Category: Contracts & management
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
The project manager plans, organises and controls the project through to handover, managing the team, contracts, programme, cost, quality, risk and communication with the owner and authorities. He may represent the owner, contractor or consultant.
Why it matters on a project
Most troubled projects fail not on technical grounds but on weak planning, decisions and follow-up. A project manager with clear authority reduces delay and cost.
Common mistake
Appointing a project manager without real authority over decisions and spending, so he becomes a messenger.
Frequently asked questions
How does a project manager differ from a site engineer?
The site engineer focuses on daily work; the project manager on the whole picture of time, cost, contracts and decisions.
Does a villa need a project manager?
On large villas or with several contractors it saves much time and money, and the consultant may take the role.
Related terms
- Baseline programmeThe programme approved at project start against which progress is measured.
- Progress reportA periodic report of what was done, what slipped and why.
- Earned valueA method that measures progress and cost together against the plan.
- Risk assessmentIdentifying hazards in each activity, estimating likelihood and severity and setting controls before work starts.
Read next
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