The form of project control methods must be simple, easily understood and practical
Factors affecting the degree of project control are:-
• Size of Job.
• Ability of personnel employed on the work.
• The amount of direct supervision that can be given by the site supervisor.
• The rate of construction.
The success of labour control is dependent on regular inspections being carried out and discussions taking place with gangs and crews so that they know what they are expected to do and also the consequences of it not being done.
To supervise effectively, the site supervisor should have a detailed, intimate knowledge of all the construction operations and techniques relating to the work he is to carry out. This requires careful study of the plans and specification to understand what is required and a study of the information contained in the relevant project scope on how to achieve the necessary results.
For effective project control methods, Other sources of information for the foreman are his site engineer, the construction manager, quantity surveyor, Engineering Laboratary staff, plant managers etc. -remember, when in doubt – ASK.
The supervisor/foreman/site engineer must be able to detect quickly any deficiencies before they become serious. The following rules should be observed :-
• Inspections must be timely, thorough and systematic. Read the relevant clauses of the specification just before going out to inspect. Make a list of points which must be checked. • Make close inspections at the start of operations, e. g. it is better to condemn 10 m3 of faulty material at the start of paving than l00 or 1000 m3 later.
• Observe each operation and think about how it can be simplified or improved.
• Plan the testing and bill of quantites procedures of the job to yield the necessary information promptly and efficiently.
• When deficiencies are observed, decide immediately what corrective action is required and make sure that it is carried out, e. g. when supervising earthmoving operations, do not stand by and watch a dozer working uphill when it should be working downhill -reconsider and reorganize the plant operations.
• Observe the resources (manpower, materials and plant) that are in use and make an honest assessment of actual need -act accordingly.