Project management oversight

Although construction project owners are the individuals responsible for the costs incurred from budget overruns, schedule delays, and quality shortcomings, these individuals often fail to control the efforts of their construction team, particularly the performance of their architects, engineers, and contractors. This article outlines a two-part project control strategy that can help construction project owners strategically control the project team's performance. In doing so, it discusses the United States Government's use of project management oversight to control major construction projects; it explains the ways that oversight processes are also benefiting the private sector. It also examines the project owner's role in managing the project, particularly in regards to working with an oversight consultant, delegating responsibilities, and managing contractors.