The construction process is multi-staged. There are various stages that make up the whole project. In most
What is Planning and Scheduling?
Planning is the single most basic crucial part of the project. A construction project needs appropriate planning because it involves developing logical plans as to how the construction will be carried out, creating the construction documents that contain the end product of the construction and identifying all the individual activities and tasks required for completion of the project.
Scheduling on the other hand involves putting a time frame into the plans and documents.
Importance of planning and scheduling in construction management
Planning and scheduling are two systematic components of construction management. The following are importance of the two processes in the construction industry;
- Minimize cost and Optimizes utilization of resources
Planning sees to it that the various activities that are required for the completion of a project are identified. By stating and describing all the activities to be expected, it becomes easier to allocate funds and resources. The allocation of resources and funds in accordance with the activities is very cost effective. By knowing the intensity of each activity before it is to the out, project managers are able to tune financial needs to fit the requirements. The project activities are allocated to money that they need. Risks can be foreseen and dealt with before they actually happen. Planning and scheduling play an important role in ensuring funds are divided accordingly.
Also, planning and scheduling enhance the optimization of resources. Since activities are planned for ahead of time then
- Reduces duplication of work
The construction process is very detailed and requires systematic individual processes. All these processes have various activities that need to be handled within each individual activity. Planning and scheduling
- Encourages innovation and creativity
Planning and scheduling ensure that a construction saves time and reduces risks. Through early planning and scheduling construction managers are able to foresee risks and evade them while also saving valuable time that could have been used dealing with them in future. This saved time is very useful as it can be used for creative purposes.
Since the project managers already know what is expected of them and the resources that are available, it becomes easier for them to be creative. They are able to come up with alternatives that save money and improve the quality and aesthetic beauty of their projects. Planning and scheduling
- Establishes timelines and delivery periods
Scheduling is all about instituting time frames in the general framework of the construction project. It deals with assigning dates and time frames to different activities that are part of the larger project. Therefore, scheduling is very useful in establishing timelines and giving delivery periods. By actively working towards a deadline, the employees will be motivated to achieve their targets so as not to cripple the whole operation. The employees will also know how to divide their work so that in their given time frame they are able to deliver what is expected of them.
In terms of delivery periods, scheduling is very essential as it gives the estimated time that a project is expected to take. Delivery dates are critical in acquiring clients and proving the dedication of the construction company. Scheduling and planning also help in noting which parts of the project are not running as expected. When a project surpasses a deadline
The construction process is very critical. It is made up of very many activities and responsibilities without which the whole project would be a complete failure. Planning and scheduling as components of construction management