Contracting as a PM
The purpose of this article is to reflect on the similarities and differences between contracting a large construction program, and managing a supply chain within an organisation. The term contracting often describes the act of entering a formal and/or legally binding agreement. In civil engineering, management contracting is the agreement that the construction work is carried out by several different work contractors, who are either contracted to the client or a management contractor (main contractor). The various different work contractors may include suppliers, manufacturers, retailers or workers, and it is the job of the main contractor to manage them all and ensure that the project goes according to the project plan. The main contractor is expected to oversee and involve subcontractors and suppliers, along with managing the overall project. This article aims to discuss the crucial concept of managing your stakeholders in a construction project, and will reflect on methods used in supply chain management (SCM). The article will draw parallels between SCM and contracting concepts, finding similarities and differences from a contracting perspective.
Contents |
General
As companies often aim to be succesful, they will seek to achieve a position on the market, where they can offer both a cost advantage and a value/service advantage. As seen on the logistics and competitive advantage matrix[1], it is suggested to have a Cost and Service Leader in order to achieve a competitive advantage on the market. In construction management, the cost and service leader may be responsible for developing a fitting bid for a project, and ensuring that during the project the value created meets the expectations of the client. This is crucial in the civil engineering industry, where a large project can either save a company from bankruptcy or put them in the grave. Obtaining both cost leadership and service leadership, will put an organisation in a leading position within the market. To accomplish this, it is often critical to have an experienced project or program manager leading big projects. Such a leader will often be a management contractor.
Flow of products, supplies, information, and resources is essential in order to successfully create and plan a project. Logistics provide a solid framework for flow-based plans, such as manufacturing and development facilities. Supply Chain Management (SCM) builds upon this framework, and "seeks to manage upstream and downstream relationships with suppliers and the client, in order to achieve enhanced value in the final market with less cost to the supply chain as a whole"[1]. The goal of supply chain management differs from each chain, but it could include a wish to reduce buffers in warehousing, by sharing information and co-ordinating the suppliers. The focus of a supply chain is to establish co-operation and trust between suppliers and clients, in order to optimize the final output.
A Management Contractor
A management contractor (main contractor, general contractor) is responsible for the coordination of the construction project, and will oversee the daily progress at the site. The contractor will manage and be responsible for turnkey -, main -, and individual trade contracts[2], and ensure communication between suppliers, traders and the client throughout the course of the project. The client employs the contractor after a bidding process, where an estimated price is presented. The price should cover cost of overhead, materials and equipment needed. The client should choose a contractor based price, quality and/or reputation, so it is important for the contractor to have either a value- or cost advantage. During the project, the main contract will transfer the project management from the client to the general contractor. The general contractor will then (depending on the contract) fully manage the suppliers of materials and equipment, as well as labour and services needed for the project. The general contractor may hire subcontractors to deliver turnkey projects, which are fully functional upon delivery. He/she will also be responsible for safety on the construction site, managing personnel, and applying for the necessary permits. In most cases, the management contractor will find himself as a program manager, as he has to oversee many projects performed by subcontractors, along with the overall project of the construction.
The client may choose to coordinate and manage the program themselves, by not hiring a general contractor, but by entering contracts with several individual trade contractors. The client could also choose to split the management of the project by making grouped contracts, which allow related trades to coordinate their work. By using grouped contracts, the client will have fewer contracts to manage contrary to the individual trade contracts.[2] Having a management contractor is often the preferred solution.
Management of a Network
The work of a management contractor can in many ways resemble the work of a supply chain manager, as both are responsible for overseeing a network of connected and interdependent organisations, suppliers, subcontractors and/or resources. This network must be managed in such a way, that the enteties work together to manage and improve the flow of materials and information. In supply chain management, the manager can use several theories and methods to optimize and manage the network flow. The managing contractor relies mostly on the contracts of his suppliers, and has very few tools to help him optimize the resource and information flow. Furthermore, often unlike a supply chain manager, the management contractor works within a finite amount of time. Construction projects have a finite timespan, in which the building must be designed, built and made habitable. A supply chain manager usually has an infinite amount of time, as his work often based on a market pull-strategy and covers several project portfolios at the same time. This means, that if a single project is cancelled or ends, there may still be other projects or programs that are in need of the supply chain. A management contractor therefore needs a different focus than a supply chain manager, and must know exactly how to handle his suppliers and stakeholders, in order to reach the deadline.
Stakeholder Management
Supply chain management and contracting have several resembling activities and duties, that can be analyzed. The most obvious and important parallel can be considered to be the management of suppliers and Stakeholder Management. These can be considered to be some of the most critical tasks for the manager during the project, as the rest of the network rely strongly on either suppliers, stakeholders and/or resources. There are different tools and theories used to manage these activities in both SCM and general contracting.
Managing the stakeholders is critical for a construction project, as the project can have both internal and external stakeholders, on either the demand side, the supply side, the public sector and the private sector. All these stakeholders must be managed accordingly, and there are several different methods in doing so. The first step to stakeholder management in both supply chain management and contracting is to do a Stakeholder Analysis, in order to point out the different stakeholders and their attributes.
Mapping Stakeholders
In construction projects, the managing contractor often maps the stakeholders in a Winch-Bonke framework[3]. This map focuses on the project mission, and stakeholders can be considered to have a problem with the mission, and to have a solution that will resolve the problem. If the solution is inconsistent with the client's wishes, then the stakeholders can be defined as being in opposition to the project for as long as the problem is valid. The managing constructor should seek to turn opponents into supporters. This can be done by offering appropriate changes to the project mission, ensuring that both the stakeholder and the client are satisfied. At the same time, the managing contractor should ensure that supporters do not turn into opponents by offering to incorporate their proposed problem solutions.
Mapping the stakeholders is often done before the initiation of the project or program, as the map may uncover some unnecessarily un-cooperative stakeholders. If that is the case, then the management contractor should should try to mediate with the stakeholder or, in rare and/or extreme cases, should try to remove the stakeholder if possible, by finding a replacement elsewhere.
Power/Interest Matrix
The power/interest matrix is often used in relation to the Winch-Bonke framework in construction projects, in order to develop strategies towards managing the different stakeholders. The matrix consists of two dimensions [3]:
- Power: The power of the stakeholder to influence the project definition.
- Interest: The level of interest the stakeholder has in the definition of the project.
Stakeholders may be handled differently, as their power and interest may vary greatly. Certain stakeholders are important and must be overseen at all times during the project, where other stakeholders might need minimal observation.
Discussion
Infinite/Finite Steps to ignore
Conclusion
Notes
21-09-15: Please note that this article will be renamed on the 23rd of September, 2015.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Christopher, Martin. 2011. Logistics & Supply Chain Management, 4th ed. Pearson.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Handbook: For project and construction management - Fundamental concepts by Københavns Erhvervsakademi and VIA University College
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Winch, Graham M.. 2010. Managing Construction Projects, 2nd ed. Wiley-Blackwell.
