"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough" according to Mario Andretti (ThinkExist, 2009). It is easy to understand his perspective, since conquering time is the ultimate goal for race car drivers - but project managers have a triple constraint of time, quality and scope to conquer in order to achieve success. In managing the three, the project manager must monitor and control a wide range of activities across the entire life cycle of a project by applying effective project management processes and tools.
Taking inspiration from Winston Churchill, who said, "We shall neither fail nor falter; we shall not weaken or tireâ¦give us the tools and we will finish the job (ThinkExist, 2009)", Excel has invested in the right tools for managing the UTC Mall Skate Park Project. Excel uses an integrated, computerized construction management system (CMS) to manage project information, starting with award details, and including activities involved in the work breakdown structure (WBS), ongoing progress by contractor and subcontractors, project benchmarks, procurement of supplies and materials, reports from field inspectors, and all accounting information (CTS Guides, 2009).
Agile Project Management
Project Management Lifecycle
Agile Project ManagementExcel captures data to populate the electronic system from a variety of sources, including internal administrative systems, subcontractor reports, vendor information systems, project management software, and staff on the jobsite using portable entry devices (InfoTech, 2009). Excel uses this data to track construction activities, document progress, authorize payment to subcontractors, and communicate with all stakeholders. The CMS, a significant investment in information technology, allows Excel to capture project information in near-real time and at a level of detail that helps project managers to identify issues, track contract modifications, monitor the productivity and quality of work completed by subcontractors, and track resources (personnel and equipment) on the jobsite. The system allows Excel to automate routing...