Successful Project Management

The successful management of architectural and engineering projects in today's challenging environment is something of a science that has been evolving over the centuries. Project management has existed in some form for thousands of years, where people have organized to plan and achieve specific objectives that would be defined as a project. It originated from the Latin word "projectum," which means, "to throw something forward." Thus, the word "project" originally meant "something that comes before anything else is done." When the word was initially adopted, it referred to a plan of something, not to the act of carrying out that plan. Our modern-day interpretation refers to both the planning and management of projects in the creation of production drawings and specifications to produce the object and the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques applied to a broad range of activities to meet the requirements of that particular project, whether it's a bridge, roadway, treatment plant, or building structure. Project management is also a skill, and involves leadership abilities, communication techniques, collaboration with team members, and creativity. Both the science and skill qualities can be enhanced by a system of continuous client feedback, leading to the ultimate goal of obtaining the client’s next project in the future. Successful Project Management for A/E/P & Environmental Consulting Firms integrates both the skill and science of managing projects and identifies the professions’ best practices through numerous examples, checklists, and case studies. To buy the book or for more information, click here. If you're interested in a 6 CEU Seminar on Project Management led by Howard Birnberg, click here.