Introduction | A Primer on Program Management | What the Program Manager Does
Main Tasks for the Program Manager | The Program Manager's Tools
Time and Cost Control | Project Management Information Control
Contract Change Management | Conclusion

What the Program Manager Does

Normally a project is divided into several phases: preconstruction, design, procurement, construction, and post-construction. It is preferable to have the program manager begin work during the preconstruction phase, but this is not always done.

If the program manager is brought into the project at the preconstruction phase, the owner benefits. The program manager can assist in preparing a project master schedule and master budget so the owner takes control of the project from the outset, rather than have the schedule determined by the convenience of the designer or the contractor. In another important activity that begins during the design phase of the project, the program manager conducts a series of "constructability reviews". These ensure that the project can be constructed as designed and that the proposed approach is the best one, given local conditions, avai1able materials, budgets, schedule, and so on.

Prior to construction — during the procurement phase — the program manager will assist the owner with the preparation of bid packages, prequalification of subcontractors, bid evaluation, and the award of contracts. It may be necessary to prepare project manuals and procedures for consistency in the work. Once construction contracts are awarded, the program manager will revise the project master schedule and master budget if necessary and update them on a monthly basis.

Once construction starts, the program manager will be responsible for inspection and testing and sometimes surveying, on behalf of the owner. He or she will establish a document control system to record and archive the thousands of documents that are necessary for payment and other purposes. The program manager also ensures that the contractors implement their quality assurance and safety programs.

When construction is complete, he or she will witness start-up and operational tests, review operations and maintenance manuals and as-built drawings, assess liquidated damages if applicable, and approve final payment requests and prepare project closeout documents. These tasks are summarized in the following sections.

A Primer on Program Management

Main Tasks for the Program Manager

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