Managing construction projects successfully needs a high degree of management experience, expertise, and insight. Even sometimes skilled project managers come across failure because construction projects are susceptible to much more risks compared to other industries.
Studies show that as high as 97% of construction projects end up over budget while 78% cross the deadline and pay the cost for it. So, what could be the leading reasons causing budget-related issues and delays? Here are some of the common challenges faced in construction projects and proactive strategies to counter them.
Kanat Sultanbekov – Challenges in the construction business and how to solve them
Poor Risk Management
It is often found that project managers take different protections for long-term risks, while short-term issues are overlooked. According to Kanat Sultanbekov, the renowned construction project manager with a remarkable track record that such issues can swell quickly and can impact on final profit and loss of the company.
Regardless of conflicts about scheduling, performance-related issues, changes of preferences of stakeholders, or any other issue that seems nothing to be worried about could be enough to upset a project. This is why having contingency plans is a prudent way that allows the project to get back to its motion of daily operation soon after an unanticipated event. So, make sure to take those matters into consideration and initiatives to counter them so that the project continues smoothly.
Lack of Infrastructure
Having a clear idea about the project’s goal for everyone involved in the project is critical for its success. Any lacking in this aspect can toll the desired level of functioning of a project and consequently may end up crossing the budget or missing the deadline.
Performance monitoring and management is a basic aspect of effective project management. For adopting this make sure that everyone should be aware of their task beforehand and need to make their job done as per the standard. Breaking down the bigger assignments and goals into smaller fragments will be easier for individuals to achieve. The team leads should be answerable all thorough the process in regard to the performance of their team. This will help you have better control over your project.
Lack of Communication
While communication is essential in every profession, it has special importance when any task is allocated amongst different members. Without effective communication, proper coordination is not possible. Consequently, certain tasks are left behind unnoticed by the team leaders until it becomes too late to fix.
According to Kanat Sultanbekov communication should be optimally clear across the hierarchy. They should be aware and updated with the obstacles and progress of the project at the end of the day. By this small problems that crop up on the ways can be resolved proactively. Whereas personal meetings are not viable, adopting different types of tools and technologies is the most ideal solution.
Unrealistic Expectations
Sometimes project managers face stakeholders and clients with big demands. This may be in relation to the fast completion of the project that needs an accelerated schedule or on a restricted budget. Meeting such unrealistic demands is quite challenging. While certain things are possible for highly experienced managers, certain things are simply not.
Attempting to reach unachievable goals not only affect productivity but also can deteriorate the quality of project deliverable. Make sure to let your client understand what is realistic and what is not, and make them convinced, or otherwise attempting to meet such demand is just useless.
