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This is a Summary, Construction Management refers to the practice of managing a construction and serving as the project consultant to its design and other aspects of the project

At one time, construction model involves two relationships of three parties. The parties involved were the project owners; the designers (usually compose of engineers and architects); and lastly the contractors and the builders. At first the project owner creates an idea then forwards it to the architects and engineers which in turn design the idea. Now as the design is completed, it goes back to the project owner to be reviewed. This relationship known as the owner-designer relationship involves a bit of planning mostly on design features and to some extent, aspects of constructions. After that, the owner now forwards the design to the contractor or builder who in turn reviews it and appraises forecasted expenditure. If the deal is agreed an owner-contractor agreement now exists between these two. Even though there could be some association between the contractor and designer, significant relationship for most part only exists between the contractor and the project owner.

This is the construction tradition. Lately however, a radical business model now emerges from the construction hubbub. And this business model relies heavily on Construction Management.

So what is Construction Management? Construction Management refers to the practice of managing a construction in place of the owner while also serving as the construction consultant to its design and other aspects within the project. Typically an overseer, construction managers direct, coordinate and brainstorm a wide variety of the construction projects, even the selection and hiring of contractors and finances. Although there are construction managers that do not directly control the actual structure construction, some others do extensive construction management that oversees the entire project.

Construction Management also refers to the study of construction in terms of its managerial and technological aspects. That includes but not limited to construction science, construction management, and construction risk. The study of construction management can be taken by several formats. The most common and better recognized is the scholastic degree which is available on courses associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree. Other types of formats are the apprenticeship, on the job trainings and higher education. Because construction management degrees encompass an extensive range of subject topics that construction management course should be taken by majors as proposed by the American Council for Construction Education.

So what are the benefits of Construction Management? Construction managers do a lot in thinking and planning, making every project component organized. By outlining a project schedule, efficiency of time is regulated, making every event of delays, changes and disputes nil. Because construction managers do study existing situation, optimum use of worker skills are achieved, affecting a construction quality.

A construction project manager is a qualified individual with a degree in construction management, civil engineering or construction science. Being in charge of construction projects, he has to ensure that the entire project is completed on time, without exceeding budgetary limits. It is a high pressure job. The manager has complete control and is responsible for everything related to the construction project.

The label Construction Project Manager is loosely used to define any supervisory level managers who direct supervisors in construction projects. He may also be called by other titles such as construction superintendent, general construction manager, executive construction manager, constructor or even contractor or sub-contractor. He could be a salaried employee of a construction company or engaged to manage a particular construction project.

The construction project manager has to be involved in the project from the beginning through to its completion. By employing his knowledge and expertise in terms of the efficient use of required resources, he has to ensure the achievement of predetermined objectives of cost, time, and quality. To make sure of these objectives, he has to decide which construction methods are appropriate for cost effective scheduling. He has to discuss architectural and engineering drawings with design engineers to effectively plan and harmonize every facet of the project. This may include preparation and use of complicated flow charts and bar charts, and various graphs for data representation. Nowadays, project managers use computers to analyze, conceptualize and implement plans and designs.

The construction project manager has to plan a logical, phase wise implementation of the project, assigning predetermined timeframes for the completion of each phase. He has to take all measures to see that the time frame is adhered to.

These days, there is a great demand for people with a good academic foundation in the field of construction management. Employers generally prefer a degree in construction science, with special focus on the management aspect. It is a four-year degree course offered by over 120 colleges in the country.

Coursework for a degree in construction science is very comprehensive. Some of the subjects covered would be engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science, project control and development, site planning, building design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, contract administration, building codes and standards and inspection procedures.

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) also give certification after written examinations and verification of education. The AIC awards the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) designations and the CMAA awards the Certified Construction Manager (CMM) designation.

There are better job prospects for candidates with work experience. The preference in the job market is for academically qualified people who have undergone internships and worked in the construction industry. They should be well versed in building technology.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted a salary survey in July 2005 and found that candidates with a degree in construction management got an average annual salary figure of $42,923.

There are bright career prospects for a professionally qualified construction project manager. Practical work experience is of vital importance before a position of independent functioning will be offered. A few years experience at a junior-grade position on construction projects is a prerequisite required by most employers. The position would fetch a handsome salary package and commands a respectable position in society.

A construction project manager is a qualified individual with a degree in construction management, civil engineering or construction science. Being in charge of construction projects, he has to ensure that the entire project is completed on time, without exceeding budgetary limits. It is a high pressure job. The manager has complete control and is responsible for everything related to the construction project.

The label Construction Project Manager is loosely used to define any supervisory level managers who direct supervisors in construction projects. He may also be called by other titles such as construction superintendent, general construction manager, executive construction manager, constructor or even contractor or sub-contractor. He could be a salaried employee of a construction company or engaged to manage a particular construction project.

The construction project manager has to be involved in the project from the beginning through to its completion. By employing his knowledge and expertise in terms of the efficient use of required resources, he has to ensure the achievement of predetermined objectives of cost, time, and quality. To make sure of these objectives, he has to decide which construction methods are appropriate for cost effective scheduling. He has to discuss architectural and engineering drawings with design engineers to effectively plan and harmonize every facet of the project. This may include preparation and use of complicated flow charts and bar charts, and various graphs for data representation. Nowadays, project managers use computers to analyze, conceptualize and implement plans and designs.

The construction project manager has to plan a logical, phase wise implementation of the project, assigning predetermined timeframes for the completion of each phase. He has to take all measures to see that the time frame is adhered to.

These days, there is a great demand for people with a good academic foundation in the field of construction management. Employers generally prefer a degree in construction science, with special focus on the management aspect. It is a four-year degree course offered by over 120 colleges in the country.

Coursework for a degree in construction science is very comprehensive. Some of the subjects covered would be engineering and architectural sciences, mathematics, statistics, computer science, project control and development, site planning, building design, construction methods, construction materials, value analysis, cost estimating, contract administration, building codes and standards and inspection procedures.

The American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) also give certification after written examinations and verification of education. The AIC awards the Associate Constructor (AC) and Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) designations and the CMAA awards the Certified Construction Manager (CMM) designation.

There are better job prospects for candidates with work experience. The preference in the job market is for academically qualified people who have undergone internships and worked in the construction industry. They should be well versed in building technology.

The National Association of Colleges and Employers conducted a salary survey in July 2005 and found that candidates with a degree in construction management got an average annual salary figure of $42,923.

There are bright career prospects for a professionally qualified construction project manager. Practical work experience is of vital importance before a position of independent functioning will be offered. A few years experience at a junior-grade position on construction projects is a prerequisite required by most employers. The position would fetch a handsome salary package and commands a respectable position in society.

What Is Construction Management?

Traditionally, construction involves the three-party, two-relationship model. The first is the owner designer relationship, in which the project owner appoints the designer who is usually an architect or an engineer, to plan and design the project. The second commences after the design is ready and is known as the owner contractor relationship. Here, the contractor is given the project to realize, based on his quotation of cost. Lately however, this model has undergone a radical change. The recent trend is to rely on construction management.

Construction managers divide all the construction activities into stages, budgeting time to meet construction deadlines. They evaluate the most cost-effective schedules for completion and are responsible for ensuring that all the work is completed on time.

Training And Education

Construction Management is also the study of construction, with regard to the managerial and technological aspects like construction management, construction science and construction risk. The most common and widely recognized format for construction management education is a baccalaureate or graduate degree. Other education may relate to on-the-job training and apprenticeship and higher education.

High school students who want to opt for a career in construction management, should study Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Accounting. Many colleges and universities offer master’s degrees in construction management and construction science. Someone who has a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated field can also get a master’s degree in construction management. A student can obtain a master’s degree in finance or business administration, to improve career prospects. There are also industry associated sponsored training programs and two year dedicated programs.

Job Prospects

Excellent construction management employment opportunities are available, since the construction boom requires a number of qualified individuals. Also, the increasing complexity of construction projects is creating extra demand for these managers. New technology and laws, setting standards for materials, safety and environmental issues have complicated the construction process. This has raised the demand for trained managers in turn. Opportunities for advancement may vary, depending on the person’s performance and the size and type of the company. The person may also become an independent consultant, an expert witness, a dispute arbitrator or start their own construction management firm.

Conclusion

Construction managers must be flexible and effective. They must be good decision takers and possess the ability to well under pressure or with unexpected delays. A flair for simultaneous activity coordination, analysis and problem solving is necessary. Good communication skills and knowledge of the Spanish language are important. Construction managers have to be available “on call” at all times, to deal with onsite emergencies. Be prepared to work much more than a 40-hour week to meet established construction deadlines. The work is not dangerous, but construction managers must be cautious when on the construction site.

If you are an outdoor person, and are good with math and organization, then the field of construction management can be very satisfying and lucrative career choice.

Earning a Construction management degree online has quickly become a popular way to jump start a career in construction project management. The field of construction management has been growing over the last ten years. This can be attributed to many different factors; the first of which being that development companies in the construction industry have started placing very high value on employees who can successfully perform construction project management. This is really no surprise considering that good construction management can make or break a complicated project. It requires an extremely strong level of detail-oriented work, communication and management skills, as well as a solid understanding of all industry-standard technologies and software.

If you are interested in construction management for your career, there are several steps you can take to qualify for the type of construction management jobs available today. The first step is to look for higher education institutions that offer a construction management certification or degree. Many traditional universities now offer variations of these degrees and you can also seek out schools that offer a construction management degree online.

If you have a fulltime job now and are hoping to increase your earnings potential without decreasing your current income, the best option may be for you to apply to a school that offers a construction management program and degree online. This will allow you to keep your job and finances in check while you work toward your construction management degree. In doing so, you can avoid costly out-of-state tuition fees, any relocation costs or additional costs of living that you may incur as a campus or university-based housing resident. The one important thing to remember is that the online school you apply to must be accredited. This not only ensures that any future employers will honor your degree, it will also ensure that you can easily transfer your credits to another school that offers a construction management program and degree if necessary.

Another great way to learn more about construction management and gain the hands-on experience you will need is to apply for an apprenticeship or internship with a company that has one or more fulltime construction management positions. If you already have a fulltime job and do not have enough time for an internship, you could find a mentor who can teach you about the job after hours, or you could even ask to shadow a construction management supervisor for a day to get a better understanding of what the job is like.

These tactics may be time consuming, but you can keep reminding yourself that it will be worth the time and energy spent: the average salary for construction management positions was approximately $63,000 in 2002.

However you go about gaining your degree and work experience in the field of construction management, it will be a step in the right direction for your career and your life.

The job of construction equipment operators mainly involves the use of machinery such as forklifts, cranes and earthmovers. Most of these machines have automatic systems and the operator only has to move the levers or operate switches for completing the specified task. The most modern machines used in construction are fully computerized and the operator is required to have the necessary training and knowledge for operating these.

Computerized machines have made it quite easy for construction equipment operators to undertake complex construction tasks, such as moving heavy machinery and placing it at a predetermined spot. The equipment operators are required to have patience and dexterity for handling such complex and time-consuming tasks. They are also required to have the right kind of training and qualification for understanding the complex systems that are nowadays present in most construction machines and equipment.

Earnings of construction equipment operators:

The operators can find employment at any construction site, be it highway construction, bridge construction, railroad construction or even a building. These operators can work also as pile-driver operators, paving operators, surfacing and even tamping equipment operators.

In 2002, the median national hourly earning of such operators was $16.94. The data sample collected from all the states of the country shows that the top ten percent of the operators had registered earnings of more than $28.93/hour. The next fifty percent earned in the range of $12.96 to $22.98, while the lowest ten percent earned less than $10.61/hour.

The earnings of the operators also vary from industry to industry. As per the statistical data collected in 2002, operators employed at highway, street and bridge construction sites earned around $19.81/hour, those employed by specialty trade contractors earned around $17.56/hour, while those employed at utility system construction sites earned around $17.48/hour. Operators employed at civil engineering construction sites earned around $16.88/hour and those employed for local government projects earned around $14.88/hour.

Future job outlook of construction equipment operators:

Based on key economic indicators, the job outlook of the seems bright in the next five to ten years. One of the reasons for their increased demand is the lack of adequate training programs for individuals, who want to make a career in construction.

The demand for construction equipment operators is expected to grow in the next five to ten years, in line with the growth of the overall construction industry. This demand is not affected by the improvements in construction technology that helps in raising worker productivity and reduces the demand for these workers.

Job opportunities are set to increase with the anticipated increase in population. This fuels the demand for new homes, industries, health care centers and office buildings. Opportunities will also be available at new highway, bridge and street construction sites in the next few years. A number of structures in the country that were built during the last fifty to sixty years will have to be repaired or replaced. This will lead to a further demand for construction equipment operators in future.

If you are interested in applying for construction management jobs, there are many different online degrees that can help you achieve your goals and fast track your career. The best part is that you can earn these degrees from the comfort of your own home and create a schedule that works for you and your current work and time commitments.

The best candidates for most construction management jobs have experience on the job and also some sort of formal construction project management training. To do this most effectively, one way that is recommended is to earn an online construction management degree or an online construction engineering degree, in addition to gaining hands-on experience through an apprenticeship or on-site training. Regardless of the degree you select, it is very important to make sure the online university you choose is accredited. This is the only way to ensure your degree will be recognized by future employers and other higher learning institutions, which is important if you ever need to transfer your credits.

The construction management courses that you will be required to take while achieving your degree will give you all of the necessary skills that job site experience cannot provide on its own. Plus, many degrees required for construction management jobs allow you to select different areas of focus you can specialize in. The different types of course work you can focus on include business and financial management, contract administration, cost estimating, building codes and standards, information technology, inspection procedures, site planning, engineering and architectural sciences, construction project management training. Another key focus of your degree can be technical training on how to use the most advanced industry software in the construction management field.

Once you graduate from your online degree program, you can decide which types of construction management jobs are right for you and the skill-set you have worked hard to build. Some construction management jobs will require you to be involved in each project from its inception until construction is finished. This means that you would oversee not only the workforce, but also all of the construction materials, tools, equipment and safety measures that are required for each phase of the project. Other construction management jobs may allow you to focus on the degree specializations you have chosen. For example, if you have completed course work and apprenticeships related to architecture and engineering, you should consider looking for construction management jobs where you would manage or directly interface with the architects and engineers on the project.

There were over 380,000 construction management jobs in the United States in 2002 and the number of construction management jobs is expected to remain on par with the number of individuals entering the field for at least the next five years. So, now is a great time to earn your online degree and get the experience you need to start your dream job in construction management.

The construction industry worldwide is considered to be a very dynamic work environment that keeps on changing and offers outstanding career opportunities. With modernization taking place in firms all over the world, new technologies are being applied and expansion is now on an international level. This in turn is resulting in the employment of more and more engineers than ever before.

Be it a small, medium or a large construction firm, everyone is striving for modern technology and efficient management of projects and businesses as well. With the use of current management methods and modern technologies, the image of the construction workplace is being changed considerably by the constructors. The construction workplace is no more a labor intensive grimy setting. With the emphasis on security and infrastructure, overseas job prospects in this industry are increasing day by day.

Career opportunities:

Numerous industries hold bright career options for a construction manager or engineer from any country. Some of the industries they can work in include residential construction, construction management, general building construction, design-build construction, heavy civil construction, transportation construction, demolition and wrecking construction, mechanical construction, electrical construction, roofing construction, painting construction and related professions.

Some of the overseas job prospects include:

. Carpenters

. Blue collar worker supervisors

. Cement masons

. Construction and building inspectors

. Civil engineers and construction helpers

. Construction managers

. Cost estimators

. Construction and well drillers

. Heavy truck drivers

. General construction workers

. Plumbers and pipe fitters

. Mechanic and repairer helpers

. Operating engineers

Whenever you apply for any overseas job in the construction industry you need to know a few things that an employer looks for. Any prospect in engineering and architectural services, construction management is first offered to individuals who have a bachelor’s or high degree in construction management, construction science, civil engineering and practical experience in working for any construction company. Many employers prefer applicants who have some work experience in construction sector and who can combine a background in building technology with managerial skills.

Eligibility:

Formal education that any employer seeks in this sector varies with the job requirement. For some of the jobs, employers seek a college degree while for other posts experience is given more preference as compared to degrees. Experience for such jobs means the completion of an apprenticeship program. But the basic formal qualification required for any oversea job prospect is an engineering degree B.E/B.Tech or a diploma in any of the engineering branches.

Most of the employees in this sector work for approximately 40 hours a week. Many construction workers work on holidays and in the evenings as well in order to take care of emergency situations or to finish work. A lot of physical stamina is required to work in this industry because a worker needs to stand for prolonged hours, stoop, bend and work in even cramped quarters. It is very common to get exposed to weather because a lot of work is done outdoor or in structures that are enclosed partially. A construction worker has to work with dangerous equipment and tools so one needs to be very careful and prepared for all this before he or she gets into this profession.

What will you do in a construction estimator job?

As a construction estimator you will be responsible for calculating quotes and proposals for your employer and making sure that these proposals offer a good return on investment for the company. Construction estimators also negotiate contracts and prepare estimated construction prices based on architect’s drawings, the amount of employees needed for the job and also the amount of construction materials required.

Construction estimators can be responsible for estimating everything from the cost of construction equipment to how long the project will take to complete. All of these elements will be taken into account to calculate a final estimated figure for the cost of the project. Although much of the job is office based, estimators are required to liaise with architects, clients, surveyors and a whole range of construction staff. Visiting and negotiating with clients, colleagues and other key industry members can help you to accurately forecast construction costs.

What qualifications do you need to apply for an estimator vacancy?

Most employers look for construction estimators who have degrees in a relevant area which covers estimating skills such as construction management or construction science. During these courses or as a part of post graduate training, you should have the opportunity to gain in depth knowledge of the construction industry including construction materials, costs and procedures. Having a background or post graduate training in maths will also help you with the data analysis side of the job and allow you to make judgements based on the data you collect. Having advanced skills in computer data analysis is also important especially if you have worked with specific estimation software packages. Excellent communication skills are a must as you will interact with many different people at all levels in the industry.

What experience do you need to apply for an estimator vacancy?

If you have a background in a relevant degree then you should gain some experience from this however estimators receive a lot of training on the job, particularly as each business will have its own specific process for estimating. You will be likely to shadow an experienced estimator on the construction site and in the office and assist them with their work while you enhance your experience and learn new skills.

What are the development opportunities available for a construction estimator?

Once you have experience in a construction estimator job you could then choose to specialise in a field that you are particularly interested in such as electrical estimating or mechanical estimating. If you want to stay in your existing role then development opportunities usually come in the form of opportunities to work on higher value and more prestigious projects, higher pay levels and progression into a more senior position. Other options include working on a freelance or temporary basis on long or short-term contracts.

If you want any more information on careers or recruitment within construction and engineering then please visit our website at www.linearrecruitment.co.uk

The construction industry in the US poised for a major expansion is also one of the largest employers in the country. The sector is in the midst of a phase that promises a long-term growth, which has translated into a string of career opportunities for people who are interested in construction or any other career options related to this field. With the advancement in technology, the nature of work in construction industry has changed dramatically over the years. If you are looking for a challenging career in construction work and land reclamation, then you might want to consider the role of a construction plant operator as your career option.

Why a career in the construction industry?

There are 6.9 million people employed in the construction industry all over the US. Every year, 240,000 new jobs arise in this sector. It is estimated that by the year 2012, there will be one million new jobs available in this fast growing industry. The prospects of earning a good compensation package, exciting job opportunities and long-term satisfaction are high if you have a flair for the job.

Who is a construction plant operator?

You must have seen machines such as 360-degree excavators and trucks used for moving soil, bulldozers and cranes on roadwork and construction sites. Construction plant operators who man these machines are entrusted with the responsibility of driving and operating them. Additionally, they are also responsible for carrying out daily safety checks on the machines.

Required skills:

As a construction plant operator, you will have to work outdoors on site in all kinds of weather. The work hours can stretch depending on the nature of work and the deadline to be met. You need to possess:

1) Knowledge about vehicle mechanism.

2) A good health along with sharp eyesight.

3) Good communication skills as you have to work with different people.

4) Comfortable with working at a height

5) Comfortable with working in a team.

If you think you have these skills, you can make a successful career as a construction plant operator.

Educational qualification:

A certificate or diploma in construction along with a sound knowledge of Mathematics and English may help you get an entry level opening, although there are no special requirements for entry in this field.

Training:

As a construction plant operator, you will have to undergo structured training period in order to learn to handle construction machines or equipments like cranes, compaction machines, or dumper trucks. You can join a training institute that provides on the job training of operating and maintaining of various construction machines.

Career opportunities as a construction plant operator:

There are several career opportunities as a construction plant operator. You can be employed by:

1) Building or civil engineering contractors

2) Local authorities

3) Public organizations or

4) Plant hire companies.

You can also get to work abroad on a contract basis. There are options for you to move into work areas like:

1) Plant coordination

2) Selection and evaluation of machinery for new projects.

3) Estimation

After a few years of relevant exposure, you can also make progress to supervisory positions in plant sales and construction site management.

Annual Income

If you have the required skills and the right attitude, you can earn a nice paycheck in this industry. The annual salary of a construction plant operator excluding benefits as per surveys conducted in 2003 range between 36000 USD and 45000 USD. Additionally, most companies offer free food, accommodation, travel and a decent per diem allowance when an operator is deputed to sites in different locations.