5 PROJECT MANAGEMENT TRENDS REVEALING THE COMPLEXITY OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY'S FUTURE BY THE BIG 5

Project management’s pivotal role set to grow more important as construction complexity increases.

Construction projects are becoming more complex, making delivering them on time and to budget much tougher. Project management discipline is evolving to meet these challenges, taking on new methods and exploring how technology can help.

We’ve picked out five trends project managers will have to adapt to, if they want to stay ahead of the industry’s growing complexity.

1. Agile
​Agile is a project management method that shows just how influential the technology sector has become. Born out of software development, the Agile approach accepts things change and focuses efforts on finding a way to move a project forward successfully. Its advocates say it is not about being systematic anymore, it’s about being dynamic. Plenty of education will be needed for the new approach to gain acceptance in the industry, but the benefits – saving time and money – could be worth it. According to those who’ve tried it, a crucial step is encouraging all team members to put ideas forward. The result can unleash innovative ideas right at the time when a project needs them most.

2. Digitisation and the road to Construction 4.0
​Construction, a bit unfairly, can be accused of lagging behind other industries in adopting new technology. But as margins get smaller, it will take innovative thinking to make a profit from limited project budgets. This could push construction businesses to turn to technology to run projects more efficiently and with less labour.

Making the move to digital technologies will take serious expertise. This is especially true for successful implementation, but there are other risks too. A shift to more digital workflows will expose construction businesses to the cyber security risks currently worrying banks, retailers and social media firms. A good understanding of all the issues will be vital before taking the first steps.

3. Internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) combine
​The convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in small devices could change the life of a project manager. Project managers need to be prepping for when each piece of equipment on site will report direct to them. Some plug-in tech may be applied to existing assets, others may work with bolt-on solutions. Either way, more data will be heading to project managers soon. If they can analyse it effectively with AI, they’ll cut the capital costs of their company’s asset base. They’ll also bring new levels of precision to the operation of those same assets.

4. Risk management analysis
​With improved information from a project site comes the opportunity to make detailed risk assessments and spot potential problems early. The hard part will be analysing all the information quickly enough to use in effective decision making.

The use of so-called big-data techniques is relatively new, especially in the construction sector. Consequently, there is plenty of work to be done in figuring out how to bring the different elements together into one effective method. The firms that get it right first can expect to see significant benefits, which hinge around their potential to deliver cost savings.

5. Real-time project management
​When all the potential of technology is brought together, the possibility of achieving real time project management emerges. This means knowing every detail of each moving part, fixed asset, batch of materials and even the teams doing the work.

Real time project management can be achieved by using fixed cameras, or drones, to provide the images needed to connect with the data and pinpoint where everything is. The results of this real-time input could update plans and details as projects progress, create regular reports to keep people informed of progress and help manage site schedules. The cost-saving potential of the technology makes real-time project management a future people are ready to see now.

To learn more about these trends register to attend The Big 5 for free, 26-29 November 2018. REGISTER NOW

To register for the Project Management Talks CLICK HERE

About The Big 5

The Big 5 is the construction event providing leading-edge innovation, knowledge, and business opportunities for industry players around the world to connect, grow, and succeed.

Taking place annually in Dubai since 1979, the event has launched hundreds of thousands of products boosting the expansion of emerging markets. It has facilitated partnerships, advanced knowledge and industry best practices, while serving as the gateway for international companies to access the Middle East, Africa and South Asia regions.

The Big 5 covers the full construction cycle; not only does it showcase products across dedicated sectors, it also runs alongside nine specialised events enabling industry professionals to source building solutions from around the globe for every stage of the construction projects: The Big 5 Heavy, Middle East Concrete, Windows, Doors & Facades Event, Gulf Glass, HVAC R Expo, The Big 5 Solar, Middle East Stone, the Urban Design & Landscape Expo, and FM Expo.

The event includes high-level summits, practical seminars, CPD-certified workshops, and The Big 5 Impact Awards to foster collaboration, support best practices, and provide effective solutions to today’s industry challenges.

The Big 5 is organised by dmg events and is free to attend for all pre-registered visitors. 

#Big5Exhibition

To know more, visit www.thebig5.ae


About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organiser of face-to-face events and a publisher of trade magazines.

We aim to keep businesses informed and connect them with relevant communities to create vibrant marketplaces and to accelerate their business through face-to-face events.

dmg events organises more than 80 events across 25 countries, attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates every year. The company’s portfolio of products includes many industry-leading events in the energy, construction, hospitality & design, coatings and transportation sectors. ADIPEC, The Big 5, Gastech, EGYPS, The Hotel Show and INDEX are the company’s flagship events. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com.

About DMGT

DMGT manages a portfolio of companies that provide businesses and consumers with compelling information, analysis, insight, events, news and entertainment. The Group takes a long-term approach to investment and has market-leading positions in consumer media, insurance risk, property information, education technology, energy information and events & exhibitions. In total, DMGT generates revenues of around £1 billion.




Newsroom published with Prezly: PR Software.