Part 4 Flashcards
Why is time management a key issue in project management?
According to CIOB surveys, 94% of respondents had been involved in projects that overran on time. More complex projects are less likely to finish on time, time efficiency is rarely considered at the design stage, and time control is often left to the contractor.
What are the key steps in managing project time?
1) Understand what has to be done and the project deliverables
2) Break the project down into key tasks/activities using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
3) Establish the best methods considering available labour, materials, equipment
4) Determine the logical sequence of tasks using network diagrams
5) Estimate the duration of each activity
6) Prepare project schedules/programs
7) Monitor progress using a closed-loop control system
What tools are used for project time management?
Key tools include network analysis, Critical Path Method (CPM), PERT, and critical chain/buffer management. CPM uses arrow or precedence diagrams to show activity sequences and dependencies. It determines the critical path, project duration, and float.
How is a project schedule developed after the network analysis?
Forward and backward pass calculations are done to determine early/late start and finish dates, the critical path, and float for each activity. This is used to produce a linked bar chart (Gantt chart) showing the logical relationships. The critical path is the sequence of activities that determines the minimum project duration.
Why is health and safety management important in construction?
Effective health and safety (H&S) management helps prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, lowers accident costs, reduces absenteeism and turnover, improves productivity and morale, and ensures compliance with legal duties under criminal and civil law. Studies show a 400-600% return on investment in safety programs.
What are some of the key health and safety laws and regulations?
Important H&S legislation includes the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, Workplace Regulations 1992, Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Work at Height Regulations 2005, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and Electricity at Work Regulations 1989.
What are common causes of accidents and safety issues on construction sites?
Frequent factors include work pressure, tight schedules, macho attitudes, poor communication, lack of H&S knowledge, failure to report minor accidents, adverse weather, poor planning, high labour turnover, and challenges controlling numerous subcontractors.
What are strategies to improve construction safety performance?
The HSE recommends greater involvement of professional advisors, better site management and subcontractor control, setting clear safety standards for small firms, focusing on high-risk activities, and addressing H&S early in pre-contract stages.
Why is employee wellbeing an emerging priority in the construction industry?
There is growing recognition that improving worker wellbeing can have positive impacts on overall project and business performance. Key enablers of wellbeing include strong relationships, effective communication, capturing worker insights, and supportive HR practices.
What types of research are being conducted on construction H&S and wellbeing?
Studies like the UCL-HKU OHSW Research are examining safety leading indicators in the literature and HSE archives, how they are measured, and the relationships between leading indicators and safety outcomes. This involves systematic literature reviews and collaboration with industry partners.
What are challenges to achieving good H&S and wellbeing in construction?
Barriers include persistent machismo attitudes, cost and time pressures, lack of awareness of risks and legal duties, laziness, and ignorance of best practices. Overcoming these requires commitment from all stakeholders.
Who has responsibilities for ensuring health, safety and wellbeing on projects?
Employers and duty holders like clients, designers, contractors have primary legal responsibilities. Regulators like HSE inspectors enforce the laws. Trade union H&S representatives, insurers, and the media also play important roles in upholding standards.
What are the key elements of a successful H&S management system?
Core components include:
1) Clear H&S policies and leadership commitment,
2) Defined roles and an effective management structure,
3) Systematic planning and implementation of the H&S policy,
4) Measuring performance against standards to drive improvement,
5) Audits and management reviews to capture lessons learned.
How should H&S risks be controlled through the management system?
The fundamental steps are:
1) Conduct risk assessments to identify workplace hazards,
2) Implement sensible control measures to mitigate risks,
3) Monitor to ensure controls remain effective over time.
A 5-step risk assessment process covers hazard identification, evaluating risks, recording findings, implementation, and review.
