This study deals with a topic which, probably more than any
other, directly involves the continuing challenges of development
and the improvement of the living environment in Developing
Countries, but with particular reference to Saudi Arabia. It is
through Project Management that Owners can direct and manage the
myriad tasks and activities which are needed to accomplish the
design and construction of diverse facilities.
Virtually anyone with a modest knowledge of what is involved in
the management of a large construction project knows that it is
no simple task.
The study does not attempt to develop an inflexible methodology,
but, rather a concept which could be revised and perfected.
The author's own experience in recent years has confirmed the
validity and usefulness of a particular approach to project
management.
This study is an attest to provide a system which differs from
all other known systems and which will serve the needs of the
building owner to give him a greater degree of control in the
construction process. It acknowledges that owners cannot
possibly provide all the necessary technical expertise, so the
system should be simple, covering important issues, and ignoring
tasks which are the responsibility of specialist consultants. It
is written primarily for personnel involved in policy making and
decision taking. Thus the contents are aimed at construction
executives, architects, engineers, financiers and others involved
in the planning, design, construction, operation and financing of
a large scale project.
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The study attempts to arrive at a system which encourages an
atmosphere of creative thinking and an acceptance of change.
It is, therefore, an organised, systematic approach recognising
and containing the elements of planning, scheduling and
estimating as well as consultant and contractor selection,
tendering, reporting, control and analysis of the important
variables of time, money and quality.