Improving the cost and schedule control system

One of the most important challenges facing project managers today is controlling cost and schedule overruns. A cost and schedule control system must be established to deliver construction projects on time and within budget. This system must provide the information needed for a project team so that actual performance can be compared to planned performance in a format that provides a valid, timely picture of the project status while also isolating problem areas that require particular attention from management. A research survey conducted among 22 construction management professionals involved in advanced technology facility projects (cleanroom construction) and 19 construction management professionals involved in conventional facility projects (conventional construction) showed that cleanroom contractors achieve their cost and schedule goals much more consistently than conventional contractors. Based on the lessons learned from cleanroom contractors, this article provides recommendations for conventional contractors to improve their cost and schedule control systems.