Projects (Build & Repair)
Construction projects such as the Sallisaw Aquatic Center and skateboard park are a special case of Provocative Change.
The basic high-level activities are:
- Design the project
- Obtain permits
- Execute the project
- Control the project
- Shut down the project
In construction, the most visible work is performed during the “execute the project” activity.
I am concerned about the execution and control of the pool and skate park. Poor execution has resulted in severely delinquent progress, and inadequate control has wasted taxpayer money.
Construction Documents
Milestone Documents
Clear documentation always accompanies a well-executed and well-controlled construction project. This list is the minimum, bare-bones expectation of documentation for such a generic construction project, whether commercial or for the public good:
1. Business Case (how to write a business case)
2. Feasibility Study Report
3. Project Scope Statement
4. Risk Management Plan
5. Safety Plan
6. Work Breakdown Structures
7. Project Schedule
8. Communications Plan
9. Pre-construction Meeting Minutes
10. Resource Procurement Records
11. Project Budget Report
12. Punch Lists
13. Project Milestone Documentation
14. Formal Acceptance Documents
15. Contract Closure Documents
16. Project Review Report
Whoever accepts the role of City Manager should require each of these—at a minimum—to determine the root cause of failure and to identify viable remediation options. Several additional documents apply to governmental initiatives. These additional documents represent the bare minimum expectation.
Public Good Documents
17. Environmental Impact Assessment Report
18. Compliance Documentation (e.g., permits, licenses)
19. Public Engagement and Consultation Records
20. Change Orders and Variations Documentation
21. Quality Assurance and Quality Control Reports
22. Progress Payment Certificates
23. As-Built Drawings
24. Final Inspection and Acceptance Records
25. Handover and Transfer Documentation
26. Post-Construction Evaluation Reports
Safety Cautions
OSHA compliance and other regulatory compliance are paramount with any construction work. The following list represents the most common forms of accidents. OSHA’s “Hierarchy of Controls.” should be emphasized to eliminate or minimize these risks.
1. Slips, Trips, and Falls
2. Getting caught in or between
3. Struck-by accidents
4. Electrocution
5. Manual material handling
6. Noise
7. Air contaminants
8. High temperatures
General Steps for Construction
Create a business case
Design the project
Conduct a feasibility study
Define the project scope
Procure the project
Select the delivery method
Select participants
Prepare for project construction
Obtain permits
Survey the site
Create a risk management plan
Set up a safety plan
Create work breakdown structures
Design the project schedule
Set up a communications plan
Execute the project
Hold preconstruction meetings
Procure resources
Start activities
Control the project
Track work
Track activities against time objectives
Track quality of activities and tasks
Adjust the schedule
Track the budget
Close out the budget
Close the project
Deliver the punch list
Commission the project
Complete project documentation
Obtain formal acceptance
Release project resources
Close contracts
Conduct project review
Celebrate and recognize the team
Project Management Tracking
The Project Management Institute (PMI) is a U.S.-based not-for-profit professional organization for project management. All major projects in Sallisaw should adhere to the principles and applicable techniquest found in the Project Management Book (PMBOK). Sallisaw should have one or more employees with Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).
Going Forward
All future construction efforts and major projects must be planned using fundamental project management processes, tools, documentation, audit trails, and safety management. Stakeholder communication must be evident (i.e., community communication). Prudence and integrity in the use of taxpayer funds must be transparent, reported often, and fairly scrutinized.
Key Resources and Certifications
PMP: Project Management Professional
CAPM: Certified Associate in Project Management
PMI-CO Construction Professional
PMBOK: Project Management Book