Neil Schulman

Schulman_NeilPaper (35): Top Ten Construction Project Management Objectives – A Case Study.

Abstract:  The Project Manager has the primary responsibility of planning a particular construction job and overseeing its progress along the way.

Project managers plan, coordinate, schedule, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish, and often collaborate with architects and engineers.

In addition, project managers administer a wide variety of projects, including the building of all types of public, residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as roads, monuments, and bridges. They oversee the construction phase of a project, although a project manager may also consult with the client during the design phase to help refine construction plans and control costs.

Project managers also oversee specialized contractors and other personnel. They schedule and coordinate all construction processes so that projects meet design specifications, to ensure that projects are completed on time. Some managers may be responsible for several projects at the same time.

Most project managers work closely with other building specialists, and trade workers, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and stonemasons. Depending on the project, project managers may interact with lawyers, local government officials, and building inspectors to ensure that all regulations are met.

To maximize efficiency and productivity, project managers often perform the tasks of a cost estimator to control and complete their projects within budget.

Some project managers are more successful than others. What makes the difference? We will review the top ten objectives of a project manager, and find out.

Biography:  Mr. Schulman is a seasoned manager and executive with over 40 year’s experience. His activities have included extensive field operations and project management experience on numerous major commercial, institutional, healthcare, educational, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, office/corporate, public assembly, sports, transportation, and government construction projects in the Mid-Atlantic area since 1975, and prior to that in New York City. The general contracting, construction management, design/build, and real estate development projects typically ranged in size from $5 million to over $100 million. He has diverse project experience and background with contractors, developers, owners, architects, engineers, and consultants in both the private and public sectors. Mr. Schulman has a track record of satisfying clients and delivering project results on schedule and within budget.

Since joining the Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland in 1994 as an adjunct professor, Mr. Schulman has participated and taught several classes in the Civil Engineering graduate program in project management. He currently teaches Cost Engineering & Control, Sustainability Fundamentals for Project Managers, and Project Administration.

Mr. Schulman has been a full time construction manager, project manager, project executive, and vice president at several construction firms, development organizations, the government, and is currently a senior project manager at the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) in Bethesda, MD.