Effective Project Management: Agile Techniques in Construction

January 3, 2024

Are you having trouble keeping up with all the moving parts in your various construction projects? With multiple teams, suppliers, and other stakeholders involved, not to mention the inevitable challenges that arise from day to day, it can be tough to keep things moving along. Agile project management may be just what you need. Here’s what you should know.

What Is Agile Project Management?

Agile project management (APM) is an iterative and adaptive methodology for managing complex projects. Each project is subdivided into smaller projects known as sprints. At the end of each sprint, all stakeholders review its successes and challenges and make changes as needed ahead of the next sprint.

Benefits of Agile Project Management in Construction

Agile project management came from the world of software development, but it offers numerous benefits to construction companies. These include, but are not limited to:

Flexibility
Improved communication
Efficient problem-solving
Reduced errors
Less waste
Better transparency
Fostering team building and trust

How to Implement APM in Construction

The first step is to choose the right framework and tools, such as Scrum or Lean. Train everyone involved in the project to use these tools. Also, teach them about APM, including its values and principles.

Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) for each sprint. Track and measure the results, then hold a teamwide meeting to review your findings. Give each person the opportunity to weigh in and work together to find solutions for challenges before the next sprint.

Celebrate the successes and reward your team members for their individual and collective efforts. Turn each challenge into a learning opportunity rather than punishing anyone for it.

Agile project management can be an excellent way to keep your construction projects on track while improving teamwork and collaboration across your workforce. Take the time to set it up and train everyone on how it works, and you will soon succeed.

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At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services and contact us today!

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Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!