Categories and Formats of PM ( project management ) aand CMA ( construction project management) 

Prepared by Jerry Sullivan 

The subject of or description of Construction Management is ever evolving as it is the result of the complexities of current construction technology, ever increasing application of computer usage,  and the diminishing role of the general contractor to perform work by its own forces. 

Regardless of the format, PM generally falls into one or more of the following categories:

·    Safety Management

·    Organization and Management of Design and Construction in conformance to plans and specifications, including all permits, codes and legal requirements.

The functions of PM include three parties:

• The owner,
• The designers /consultants,
• The builder.
  
  The exact form of participation most often depends on the needs of the owner size of the project(s). The owner might elect to function as one of the following three formats:  

• Owner-Designer: an owner that elects to hire designers to prepare plans and specifications to be used in negotiated work and or competitive bidding ,
• Owner- Construction Manager: an owner working with plans and specifications designed by outside designers or in-house designers
• Owner-Builder manager of construction : An owner has plans and specifications prepared by outside designers or in-house designers with the owner providing its own construction forces as arranged by a separate legal entity normally a general contractor owned by the owner.  The general contractor would supervise the subtrades and will provide what ever percentage of work they are required to be in compliance with governmental or regulatory approvals of any required contractor’s license or permit.

The owner builder format should not be confused with a format used by governmental, or municipal agencies which might be called  “design and build”  where the concept of a project is designed by an agency and a  contractor is selected by methods and procedures elected by the owner. Within the design and build concept, there can be various applications of construction management.

The methods for payment or reimbursement for PM varies depending on the size of the firm, the project, and the risk , should there be any that the that the PM firm has to assume.  In the U.S. the status of the PM, or construction management is not regulated.

There are several agencies that have detailed descriptions of construction management. These are briefly:

• AGC (Associated General Contractors ) of which Jerry is an associate member – California chapter
• CMAA (Construction Management Association of America)
• American Council for Construction Education
• Many other organization attempting to attain prominence  and perhaps control of this subject  

Jerrold ( Jerry) Sullivan’s background in  project management and construction management 

Jerry is an experienced construction manager that has participated in all aspects of construction with a scope of construction that includes all site work, infrastructure, and building construction of various forms and usage including so residential.

His educational  is BS Engineering and he has engaged in constant study of the construction industry since graduation from college, The volume work for which he hasbeen responsible for profit and loss is in excess of $ 4 Billion . This work has included a multitude of State, Municipal, and private contracts.  He participated in all categories of Project Management  as previously outlined.  His has held positions as an owner’s representative responsible for project concept, and management of design and construction of large projects.  For example, he has  been Project Director in charge of concept, design and construction, marketing, and funding. In addition his experience includes obtaining all entitlements, permits and other requirements required by State, County, City and owner association approvals.

Jerry's  work has been through his company which is JSCPM (Jerry Sullivan Construction Project Management) which was formed in 1992 to provide consulting services to contractors and developers. He is licensed as General Engineering and General Building Contractor in the State of California. # 649726. Presently this license is assigned to JSCPM as has been placed in an inactive status with the State 8 years ago.  Since the mid nineties we have concentrated on project management. Jerry constantly keeps abrest of requirements of the California State License Board and all conditions affecting contractors nationwide.

JSCPM provided services to several South East Asian entities and to developers and contractors.  In the past they employed employees and or associates to fulfill all services.  At that time they carried 4 consultants Presently he is the principal consultant for JSCPM. but can, if required, function as an incorporated body or as a sole proprietor as JSCPM is incorporated in the State of Nevada. Presently Jerry  is working as a sole proprietor. JSCPM is incorporated in the State of Nevada.

Jerry's knowledge of construction management has enabled him to set up the management of a complex projects on which he was a partner in a business park development business, or as an associate for a developer in charge of land development in California and a construction manager managing  the completion of designs and administration of about sixty million dollars of site and building work on a planned development in South San Francisco.  In addition there have been other clients for whom JSCPM has provided management including a  three year asssignment for Mountbatten  surety company, a subsidary of Zurich of NA , and other entities providing construction management for hospital construction.