On site management

On-site management (sometimes called also as Construction management) - an issue that refers to a professional service that uses specialized and particular project management techniques to manage the design, planning and whole construction of a project, from just beginning to end of a project. The service take control of every component of a project, for example quality, safety, time, cost or record (What is Construction Management? 2019).

Site manager is generally responsible for monitoring the construction process and checking precisely that every kind of client wishes are properly implemented. He is also responsible for realizing the plans that have been earlier officially approved (Rusch L. P. 2017).

Characteristic of good site manager

Site manager is responsible for on-site control and for getting the work done as quickly as it is possible. It is a person who takes care of project construction management at the construction site. Competent site manager can ensure that a whole project is executed without any time or cost overruns.

He or she must be well-organised and has leadership skills. It is necessary to have abilites to work under pressure and to be good in solving unexpected problems. Site managers have usually also strong people skills and they are able to communicate and motivate the others easily (Site manager job description 2019). It is desirable to have ood knowledge of building regulations and methods

Site manager main tasks

Without this precision control a disorder could lead business into bankruptcy. A good site manager is responsible for (Andersson C. A. 1996):

1. Taking on staffand planning the work before the work starts
2. Efficient on site operations
3. Preparing daily and/or weekly programmes
4. Coordinating and supervising personnel
5. Keeping records
6. Monitoring progress and costs
7. Making safety inspections
8. Maintaining all quality control processes
9. Monitoring schedules
10. Solving or anticipating difficulties during the course of the project
11. Communicating with clients, inspectors and other people involved
12. Keeping clients updated on progress
13. Minimizing risk

It is recommended that the site manager should be a member of a permanent staff .

Where site manager can find a job?

Well qualified and experienced site managers are always on demand. There are several characteristic employers who use services of site managers and can be listed below ("What is Construction Management?" 2019):

• Construction companies - typically they ar contractors
• Property developing and house building firms
• The public sector
• Individual companies that are owners of a lot of land, for example retailers and infrastructure companies)

Due to very fast growth of the construction industry, the demand for Site Managers is still increasing.

Examples of On site management

• Managing the design, planning, and construction of a building project: On-site management is essential to ensure that a building project is completed on time and within budget. This includes overseeing the progress of the project from start to finish, from the design process to the completion of the building.
• Overseeing the installation of a large-scale infrastructure project: On-site management is also essential to ensure that an infrastructure project is completed according to specifications. This includes overseeing the installation of pipes, cables, and other components of the project.
• Supervising the construction of a bridge: On-site management is necessary to ensure that a bridge is built according to specifications. This includes supervising the installation of the bridge’s foundations, the construction of the superstructure, and the installation of the bridge deck.
• Managing the construction of a road: On-site management is necessary to ensure that a road is built according to specifications. This includes supervising the excavation and grading of the road, the installation of drainage systems, and the construction of the road surface.

Advantages of On site management

On-site management offers many advantages for construction projects. These advantages include:

• Cost Savings: On-site management eliminates the need for costly subcontractors, as the project manager can coordinate and manage the project from start to finish. This can result in significant cost savings for the project.
• Increased Efficiency: On-site management ensures that the project is completed on time, as the project manager is able to coordinate and manage all elements of the project. This increased efficiency can lead to a more profitable project.
• Improved Quality: On-site management also ensures that the project is completed to a high standard. The project manager can monitor the project on a day-to-day basis and ensure that any issues or problems are addressed quickly, leading to an improved quality project.
• Improved Safety: On-site management also ensures that the project is completed safely, as the project manager can ensure that proper safety protocols are followed and any hazards are identified and addressed. This can lead to a safer project overall.

Limitations of On site management

On-site management has the following limitations:

• Time: Construction management requires a significant amount of time to plan and execute the project, which may be difficult to manage when working within tight deadlines.
• Cost: Construction management can be expensive, due to the need for experienced personnel and specialized equipment.
• Communication: Poor communication between the management team and the workers can lead to confusion and miscommunication, resulting in delays and costly errors.
• Safety: The safety of workers and equipment is a priority for any construction project, and on-site management teams need to be aware of this and take all necessary precautions.
• Quality: Construction management teams need to ensure the highest quality of work is done in order to ensure the final product meets standards and expectations.

Other approaches related to On site management

In this answer, I will discuss other approaches related to on-site management. These include:

• Project Management - this approach includes the planning, coordinating and controlling of all aspects of a project, from its conception to completion, in order to meet the customer's requirements. It involves the selection and management of resources, the organization of the work process and the evaluation of the project's progress.
• Risk Management - this approach involves the identification, assessment and management of risks associated with a project. This helps to minimize the potential for losses and maximize the potential benefits of a project.
• Quality Management - this approach is focused on ensuring that the quality of the project's output meets the customer's expectations. It involves the use of quality control techniques, such as inspections and audits, to ensure that the desired level of quality is achieved.

In summary, on-site management is a professional service which uses specialized project management techniques to manage the design, planning and construction of a project. Other approaches related to on-site management include project management, risk management and quality management. Each of these approaches is focused on different aspects of the project in order to ensure that the customer's requirements are met.

On site management — recommended articles

Quality manager — Functions of production management — Paraplanning — Autonomous maintenance — Preparation of project — Routine maintenance — Project scope — Project support office — Successful project manager

References

• Andersson C. A. (1996), Site Management, Vol. 1, US. "International Labour Organization", p. 65-66.
• What is Construction Management? (2019), What is Construction Management?, CMMA (Advancing Professional Construction and Program Management Worldwide).
• Jackson J. B. (2006), Construction Management JumpStart, John Wiley & Sons.
• Mortimore S., Wallace C. (2012), HACCP: A Practical Approach, Springer.
• Rusch L. P. (2017), Basics Site Management, Birkhäuser.
• Site Manager Job Description (2019), Site manager job description, Career Structure.
• Vidovszky I. (2015), Site organization and management, BUTE - Faculty of Architecture Department of construction technology and management.

Author: Agata Drabik