A project management methodology encompasses the techniques, processes, and procedures a manager uses to control and execute projects. Since this methodology provides the framework for planning and managing a project, selecting the right one for a construction project is important.
There are many project management methodologies, some conventional and others modern. For example, the Waterfall method is a traditional approach that takes a sequential and linear route toward project completion. Meanwhile, Agile methods are relatively modern and prioritize flexibility and adaptability to ensure iterative development in the work process.
Combining the right methodology with dependable workforce planning software like Bridgit is key to successful construction project completion.
Let’s look at some project management methods and the project nature, resources, team size, and work culture they are suitable for.
3 project management methodologies for construction projects
Construction projects are not a one-fits-all practice. What works for one site or project may not work for another. Thus, stakeholders should sit with the project managers to choose the right methodology for their project. In some cases, a hybrid approach may also help yield better results.
Here are the three most effective construction project management methods:
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Agile project management
According to research, 71% of US companies use Agile since these projects have a 64% success rate and are 1.5 times more successful than their Waterfall counterparts.
Agile project management takes an iterative approach to project completion, focusing on small batches of work, collaborating with clients, and visualizing work processes for better transparency. Since the approach is rather flexible, it allows teams to adapt to changing scopes and requirements.
The five pillars of an Agile approach are:
- Continuous improvement
- Customer focus
- Adaptability
- Transparency
- Sense of ownership
Project managers ensure transparency by sharing work progress with stakeholders using information radiators like Kanban boards. The open sharing of project progress allows everyone to be on the same page about workforce involvement in the project and the expected timeline for work completion.
Since Agile project management has frequent feedback loops, there are several ‘checkpoints’ during the project lifecycle in which customers can see if their desired outcomes are met. In the construction industry, this means that customers can decide if the prototype meets their requirements.
In a survey, 82% of respondents said that an Agile setup would ensure the successful survival of the construction industry in the wake of a geopolitical crisis. So, it’s about time construction project managers consider it a viable approach for their projects.
Advantages
- Flexibility – Agile projects have a degree of flexibility that allows the workforce and project managers to tailor their work process to changing customer demands or project scope. As a result, the team can deliver a product that ticks all the customer’s boxes.
- Increased collaboration – Since construction processes are interdependent, collaboration is key. Agile project management encourages open communication and collaboration, leading to better problem-solving and teamwork.
- Lower risk – Agile project management divides work into smaller and more manageable iterations. Thus, there’s a lower risk of failure. Even if the project fails, it will not affect the entire organization.
Shortcomings
- Dependency – Agile projects depend on collaboration between team members. It becomes difficult to maintain momentum if team members are unavailable or do not use the chosen communication channels.
- Difficult scaling – Although Agile project management works well for smaller projects, scaling for more complex or larger projects can be challenging.
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Critical Path project management
Critical Path project management is an approach that uses a critical path network for managing activities and work processes related to a project. The ‘critical path’ is the sequence of activities that must be done on time for the project to meet its deadline.
In simple terms, it is the longest sequence of work processes that you must complete in a given order to ensure timely project completion. In CPM, the project managers identify all tasks needed for the project completion, estimate the duration for these tasks, determine the right sequence, and then plan accordingly.
CPM is ideal for construction projects since it is suited for projects with clear dependencies among tasks. Plus, construction projects have well-defined tasks, such as laying the foundation, constructing walls, and painting the interiors.
The proper definition of tasks allows teams to identify risk or bottleneck areas in the project and allocate resources to those areas well in time to prevent any hurdles.
Advantages
- Clear work path – CPM provides a clear project timeline, including all tasks that must be completed and the dependencies between them. Knowing these tasks in advance allows managers to determine the skills, expertise, labor, resources, and time required for efficient work completion.
- Risk management – Since project managers know the dependencies beforehand, they can identify potential bottlenecks in a project. It allows them to manage these risks proactively before they become bigger obstacles.
- Resource optimization – Identification of the critical path allows project managers to optimize resource allocation to ensure each task gets its required resources.
Shortcomings
- Complex – The CPM is complex to set up for large projects with numerous tasks and dependencies.
- Limited flexibility – Since CPM is a linear approach, it does not account for unprecedented delays or changes in the project timeline.
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Lean project management (LPM)
Lean project management focuses on limiting waste and ensuring continuous improvement. The roots of this project management strategy are in the Japanese automotive industry, particularly Lean Manufacturing.
LPM defines waste as any activity that does not add value to the project or the end product. The primary goal of this method is to eliminate waste to streamless the project processes, increasing efficiency and lowering costs.
Project managers who use LPM often combine it with Six Sigma quality control principles to identify and eliminate waste from the production process. They also use tools such as Kaizen events, Just-In-Time delivery, and stream mapping for seamless project progress.
Advantages
- Continuous improvement – Like Agile, LPM also continuously improves project efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Employee empowerment – LPM empowers employees by giving them the tools and procedures to identify and eliminate waste from their daily tasks.
- Waste elimination – Since LPM eliminates waste in the form of excess inventory, overworking, and unnecessary processes, it significantly reduces project costs.
Shortcomings
- Difficult to implement – LPM requires a significant cultural shift, which can be difficult for teams to implement.
- Time-consuming – LPM involves continuous improvement, so it can take longer than other project management strategies.
Conclusion
All three project management methodologies mentioned above can transform how project managers manage construction sites. While Agile is best for smaller projects, LPM is ideal for project managers who want to minimize waste. However, CPM is the most suitable choice if you focus on meeting deadlines and reducing costs.
