Large scale projects: management, design and execution

This study deals with a topic which, probably more than any other, directly involves the continuing challenges of development and the improvement of the living environment in Developing Countries, but with particular reference to Saudi Arabia. It is through Project Management that Owners can direct and manage the myriad tasks and activities which are needed to accomplish the design and construction of diverse facilities. Virtually anyone with a modest knowledge of what is involved in the management of a large construction project knows that it is no simple task. The study does not attempt to develop an inflexible methodology, but, rather a concept which could be revised and perfected. The author's own experience in recent years has confirmed the validity and usefulness of a particular approach to project management. This study is an attest to provide a system which differs from all other known systems and which will serve the needs of the building owner to give him a greater degree of control in the construction process. It acknowledges that owners cannot possibly provide all the necessary technical expertise, so the system should be simple, covering important issues, and ignoring tasks which are the responsibility of specialist consultants. It is written primarily for personnel involved in policy making and decision taking. Thus the contents are aimed at construction executives, architects, engineers, financiers and others involved in the planning, design, construction, operation and financing of a large scale project. ii The study attempts to arrive at a system which encourages an atmosphere of creative thinking and an acceptance of change. It is, therefore, an organised, systematic approach recognising and containing the elements of planning, scheduling and estimating as well as consultant and contractor selection, tendering, reporting, control and analysis of the important variables of time, money and quality.