How to Write Construction Programmes & Schedules
By Richard Emms
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About this ebook
In an increasingly demanding construction industry where time is of the essence, the need to plan accurately and concisely is becoming more important. Twenty years ago, large companies pioneered the use of computer software that helped planners and project managers schedule construction projects in half the time. Today, project management software is common place, more sophisticated yet user friendly and used by many disciplines. However, the knowledge of construction, and the skill of correctly identifying and sequencing tasks, still require the skills of a software operator. Although the writer explains some basic software functions, the main message of the book is the essential preparation required before using the software. This ebook begins with a brief discussion of the documents required, then swiftly moves onto programming, sequencing, long lead items and pre-construction. With Asta Project version 12 and Microsoft Project 2013 the author demonstrates some software functions, which is similar to Microsoft Project. With a blend of commonly used computer functions, academic programming principles, and some of the writers own ideas this book delivers a practical solution to the high demands expected from today's construction industry.
Richard Emms
I left school in 1984 and served a carpentry apprenticeship with a small London builder. I continued to study part time and in 1995 graduated with a BSc in Building Management at Anglia University, Chelmsford, Essex. Since then, I've been employed as a construction manager and managed various fit out and refurbishment projects in the London area. Currently, I'm employed as a project planner for a large construction and property consultancy. I'm married with three children and live in Surrey.
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- Rating: 2 out of 5 stars2/5it doesnt give enough information to build time schedule of projects
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Book preview
How to Write Construction Programmes & Schedules - Richard Emms
HOW TO WRITE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMMES & SCHEDULES
RICHARD EMMS
Published by Richard Emms at Smashwords
Copyright 2014 Richard Emms
This ebook is licenced for personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase and additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work or the author.
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
STEP 1 – WHAT’S NEEDED.
STEP 2 – BIG PICTURE & PROGRAMME PRINCIPLE.
STEP 3 – TASKS.
STEP 4 - CRITICAL PATH ANALYSIS.
STEP 5 – ENTER THE TASKS – with Asta Project.
STEP 6 – DURATIONS – with Asta Project.
STEP 7 – LINKING – with Asta Project.
STEP 8 – CLASHES – with Asta Project.
STEP 9 – ADJUSTMENT – with Asta Project.
STEP 10 - LONG LEAD SCHEDULE – with Asta Project.
STEP 11 - PROGRAMMING LONG LEADS – with Asta Project.
STEP 12 - PRE-CONSTRUCTION – with Asta Project.
STEP 13 - FINISHING TOUCHES – with Asta Project.
STEP 14 – ENTER THE TASKS – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 15 – DURATIONS – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 16 – LINKING – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 17 – CLASHES – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 18 – ADJUSTMENT – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 19 - LONG LEAD SCHEDULE – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 20 - PROGRAMMING LONG LEADS – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 21 - PRE-CONSTRUCTION – with Microsoft Project.
STEP 22 - FINISHING TOUCHES – with Microsoft Project.
REVIEW & SUMMARY.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
GLOSSARY.
INTRODUCTION
Not long after I graduated and employed as an assistant site manager I was asked to prepare a finishing programme for a small refurbishment project. With no industrial experience in programming and brief academic study I set out confidently to the challenge given to me. Being an ex-carpenter I thought I had a good idea how buildings are built. So I switched the PC on and immediately started dragging bars across the screen and assumed the tasks in hand. How wrong I was. The software was an early version of Microsoft Project. Typically of Microsoft, some functions were vaguely familiar and within an hour I was able to ‘fudge’ something together that made some sense. Seconds after handing my first attempt to my line manager he spotted errors with the sequence.
You’ve got Install lights before Ceiling
He said handing the programme back to me.
It occurred to be me the most important aspect of the industry – ‘the sequence of constructing buildings’ could be taught better and after a period of muddling programmes together I needed to find a way of drafting them once and without mistakes. So I turned back to my university notes for answers. As far as I was concerned the method taught at university was correct but far too complex and would take too long in today's industry. I needed a simple, quick, fool proof method and after much thought designed a process blending some academic principles, today’s project management software and new ideas of my own.
Of course, there are many excellent workshops that help managers operate types of software. But exactly that - operate software. Project managers and planners still need to exercise their knowledge to the software. The skill to identify tasks and decide the best time to ‘connect them to the building’, is something that computers are not able to do. That requires the skill of the individual. However, I see co-workers use software like I use to. They drag bars across the screen where they feel fit. Then they have to go over the programme again and again correcting and adjusting right up to the moment the tender is due. Many people write their programmes this way and are fine with it. However, it's not how software are designed to be used and to fully utilise the functions provides requires a different approach. In fact, the whole method and most importantly the preparation, is crucial to the accuracy of the finished programme.
To demonstrate my method of programming I've used a small ‘fit out’ project that I managed in real life. This was