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Site Management Sometimes contractors can be very “contractual”. You may be faced with a request for instruction like “we have encountered this problem that you did not foresee and I need your decision immediately or work will have to stop and we cannot meet the programme.” Take care. Issue no “blank cheques” and do not accept the situation at its face value. There are a number of strategies you can employ but doing nothing is usually the worst option. On other occasions, contractors can be very naïve. We have often seen project programmes slipping inexorably into protracted delay but the contractor remains in denial. They may actually be too close to the work too see the problem or may simply hope that some miracle will occur to rescue the situation. Many contractors offer package deals. “Don’t worry about project management or site supervision, we will handle all that and not charge you anything for it”. BE VERY WARY! “Free project management” is often expensive. They have their own interests and agenda and if contractual issues and contract profit are concerned these will inevitably diverge from your interests. The project manager’s role as a “policemen” should not be over-stated. In the best-managed contracts, project management is an essential part of the professional team and their competence is as important to the contractor as it is to you, the customer.Back to Site Management |
