A DIVISION OF THE WILKINS SAFETY GROUP
What you need to consider in a project manager…
The answer to ‘do you need a Project Manager’ depends upon the nature of your project. The Wilkins Safety Group have a specific division, WSG Project Management specialising in this support work and can advise on the advantages of appointing a Project Manager and how that appointment will benefit your business.
The level of involvement by a Project Manager is influenced by a number of external factors. These factors need to be carefully considered before the appropriate procurement method is chosen. As part of this process you may need to be taking into account considerations such as the following:
THE SCOPE OF THE WORKS
There are many different factors which can determine the best method of procurement and type of contract to be used on a project. These include:
- the size, location and complexity of the works or
- specific site problems such as access, storage or movement.
The type of work also needs to be considered;
- are the methods of constructions sophisticated or
- only involve the basic trades and skills of the industry?
The programming and phasing of the works can also have a bearing on the best form of procurement route.
MEASURE OF CONTROL BY THE CLIENT
The design of a project varies based on the client’s required goal. WSG Project Management can advise on whether the design should be wholly in the hands of the client’s consultants or whether responsibility would be best with the contractor or specialist sub-contractors. Of course, the client may also wish to exert control over workmanship and materials and again certain methods of procurement are best in these situations.
ACCOUNTABILITY
WSG Project Management are happy to act as overall Project Manager on a project and provide the client with a single point of responsibility. However, if the client wishes to retain part responsibility (client’s representative) or apportion specific roles to other parties including consultants, contractors or specialist sub-contractors, WSG Project Management can again advise.
APPOINTMENT OF A CONTRACTOR
There are now numerous ways a contractor can be appointed to act for a client. These include appointment by competitive tendering, negotiation, to be appointed with full design responsibility, in a management capacity or as the principal contractor to oversee the directly appointed subcontractors.
CERTAINTY OF FINAL COSTS
The nature of a project dictates the certainty of the final cost. WSG Project Management can advise on whether it is in the client’s interest to choose either a lump sum contract or one where re-measurement is required.
START AND COMPLETION TIMES
Sometimes the priority is time and as client you may require the works to be ‘fast tracked’ to achieve the shortest overall programme. WSG Project Management have experience of such projects, including recent projects working with NHS Trusts. We can advise clients on the best method of procurement to suit the unique circumstances of the project.
RESTRICTIONS
Whatever the size of the project, there will be some form of restrictions placed on the works. These can range from restrictions put in place by the Local Authority in relation to noise, working hours and security in order to protect surrounding property. Other restrictions can include works undertaken in occupied buildings and the associated phasing and sequencing of operations required to ensure the day-to-day occupation of the building is not disrupted.
ASSESSMENT OF RISKS
The Wilkins Safety Group has the experience to guide you as client towards the most appropriate form of procurement and contract to mitigate the risks associated with cost, time, quality and performance. Our guidance will help you prioritise what risks are relevant to your project and how best to overcome them.
The Wilkins Safety Group are corporate members of The Association for Project Safety who are the professional institution in the field of construction health and safety risk management. We are also an associate member of The Association of Project Managers who are the chartered body for the project managers profession.