The views expressed in this article are strictly those of Max Wideman.
The contents of the book under review are the copyright property of the author.
Published here May 2021

Introduction | A Primer on Program Management | What the Program Manager Does
Main Tasks for the Program Manager | The Program Manager's Tools
Time and Cost Control | Project Management Information Control
Contract Change Management | Conclusion

Main Tasks for the Program Manager

Preconstruction Phase

  • Project management plan and procedures
  • Management information system
  • Work breakdown structure
  • Project milestone schedule
  • Project master schedule
  • Project master budget
  • Document control system
  • Special technica1 studies if needed (master planning, site evaluation, infrastructure, etc.)

Design Phase

  • Contract administration
  • Design management procedures
  • Design reviews
  • Constructability reviews
  • Value engineering reviews

Procurement Phase

  • Construction plan
  • Procurement support
  • Bidder's conferences, pre-bid meetings, etc.
  • Bid evaluation and award procedures

Construction Phase

  • Weekly progress meetings
  • Construction management plan
  • Resident engineer's manual
  • Construction safety manual
  • Procedure for requests for information (RFIs) shop drawings, and submittals
  • Construction observation, testing, and inspection
  • Change order and claims management
  • Test start-up plan

Post-construction Phase

  • Prepare project punch list
  • Coordinate and witness systems start-up, testing, and training (commissioning)
  • Verify operations and maintenance manuals and warranty information
  • Approve final invoices for payment
  • Dispute/claims resolution
  • Contract closeout

In all of these activities, the program manager functions as an extension of the owner's staff, or as the owner's representative. The program manager's goals are to ensure that contractors meet the schedule, cost, quality, and safety requirements of the owner. The program manager also advises the owner on the payment of contractor's bills and evaluates claims.

What the Program Manager Does  What the Program Manager Does

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