similar in many respects to other types of federal contracts, have some unique aspects that have caused the federal government to create a system of rules within the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) specific to construction contracts. The federal government has been justified in creating these rules separate from those that apply specifically to supply and service contracts. This paper focuses on some of the unique rules and regulations that apply to federal construction contracts, including those related to contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions.
Abstract
Overview
Contract Types
Federal Construction Contracting Laws
Contract Performance and Specifications
Payment Financing
Delays
Differing Site Conditions
References
From the Paper "The federal government is the largest owner of real property in the world (Bastianelli, et. al., 1998), so it stands to reason that they spend an enormous amount of money on construction and maintenance of that property. It is difficult to gauge exactly how much the federal government spends on construction annually, but it is noteworthy that the Department of Defense alone planned to award over $10 billion on construction contracts in 2002 (Bush, 2001). Because of this significant amount of construction outsourcing, and the intricacies that go along with construction contracting, the federal government has been justified in developing unique regulations and rules for construction contracts. The federal government, in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), defines construction as, ?"construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) of buildings, structures, or other real property"? (FAR 2.101). Determining whether or not something is considered a building or a structure is general straightforward, although there are always exceptions. However, the line defining whether or not something is real property can, at times, be somewhat unclear. The FAR does not provide a definition for real property, but in federal contracts the common legal definition is used, that real property is, ?"land and all things that are attached to it"? (Lectric Law Library, 2003). Though many of the clauses, terms and conditions, and rules applicable to federal construction contracts are the same, or similar, to those that are used on federal contracts for supplies, there are a number of differences in the nature of contracting for construction that have caused the federal government to create separate laws that deal specifically with federal construction contracts. One of the major differences is that construction contracts are performed on Government property. Because of this, construction contractors are subject to a great deal more in the area of inspections and general surveillance on their contracts (Abernathy and Kelleher, 1976). Construction contracts typically have much more paperwork than federal supply contracts. On construction contracts, a contractor is required to file daily reports showing that they complied with all the unique construction regulations, including safety, schedules, and submittals of material samples (Arnavas, 2001, ?? 27.4.a.). Construction contracts are subject to much greater scrutiny on performance than supply contracts, as detailed analysis and explanation of any deficiencies are reported to contractors and contractors have the right to respond. Past performance information is also kept on construction contracts for six years, where the norm on supply contracts is three years (Arnavas, 2001, ?? 27.4.a). Other differences that will be the focus of this paper include contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions."
Abstract This article serves as a defense of the claim that race is a social construct, rather than a biological fact. The writer discusses the view that genetic inequalities are not inborn, but rather created by society. In this paper, the writer looks at inequality in society caused by differences in race that appear to have been constructed by society.
From the Paper "The argument that race is a genetic predisposition is an old one and certainly an important one as it has been practiced among governments and other such institutions for centuries. This argument however leads to unwanted implications of genetic inequality between the races that we have learned is simply not the case. There are no inherent differences between individual races that are not arbitrarily constructed by society. In fact, it seems apparent that there are more variations in appearance and personality within a single race ... "
