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The Manual explains how to achieve the better results, and avoid the problems, that are
indicated below.
It is widely stated that the management of building-projects is fragmented, as if this is a necessary
condition. . However, many complex projects are managed smoothly, with an orderly flow of work.
A project follows a relatively fixed sequence of stages between its concept and completion. Each stage
is a building block of project success and includes its own management sequences and problems. (Business
Planning, Project Development, Preparation for Construction, Construction, and Commissioning and Completion).
Whichever delivery method is used [e.g. design-bid-build, construction management or design-build], a well-run
project answers the question: "who's in charge?" - for the whole project and for each of its responsibilities.
The Design Manager [/Prime Consultant] plans and coordinates involvement of the Owner in design decisions during
and after preliminary design. Any consultant assignments directly with the Owner are coordinated by the Design Manager
To achieve the project's intended purpose, timely completion and financial viability, many management processes are
needed: Defining the Project and Verifying Results; Managing Business and Projects Risks; Managing Contracts; Funding
and Cost Management; Schedule Management; and Managing the Team.
In optimizing the design, the Design Manager uses "design-freeze dates", after which changes have to be specifically
justified and approved. Design changes are controlled prior to (as well as during) construction, to prevent unnoticed
"scope creep".
(In "False Economies:) Shortcuts, untimely changes and rework may incur costs and delays that exceed the initial
savings of money and time, and threaten project success.
High-quality bid documents and pre-qualification of General Contractor and subcontractors are likely to lead to
co-operation during construction and to a successful result.
Bid-shopping is unethical, is unhelpful even to the buyer in the long run, and is unlawful.
The Design Manager establishes and coordinates quality requirements for bid documents, and, for special concerns,
assigns professionals not directly involved to check designs and specifications before bid documents are issued.
Design-build delivery requires broad design management experience and construction advice during the project
development stage.
A fast-track schedule is . unrealistic to attempt without superior teamwork during design and construction - an
especially important selection criterion. The selection and detailing of the delivery method reflects the amount of
fast-tracking required. The design-bid-build sequence is maintained for each trade.
Schedules include approvals for construction drawings and shop drawings, and for the required review periods and decisions.
Both parties to a contract assign to those supervising the work the decision authority for resolving contractual problems up
to a pre-determined maximum amount.
No party, by contract or otherwise, may escape liabilities to third parties or the public, but construction or insurance
contracts may re-assign some liabilities or the resulting costs.
To help prevent accidents, builders monitor and learn from near misses, keeping on the offensive against problems of worker safety.
As the building industry evolves, a perception that the Owner and Regulator are necessarily adversaries is becoming outdated.
Only contract terms that are clear and mutually consistent are likely to have the full force of law in the way intended. The
administration of contracts may be seen either to be fair, or to stand in the way of builders' contractual rights, depending on how the
contract terms are administered.
The [Owner's] Business Plan is based on the whole period of building ownership and/or liability, and all those who will have a say in
the acceptance of the project are represented.
The Manager of Construction role is assigned during project development (at least as a construction advisor). This helps prepare for
construction and estimate its cost, and provides practical review of the design as it progresses.
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