Project Stages PDF

Project Stages 1. Concept Stage: This is where the initial project idea is developed, with stakeholders discussing goals and feasibility. 2. Design Stage: Detailed plans, blueprints, and models are created by architects and engineers. 3. Tendering Stage: Bidding p...

Project Stages 1. Concept Stage: This is where the initial project idea is developed, with stakeholders discussing goals and feasibility. 2. Design Stage: Detailed plans, blueprints, and models are created by architects and engineers. 3. Tendering Stage: Bidding process where contractors submit cost estimates and project managers review options. 4. Preconstruction Stage: Site preparation begins, and materials and equipment are arranged. 5. Construction Stage: Actual building work takes place, with workers and machinery on-site. 6. Commissioning Stage: Final inspections ensure the project meets requirements and is ready for handover. ggg  1. Conceptual Stage Overview The conceptual stage is the first and most crucial phase in a project lifecycle. Key decisions made here set the foundation for success, influencing cost, time, and design quality. Project Brief: Defines client needs and project goals. o Example: An office project brief might outline size, style, and budget requirements. Early Decisions: Choices about design and resources maximize efficiency and minimize later changes. o Example: Choosing sustainable materials for a high-rise saves long- term costs. Avoiding Misinterpretation: Clear understanding of client needs prevents costly rework. o Example: Failing to account for classroom space in a school design could lead to expensive changes later. The conceptual stage guides the entire project and sets it up for success. Key Questions in the Conceptual Stage: 1. What does the principal need and want? o Define the primary goals and objectives. o Example: For a hospital, this might mean setting goals for patient capacity and healthcare services. 2. What resources are required? o Identify necessary materials, labor, and funding. o Example: A new bridge may require specific materials like steel and concrete, as well as skilled engineers. 3. What resources are available? o Assess what is already on hand versus what needs to be acquired. o Example: Using existing equipment on-site could reduce costs.  4. What standard of performance is required? o Set quality and performance benchmarks. o Example: A school project might need to meet safety and energy efficiency standards. 5. What external factors need to be considered? o Evaluate environmental, legal, and social impacts. o Example: In a coastal area, environmental regulations may restrict certain materials. 6. Who will make the key decisions? o Determine decision-makers and their roles. o Example: For a commercial project, the client’s representative and project manager may handle major decisions. Key Issues in the Conceptual Stage 1. Statement of Principles Needs: Defines what the client wants to achieve. 2. Scope Statement: Outlines the project’s boundaries and key deliverables. 3. Feasibility Study: Assesses if the project is achievable within constraints. 4. Strategic Plan: Sets long-term goals and approach for the project. 5. Project Organization: Establishes roles and responsibilities. 6. Project Brief: Summarizes key details and requirements for designers. Key Issues in the Conceptual Stage with Examples 1. Statement of Principal’s Needs o Defines what the client (individual, company, or government) aims to achieve. o Example: A city planning office might want to build a new sports complex to meet community demand. 2. Scope Statement o Outlines the work to be done, including objectives like cost, time, quality, and important design details. o Example: For a hospital, the scope includes patient capacity, emergency facilities, safety standards, and accessibility.  3. Feasibility Study o Assesses if the project is possible, looking at technical, financial, and environmental aspects. o Example: Before building a high-rise, a study checks the site’s soil stability and the project’s financial return. 4. Strategic Plan o Details the project’s purpose, who will work on it, timeline, budget, and execution approach. o Example: For a bridge, the plan includes a phased approach, project roles, total cost, and environmental considerations. 5. Project Brief o Summarizes client goals, project scope, budget, and schedule, guiding the design process. o Example: For a school, the brief might specify the number of classrooms, budget limits, and completion date. 6. Consultant Agreements o Contracts for specialists in the initial phase, usually to develop the project concept. o Example: Hiring architects and environmental consultants to create preliminary designs for a new office tower. Design Stage 1. Managing the Design Stage Goal: Translate the project concept into a physical design (drawings, specifications). Documentation: These drawings are submitted to local authorities for approvals (development and building permits). Purpose: They also form the basis for tender documents (used to seek contractors). Importance: The quality of design documentation impacts the overall project in terms of time, cost, and quality. Poor design management can lead to delays and higher costs. 2. Suitability of Design Goal: Ensure that the overall design, and every aspect of it, meets the principal’s intended purpose. Design Management Plan: Identifies who is responsible for confirming the design's suitability and compliance with requirements. 3. Cost Budget Formulation: The total project cost is set during the pre-design phase, with an initial contingency for unknown costs (since detailed designs aren't available yet). Contingency Management: This reserve is meant for unexpected costs, not for covering design mistakes. Proper management is crucial to avoid misusing funds. 4. Design Evaluation Purpose: Value management is a systematic approach to evaluate the project’s design. Focus: Ensures the design is functional, economical, and meets objectives. Buildability: Helps improve the design’s ease of construction, ensuring it can be built efficiently.