Effective Project Management Practices in the Precast Concrete Industry

Abstract

The precast concrete sector is a cornerstone in modern construction due to its advantages which include quicker delivery schedule, lower relative labor expenses, and more consistent quality control. On the other hand, reconciling schedule adherence, cost control, and coordination has been a recurring problem in precast construction projects. This thesis examines the global precast concrete industry’s project management practices with an emphasis on improving project efficiency, managing construction risks, specifically focusing on applications of digital technology in construction, and corporate responsibility in terms of environmental impact. To achieve that aim, the study investigates the application of the PMBOK Project Management framework, Lean Construction, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) on precast concrete projects. It shows the benefits of digitalization, especially BIM, on coordination and error reduction, as well as sustainably minded practices through the circular economy. Using mixed methods, this thesis constructs a comprehensive literature review, surveys industry professionals, and identifies gaps in practices to propose a set of best practices. Although the industry has started using digital technologies and some sustainability practices, there is still a considerable gap in dealing with risks, coordination, and execution of the projects. Improvement of project management within the organization can be achieved through the application of modern scheduling systems, the use of integrated project delivery systems, and incorporation of sustainability metrics at the planning phase. This work aims to provide theoretical and practical insights for the precast concrete industry by formulating recommendations for efficient, risk sensitive, and sustainable project management.