Theoretical Framework, Essay Example

Abstract

Construction Project Management is a discipline that gives emphasis on different aspects and interests of facility construction. This gives regard to better housing, communication and raised living standards. In the process of construction, projects bring change and degrees of deterioration varying in degree and project stakeholders try to accomplish the goal and mission of the project successfully. In this paper, theoretical foundations (social, organizational, psychological, educational, and economic and leadership) will be presented to show how conventional project management doctrines deviate and fail. Last Planner shares his views on construction projects whereas Scrum discusses his software project discipline. These two are good examples on how conventional theoretical foundations have brought about failure in the field of construction management.

Introduction

Theoretical frameworks presented by different authors in the field of Construction Project Management have contributed to ongoing research on how they relate to each other. However, studies show that project management does not have any explicit theory attributed to the discipline and thus, researchers differentiate the two concepts into: project theory and management theory. The operations view of transformation gives emphasis to project theory, which stipulates related to inputs and outputs concepts. Various principles associated with the management of projects suggest things like, hierarchical decomposition of transformation totally into smaller tasks, transformation, and managers (Koskela & Howell, 2002). Smaller tasks are accomplished at higher rate and acquired results are substantial and productive. Hierarchy decomposition entails filtering out unnecessary posts formed by management when delegating duties to employees. Dispatching, thermostat models and management as planning are the three most basic theories related to the understanding of management.

Body

In the management as planning theoretical framework, at the level of operations in management, creativity, revision and plan implementation are some of the things considered. As a result, a strong and casual affiliation between management actions and outcomes ascribed to the organization. The thermostat model framework relates to the cybernetic control management model, which consists of elements like performance standards, performance measured as output, possible variance between measured value and standard used in correcting processes in order to achieve high, quality standards in the construction project (Koskela & Howell, 2002).). The model of dispatching gives assumptions on execution of planned tasks by giving a notification to the executor for the project to commence. These three theories work together in achieving success in construction project management. As a result, it is important for leaders in this field to be conversant with the theoretical frameworks in maintaining balance; between employees, employers and resources for attaining organizational goals and objectives. Theoretical frameworks of Construction Project Management are

Instability in project management by various organizations uses the dissipative structure theory to solve the disorder and promote collaborative working conditions. Managers need to utilize all resources, skills and techniques that will reduce projects disorders because it is a waste of time and valuable resources.

Constructions projects are complex bearing in mind the growth in global economy and technological advancements linked to increased numbers and scales. Consequently, this project management in the construction industry gives knowledge in this era of hard economic times and sophisticated times of information. Modern construction in management projects emphasizes on the development of theories relating to science, their tactics and methods. Scientific technologies and knowledge in this discipline looks at theories of information, control, technology (computer), behavioral science and research in operations. All these theories contribute to the enrichment of construction management theories hence; establish a solid, strong foundation of systems theory in modern projects.

In 1970, Prigogine founded the dissipative structure theory, which provides philosophers of science new and systematic methodologies in natural form to humans (Xiang & Zou, 2011, p. 367). This has contributed to other subjects like Chemistry, Physics, Economics and Biology in relation to the society. This theory is linked to current leadership theories that have contributed to the reduction of risk management processes and improved channels of communication with departments. Therefore, ecological risks are managed at all levels within the construction project and thus, restoration and protection of the ecosystem is achieved. Dissipative theory has given emphasis and has enhanced analysis based on managerial influential factors on confusion within the industry. Also, orderly is maintained in management and thus, projects are successful and bring out other advantages relating to sustainability of the environment (Xiang & Zou, 2011, p. 368). This has inspired project managers and thus, further research needs to be conducted in order to stipulate their importance and effectiveness in modern projects of management.

This theory works best for open systems, those away from the equilibrium, with nonlinear interaction; bearing in mind that order is as a result of fluctuations. Planning, design, decision making and construction are phases inclusive in project management. They consider available resources, time, cost and environment of the project. This incorporates the social theory, which entails aspects like the environment and resources available for the completion of the project (Xiang & Zou, 2011, p. 370). It is also linked to leadership theories because they contribute greatly to decision making processes for leaders in the construction field of project management.

Management as planning approach with relation to planning appends to human idea activity inherently. Additionally, execution of duties by managers, perspective on language and action entails the use of commitment and two-way communication (p. 5). Many managers adopt the classical theory of communication, which has resulted in the failure of projects. Control model of the scientific experimentation attempts to work on the deviant causes related to project managements and adds learning control aspects. Educational theories of project management will enable leaders and employees to attain success in projects commenced because it gives them a vast exposure and data on important issues. This gives prevalence to modern technology and media of knowledge exchange that imposes positive attitudes and feelings to managers. Diversity is promoted when applying educational theories because it fosters management project construction. Innovation is also promoted and encourages leaders to be competitive. As such, it is imperative for theories to comply to educational theories in order to enable leaders and the societies accommodate change in their environment.

The execution theory however, looks into the prerequisite before proceeding in order to give way for effective planning made by managers to be achieved. Work commencement considers all materials required are collected and available in the traditional approach, but the conventional approach delegate task authority to managers. This is similar in working with the perspective of language or action model thus, emphasizes on commitment (p. 6). This facilitates adequate planning is enhanced and fosters communication between different departments. Social theories also encompass people perspectives and opinions on how the project impacts their lives. Economic theories impact heavily on the markets and financial status of the country. It is essential for economists to educate project managers on ways of minimizing waste and supports environmental aspects. Global markets expansion and diversification measures have contributed to the engagement of improved, modern and classic project processes that foster unity and improve the well-being of individuals in the society. Economic theories of production enables projects to adapt systems that will gain coherence with modern construction project management issues like sustainability and advancement in technology.

For the control theory, it looks into rate of assignment realization, investigation of non-realization causes and their elimination. As such Percent Plan Complete (PPC) metric is used. The main controlling effects of this approach are expressed in hours and or money through comparing progress and baseline performance. Leadership theories will combine with the above approaches in ensuring that projects are successful and comply with modern theories and themes of construction management. Leaders chosen for such projects need to incorporate the needs of all personnel and encourage division of labor and specialization in team projects. It is vital for leaders to be ethical and focus on theories associated with project management (scientific), which fosters effective channels of communication within the organization. Communication enables organizations undertaking projects to share ideas and knowledge on how to improve modern management methods and integrate traditional methods. Both traditional and modern methods of communication enables leaders to succeed in their projects because they accommodate old and new ways of solving problems in organizations.

By conducting various research on theories linked to construction project both in the modern and traditional setting, it is evident that investigation is required (Xiang & Zou, 2011, p. 372). Social and psychological theories relating to construction project management will enable leaders to avoid problems and solve them to reduce global problems. Creswell’s book (2009) gives readers explicit results and data on how ethical issues related to research methods apply in modern construction management projects. Research designs and methods applied by construction managers should postulates postulate the ability to undertake further research and apply theories affecting the contemporary society. They should be able to deduct conclusions from gathered data and comprehensively use the information for analysis purposes.

Management is supported by science through certain applications like technology, psychological tools and theories relating to organizations. Under organizational theory, contingency theory is discussed since it elaborates how structures correlate with tasks and environments in the organization. It is imperative to apply scientific theories because organizations benefit from networking scheduling. This enables managers predict and give a rough estimate on when the project will be completed. Therefore, contingencies will be developed by applying probability theories. Organizing projects on a functional basis or matrix will hinder projects from meeting their targets. However, organizational theories have been helpful in beating targets and attaining competitive advantage on projects commenced. This instills in employees a competitive spirit that fosters sustainable environment that supports renewable energy and current global issues.

The use of dissipative theories is to enable researchers become creative and improves on their activity. The conception has reduced negative flow of entropy and thus, transformation and awareness improvement has involved the participation of many architects and managers in promoting ethical issues and theories development. Secondly, project managers’ performance is improved by reinforcing learning and accustoms international and domestic markets. This enforces new studies of theories and methods that will create a competitive environment for the establishment of learning opportunities. Participants are encouraged to improve on their abilities of applying theoretical frameworks in order to attain high performance.

Construction Project Management system is innovative thus, responsible for development of definite relationships status, power, benefit and duty of managers. The innovative concept ascribed to projects gives them a sophisticated approach in handling problems and decision making processes. Equality, distributive systems and managerial regimes need to be integrated in order to succeed in attaining success in formulated projects. Projects need to maintain equity in order to minimize challenging aspects relating to power and leadership roles. Strategy management used should be advanced to encompass rich competition between competing fields and managers by producing competitive advantages. This includes items like global strategy, competition that is trans-cultural and or cooperative and fabricated management among others. The win-win strategy has been effective in ensuring that competition is enhanced within this discipline that has resulted in improved economic backgrounds of countries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, theories relating to construction project management include scientific theories among others. Dissipative theory gives a clear picture of how theories relate to this discipline and shows their relevance and advantages when applied. Theoretical frameworks help managers in making sound decisions that contribute to the success of projects. Research design is a wide concept that accommodates all aspects of a research and gives assumptions for clarification by other theorists and critiques. Social, psychological, educational, leadership and economic theories support success in project management and thus are essential for modern construction projects.

References

Cresswell, JW (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

Koskela, L & Howell, G. (2002). The Theory of Project Management: Explanation to Novel Methods. Proceedings ICGL, 1-11.

Xiang, P & Zou, l. (2011). Application of the Dissipative Structure Theory in Construction Project Management. International Journal of Advancements in Computing Technology (IJACT) 3 (11), 364-375.