Monday 21 March 2011

Schedule Planning and Control in Engineering, Procurement and Construction Project

In Vietnam, many building projects funded by government experienced budget overrun and schedule delay. The main reason is lack of knowledge in applying project planning and control, and also how to use the proven principles and methodologies of modern project management techniques to improve the projects performance. In order to understand the impact of project planning and control in project implementation, a case study was explored, and its results show the strengths, weakness, and consequences. However, there are also some problems that can occur when applying project planning and control such as cultural thought, political and social systems, lack of knowledge and inexperienced consultants. As a result, the negative effectiveness of unsuccessful practice of EPC project schedule planning and control can lead to more budget overruns and schedule delays.

Applying modern project management techniques in schedule planning and control for EPC project which funded by government is very difficult. It is important to explore the practice of EPC project schedule planning and control. Therefore, Mr. Vo Si Hoai made a case study on city hall project to increase a better understanding on schedule planning and control systems, and how it can be applied effectively in construction projects.

The objectives of his study were to: (1) identify schedule planning process in EPC project; (2) study and develop the schedule of each stage in EPC project; (3) develop schedule planning and control in EPC project; and (4) identify the potential problem, consequence and solution in EPC contract, also identify the advantage and advantage as suggestion should apply the EPC contract for which of project well as.

Conclusion

The case study found out that there is similar EPC project planning strategy from local EPCC. It can be concluded that EPC project planning strategy in terms of design, procurement and construction from EPCC has been aligned and organized, but, in terms of schedule aspects, it has been yet organized. Major improvements are needed for the EPC project planning strategy in EPCC in order to improve the management performance. In contrast, it can be concluded that the EPCC planning strategy has been aligned and organized in all aspects. However, there are some major points, which need to be improved in order to strengthen and continually improve the strategy performance. This study found out the good points and the “not” good point yet of schedule planning and control as shown in the table below.

Recommendations

Re-evaluate current project planning e.g. schedule planning and control in project implementation, and explore the possibility of training for weak areas. Encourage an expert in project management to explore ways to fund and put in place a specialized body of knowledge, potential certification program and cooperate with world’s project management community for the advancement of professional and its disciplines.

The recommendations to improve the schedule planning and control are shown in the table below.


His thesis abstract is copied and posted.

Abstract

Nowadays, construction market is growing rapidly in Vietnam so that the needs of knowledge of professional project management are very necessary. Many high-rise building construction projects funded by government are implemented using traditional method for project management. Lacking of knowledge of applying the proven principles and methodologies of modern EPC project management techniques is one of the reasons that cause project delay and cost overrun. Schedule planning and control is one of the factors that project managers have a lot of interest. By investigating and analyzing the weakness, and consequence for EPC project schedule planning and control in public building project funded by government, the result show the reasons cause schedule delay and cost overrun are the method delivery, using professional project management software, and lack of modern EPC project management knowledge of Vietnamese project manager. Therefore, the government should encourage professional with experience in project management to explore ways to fund and put in place a specialized body of knowledge, potential certification program and cooperate with world’s project management community for the advancement of professional and its disciplines.

7 comments:

Business opportunity in internet said...

handle a project is not easy, it takes the right management to manage a project,
thanks for your writings inspiring

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Anonymous said...


Tag: PM205A54. Let me share all of you about #5 Tips for Project Management Success,, I hope you enjoy it

1. Plan your day using time management techniques

As a project manager, time management skills are essential because you are dealing with a wide range of tasks that demand a quick turnaround time. Planning your day will go a long way in keeping you organized and increasing your productivity. Assist your task planning by using project management software which helps you track the work of you and your team.

If you are not very tech savvy, a simple to-do list can also be a great organizational tool. Prioritize your most important tasks by putting them at the top of the list and less important ones at the bottom. Having a visual plan of your daily tasks helps to keep you on track and aware of time.

Related post: Free ebook 104 secrets to become a great project manager

2. Include stakeholders in important project conversations

While you will have plenty of responsibilities regarding the project, don’t neglect your clients.

Good communication is essential is keeping both parties informed of project progression, curtailing scope creep, and apprised of changing requirements. Some clients may have different expectations when it comes to communication, so make sure to establish the frequency and type of communication (like emails, phone calls, and face-to-face conversations) at the beginning of your project.

Establishing communication expectations early helps alleviate stakeholder uncertainty about communication frequency and delivery.

3. Regularly communicate with your team

Daily team communication helps keep misunderstandings and unclear requirements under control. Keeping your team informed in every step of the project is essential to project management success.

For example, a study published by Procedia Technology found that good communication skills were the cornerstone of project management. The study examined over 300 “construction project managers, architects, construction managers, engineers and quantity surveyors” and their successes and failures on various construction projects.

4. Anticipate project setbacks

Even the best-laid plans often go awry.

Remember that even with a high amount of planning and attention to detail, your project may still encounter some challenges. Pay attention to complaints from stakeholders or colleagues, and other warning signs, like a missed deadline or cost overrun, that there may be a problem.

Preventing a crisis will keep your project running smoothly, save you a lot of time, and keep you, your team, and your stakeholders confident in progressing with the project.

Unfortunately not every complication can be avoided. Crisis management skills are essential for dealing with the unexpected. Project managers need to be flexible and pragmatic. Improvise and make sharp decisions when needed.

Related post: 92 free project management templates

5. Stay focused on the details

A common problem project managers encounter is having the project aims not aligned with the organization’s objectives. A great project manager will strategize a plan for the project to lead back to the overall success of the business.

Know your project’s scope by heart and avoid wandering outside of the project’s requirements. It’s too easy to get lost in minor details and forget what your focus is, so a well-planned project scope is essential for success.

And final, you should use KPI to measure effectiveness of the project, here are full list: 76 project management KPIs


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