Applying standards, guidelines and methods in construction project management

Schrapers, M (2018) Applying standards, guidelines and methods in construction project management. PhD thesis, Edinburgh Napier University, UK.

Abstract

This dissertation scrutinizes the application of various standards, guidelines and methods in construction project management, and examines the use of such methods, tools and applications. Even though the availability of literature in the context of PM is extensive there has not been an adequate focus on applied project management with a specific interest in the constructing project management. This study describes the experiences gathered by the interviewees who are experienced construction executives and also discusses how they have managed their projects. The reason for the selection of a subjective, descriptive and phenomenal research approach is described and the advantages for this philosophical stance are also mentioned in the thesis. The question that emerges is in regards with how the construction managers accomplish any given project and how they ‘live' their PM. Hence, this study investigated the relevance of PM for managers working on construction projects. Various techniques, methods and procedures which were not included in the literature were highlight by the participants. There are studies available, mainly empirical, in the context of applied PM methods and the results of these studies do not correspond with the findings of this research. Another finding is that, in general, from the responses received, it is clear that PM certification programmes provide limited value to an experienced construction manager. Further results were summarized in the findings and result chapter of this work.

Item Type: Thesis (Doctoral)
Thesis advisor: Crossan, K and Jawoski, P
Uncontrolled Keywords: certification; construction project; interview; project management
Index terms: certification, executive, construction project management, interview, programme, construction manager, dissertation, manager, construction project, project management
Subjects: practitioner, data collection methods, production management, administrative processes, project controls, profession, research dissemination and communication, project management theory and practice
Topics: Roles and Professions, Research Practice, Project Management, Contract Administration, Time Control
Descriptive scope: 3 PCE

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here