Aligning Pre-Construction Planning and Project Management in the Electrical Construction Industry

Abstract

Efficient management of construction projects continues to be an important topic. A recently completed study evaluated the relationship between pre-construction planning and project performance in the electrical construction industry. The research resulted in a model Electrical Pre-Construction Planning Process that was based on projects that were well-planned and performed well. A follow-on study was recently launched to develop a model Electrical Project Management Process that is aligned with the model Pre-Construction Planning Process. The study is investigating the theory that properly aligned planning and management processes will increase the efficiency of project execution and will result in more successful project outcomes. Five exploratory interviews were conducted with project managers to help the researchers conceptualize the electrical project management process, and this data was used to develop a questionnaire that was sent to 2000 electrical construction companies about their project management practices. The results of the survey were used to revise the electrical project management process, and an initial alignment was performed to identify connections and disconnects between planning and project management. The results of the alignment process revealed that, currently, safety and labor control receive insufficient attention during planning, and, likewise, budget preparation and sequencing receive insufficient attention during project management. Hence, comprehensive interviews are scheduled to investigate the impact of these disconnects on performance and to revise the planning and management processes to provide better alignment and facilitate more successful project performance.