Construction of general surgical ward at Serere health center IV.

Abstract

Project Management: Skills, Tools, methods and Knowledge required for construction Professionals to keep projects within objectives. Project managers have a major role in the construction and completion of projects. Much of their work consists of reviewing, clarifying, and coordinating information required by the field management and subcontractors performing the work on the job site. The assistance they help in successfully completing projects. For many people, the largest indicator that a project was successful is that construction activities were completed on schedule. While finishing on schedule may be the primary focus of those involved with construction activities, projects still struggle to finish on time. The purpose of this study therefore was to help the Author understand what construction industry professionals consider important skills, tools, methods and knowledge for helping project managers finish the projects they manage on schedule, cost and scope. Field findings by the Author, point to the general topics of management and scheduling being the most important for project managers to understand. Within the topic of scheduling, the importance of material procurement came out prominently. Also among the salient issues observed include: challenges faced during implementation, understanding project documentation, monthly project meetings, working with stakeholders, and having interpersonal and communication skills as important topics that will help project managers keep projects within the limits of the golden triangle. The authors report on the Construction of a general surgical ward at a cost of shs 1,900,000,000 (VAT inclusive) contracted to Kakise Holdings Limited on the 25th January, 2016. The challenges faced on this project include- incomplete designs (shop drawings), delays arising from inclement weather, insufficient and intermittent release of funds by MoH through MoFPED. Despite the many challenges enumerated, the project management team was able to undertake technical design review; on delays due to inclement weather, the time to completion of the phase was adjusted. On insufficient funds, the president of The ROU offered and pledged to have the facility completed as planned. The author learnt that project control was very essential in mitigating many of the management challenges that could arise during construction project execution process.