Monday, December 5, 2011

What Is Project Management in The Construction Industry?

Managing a construction project is different from any other stream of management. High level of knowledge in advanced management techniques and the process of construction are required for the efficient management of a construction project. A project always has a well defined start and end date with a set of predefined objectives. The project is scrapped as soon as the goal is accomplished. The challenges and the targets of a construction project are specific. These projects are temporary in nature, and the management practices are different from that of repetitive business as usual activities. In spite of differences in procedures and technological requirements, a construction project has many similarities with projects in the filed of pharmaceuticals, energy, or aerospace sectors. Project Management Institute defines project management as a form of art that helps to reach a set of predefined goals in terms of scope, time, cost, satisfaction, and quality throughout the duration of the project with the use of advanced techniques of management and coordination of human, as well as material resources. The overall perspective of the management of a business or industry in general has a much wider scope and continuity. However, the principles of general management are widely used as effective project management tools because there are many similarities between the two.

Proper grasp of the advanced general management techniques and the specific domains relating to construction is considered to be imperative for successful project management. Knowledge of computer science and decision theory is also important in the context of efficient project management. Decision support systems and computer aided information systems were once considered to be no more than supporting tools in management. However, these are now the basic tools of any discipline of management. Other techniques of operations research like network analysis and linear programming have also become commonly practiced general management tools in the modern day management fraternity. Management of projects in the construction sector involves different types of conflict resolution. The operational objectives of a construction project get impacted heavily due to resource related constraints. Commonly conflicts take place due to constraints pertaining to manpower, finance and material resources. There can also be conflict between the different predetermined objectives of the project like quality, time, scope, and cost. It is extremely important to assess the chance of such conflict at the time of inception of the project so that proper agreements can be made without delaying the progress of the project.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Common Reasons to Employ Storm Drain Contractors

Storm drain contractors are employed by General contractors to perform work on storm water drainage systems. This type of pipeline system is necessary for rerouting accumulated storm water runoff from ground surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, curbs, and parking lots.

Employing licensed and certified storm drain contractors is necessary when systems are installed or repaired. These systems have to be maintained on a regular basis to minimize risk of flooding and to check for large pieces of debris that can cause systems to backup and overflow.

Storm drainage systems are comprised of a series of water pipes, catch basins, and inlets. That latter two are devices that attach to subsurface pipes. They are positioned by roads, sidewalks, and curbs to filter debris and convey water to a discharge location.

Friday, October 28, 2011

How To Decide When To Buy A New Or Used Dozer

Bulldozers are essential for a variety of functions and can often be found on construction sites, military camps, engineering project venues, farms, mines and quarries. Any construction entrepreneur knows, thus, that bulldozers are necessary to deal with a wide array of construction works. And, no construction business would survive without bulldozers, so having them is a must.

Most construction business operators have quite a dilemma, when faced with the prospect of buying dozers for their businesses. Should you buy a used dozer? Or, should you go for a new dozer? If you can't make up your mind about it yet, the following suggestions may be able to get you of that rut.

Consider the following questions when choosing between a used dozer and a new dozer:

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

The Benefits of Buying Second Hand Cranes

Any business that deals with lifting, lowering and transferring heavy loads from one place to another relies a lot on cranes. These machines are instrumental in introducing functionality and are effective in achieving operational success to any business. This is why cranes are important additions to any construction business' team - and also why construction companies are always on the lookout for cranes that they can buy.

What a lot of them don't know, though, is that cranes are not only effective machines when they are brand-new. Second hand cranes are also good at fulfilling what their brand-new counterparts can do, only with more benefits.

Contrary to popular beliefs, buying second hand cranes is not the bad idea that you think it would be. There are a lot of good things that people can reap from considering cranes that have been used before.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Where to Look for Eye Bolts and Dowels or Other Hardware Materials

Hardware items encompass a large number of parts and pieces important for various types of construction. Eye bolts, dowels, nuts & washers are small pieces of hardware items that fasten parts of a structure or furniture in place. For average persons, it can be difficult to differentiate one from another. Would you know where to find these items when you go to a hardware store to look for them?

Here is a breakdown of the four different pieces, their description and uses.

Eye bolts and Dowels

An eye bolt is a type of screw with a looped end used for tying cables. It is commonly used for hanging paintings or picture frames by a string to a wall. Other uses include as a locking mechanism or for building clothesline.

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Changes In The CSLB Laws And Regulations: What You Need To Know

Every year the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) makes new changes to its laws and regulations, which may cover construction bonds or the ability for a contractor to obtain a contractor's license bond. Here are the changes in laws and regulations the California CSLB made for 2012:

CSLB Licensing and Board Operations

The CSLB must now be notified within 90 days of a Responsible Managing Officer's (RMO) or Employee's (RME) disassociation from the license. The bill also enables a 90-day extension in limited circumstances to replace the qualifier for the license.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

What Extensive Training Is Required For Optimized Construction Design?

The person who oversees, plans and designs a building, whether a single story home or a 100 story high-rise is called an architect. The information below should help you choose an architect that is able to give you the optimized construction design you deserve.

An individual interested in pursuing an architectural career needs to have management skills, technical knowledge and understand business. These skills are just as important as the design aspect. They help guarantee the client receives building design optimization.

Education. Experience. Examination.

An architect usually has to have at least a degree in architecture from a college or university. This requirement is frequently satisfied by a two to three year internship. How long an internship is depends on the state or jurisdiction being practiced in. A series of exams or registration examination must be successfully completed prior to licensure.