Engineering Construction - Quota Park Shared Footpath Student’s Name: Institutional Affiliation:   Engineering Construction - Quota Park Shared Footpath Project management is the process of ensuring that project planning and execution is conducted properly, by controlling the changes that occur during project implementation. It is a dynamic process in which aims to ensure that a project is well-implemented, and all the dynamics controlled properly, to facilitate a successful outcome. There are 8 main dynamics involved in project management and implementation, as defined by the guidelines of project management body of knowledge (PMBOK). They include project implementation, planning the project’s scope, time management, cost management, quality management, human resource management, communications management, risk management, and procurement(Meredith & Mantel, 2002). This essay will focus on the process of constructing theQuota Park Shared Footpath. It will cover the methodology to be used in the implementation of the project as per the guidelines of PMBOK. Quota Park Shared Footpath is a project owned by Mackay Regional Council. The project will create a shared path, cross ways, cycle paths, and footpaths to improve the flow of traffic in the area, and ease congestion on the roads. The project is planned to take place over 4 months, during which various aspects of the project will be implemented. The initial stage includes site establishment, where the contractors have to identify a site to set up the offices from which the project will be managed(Guérin, 2012). The contractor will then set up the office, and prepare the site to house all the facilities needed to implement the project. It will take an average of 3 weeks to establish the site and set it up. The next step will involve providing a route for traffic. At the moment, a temporary path exists and it is used by both pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, this traffic will need to be redirected. It will involve paving a temporary road, which will be covered by a single layer of tarmac. This process will take two weeks. While implementing the project, there is need to create a good environmental plan so that the construction will not interfere with vegetation, power lines, and water and sewerage lines(Lock, 2007). Once the initial stages have been completed, and the traffic is sufficiently diverted, as well as all the environmental factors considered, the project will begin. The first step is to create and lay down proper drainage systems, which will take an average of two weeks. The process will involve excavating land to create drainage paths. After this, the protective treatments will be laid down for three weeks, followed by earthworks for another week. Once the construction process is complete, the landscaping process will be implemented for two weeks, to create a beautiful environment. The implementation of the project will follow the 9 crucial guidelines of PMBOK as follows. ProjectIntegration Management This is the first step in the project implementation process. At this stage, the project manager will plan the project and develop it. It is the most important step as it defines what the project is meant to achieve, and gives a brief overview of the project(Project Management Institute, 2013). At this stage, the project manager takes all the plans created by all the stakeholders, and puts them together in one plan which covers all aspects of the project. The final document should be a solid project plan, which informs all the stakeholders and any casual observer of the dimensions of the project, and the expected outcomes and objectives (Larson & Gray, 2010). Project integration management further includes the actual implementation of the project by performing the procedures and tasks outlined in the project’s plan(Duprey, 2010). Additionally, this is the step where changes are coordinated properly, to ensure that they do not adversely affect the outcome of the project. Changes in the project implementation phase can be very dangerous, and could occur due to a number of factors(Cleland, 1999). As a result, there is need to have a good plan in place about how to handle them as they arise(Bilingham, 2008). In general, the project integration process defines all the activities of the project, and clearly states all the stages and processes of the project. It is the project’s master plan. Project Scope Management During this step, the project manager covers all the activities required to ensure that the project is successful. At this stage, the priority is to ensure that the project plan is approved by the client, the local authorities, and environmental management authorities(Project Management Institute, 2013). The project is to expected to take place over 4 months. The first step is to establish a site construction site. The site will be a small space next to the project itself. It will be made of temporary materials that can be demolished easily once the project is complete(Oberlender, 2000). The project will require one project manager who will be in charge of all the activities pertaining to the project, from human resource management, to procurement and management of materials. There will be a project engineer who will oversee the technical aspects of the project. The engineer ensures that the construction employs the best materials for the project(Charvat, 2003). These will include concrete materials and top soil. There will be a site supervisor who will be in charge of day-to-day activities at the site(Graham & Englund, 2003). The supervisor coordinates the utilization of materials, labor requirements, tracks the project’s progress, and ensures that the project meets the required quality standards. The leading hand is the head of the construction workers. Their role involves facilitatingthe proper use of materials as per the directives of the engineer(Knapp, 2010). Finally, there will be a total of 20 laborers on site. These will be responsible for the actual work, and will be required to be skilled in construction work, as well as the operations of site machinery. The project will begin with the excavation of the site to create the correct depth for laying the footpath. Since the path will use concrete and cater for a lot of pedestrian and bicycle traffic, it will need to have a good foundation for the purposes of durability, and to accommodate the diversity of usage. After this, the drainage will be constructed, as per the expected volume of water to be expected. The drainage will be underground and covered, hence the need to lay it with the foundation(Oberlender, 2000). The next step will involve the laying of the foundation, which will create a solid base which can easily withstand the expected traffic. The next step will then involve the laying of concrete paving using different designs and colors, as per the provisions of the engineers and designer of the project. Finally, the pavement will be completed with a landscaping exercise. The landscaping will plant grass and flowers on the sides of the pavement to improve the aesthetic appeal of the environment, and to act as soil cover which prevents soil erosion. As demonstrated, the project scope breaks down all the activities of the project, demonstrates the expertise involved, and the steps involved in the implementation phase(Duprey, 2010). Anyone who wants to know how the project will progress can refer to the project scope. Management of Time At this stage, the project’s timelines are defined. Timelines are important as they dictate the budget, and any adjustments in the timeline could result in a massive rise in the project’s cost(Project Management Institute, 2013). The construction of Quota Park Shared Footpath is projected to take place over four months. The rationale is that the path needs to be given ample time to solidify, so that it can last for a long time(Barkley, 2010). The first step entails the construction of the site which will take place over three weeks. At this stage, the materials required will be brought on site, to ensure that by the time the project begins all the materials will be on site(Mays, 2001). The diversion of traffic will take place over two weeks, during which the new temporary path will be constructed, and the traffic moved to the new site. The next step involves the excavation of the site and the diversion of pipelines and sewerage lines, and is projected to take place for two weeks. After this, the drainage system will be laid down. The current drainage is above the ground and is often interfered with due to clogging. Moving it underground is meant to resolve this problem and provide a safe path for pedestrians(Mays, 2001). The construction of the drainage will take place over two weeks, as it will involve the use of precast drainage ways. After this, the laying of a foundation will commence. It will take place over two weeks and the engineer will be heavily involved in this step, as it affects the final outcome of the project(Parsaie, 2001). Next, the pavement will be laid down over a period of three weeks, based on the color scheme and design provided. The project will then move on to landscaping, which will be conducted over two weeks. Once the project is complete, the client will inspect it, as well as the city engineer, before it is signed off(Shenhar & Dvir, 2007). Project Quality Management The purpose of this project is to create a safe pedestrian path which will serve the needs of pedestrian traffic as well as bicycle traffic. The quality control will be conducted by the project manager, supervisor, and site engineer, as per the specifications of the client, and according to engineering best practices(Nokes & Kelly, 2007). It will be conducted by ensuring the right quality and quantities of materials are used (Parsaie, 2001). As the project progresses, there will a day’s break between the transition from one stage to another, to give the materials time to settle and solidify. Each step of the project will be inspected by the engineer, to ensure that it meets the best standards and follows the plan(Newton, 2007). The engineer will instruct implement ation of the next step once the previous one has satisfied the quality standards set. Human Resource Management This involves ensuring that the project is adequately staffed, and that all the expertise required is available. The project has a project manager, engineer, supervisor, leading hand, and 20 laborers. The laborers are involved in the physical construction of the project, and they include three machine operators. The leading hand is technically knowledgeable about the most efficient methods for implementing the project,is a junior engineer, and is actively involved in the daily activities taking place at the site. The leading hand is present on site at all times just like the supervisor(Kerzner, 2009). The supervisor ensures that the correct procedures are followed, and that safety and materials required are taken care of at all times. Communication Management It is a very important step as communication ensures that all the stakeholders are aware of their responsibilities, and what is taking place(Phillips, 2013). The main mode of communication between the client and the project manager is via email. The project manager will send weekly reports to the client to ensure that the client stays updated. Any requisition of materials will be communicated by the supervisor to the project manager via email(Guérin, 2012). The communication between the engineer and the project manager, supervisor and leading hand will be conducted via email, and any official documents will be sent in two copies, with the receiver keeping a copy(Maylor, 2010). The supervisor will sign off any materials that are delivered on site after checking their quality and quantity(Parsaie, 2002). The engineer will sign off process documents, once he is satisfied with the quality of work at each stage, and sign off the next stage to trigger its implementation. Risk Management This is a very important stage and involves planning, the proper identification of all possible risks, a deep analysis of what dangers are posed, a plan of the appropriate responses, and any control measures that can be utilized(Phillips, 2013). The biggest risk for this project is the failure by the client to provide the necessary funds on time, as this will delay the project. Another risk is the failure by the supplier to deliver materials on time, as this will halt the project. To mitigate against this, the supervisor will order materials a week in advance to give the supplier enough time to deliver the required materials. Procurement Management Procurement is performed by the project manager. The site supervisor in conjunction with the leading hand will identify the materials required, and place their requests a week in advance to the project manager via email(Parsaie, 2002). Once the materials are delivered, the supervisor will inspect them and ensure that they are of the right quantity and quality, and sign off a document confirming this. The supervisor will keep a copy for documentation purposes. Payments are performed by the project manager upon receiving the necessary documents from the supervisor. The payment of suppliers takes place on a monthly basis(Shenhar & Dvir, 2007). Quota Park Shared Footpath will be constructed within a period of four months. The project will take place with the supervision of the lead engineer. Throughout this project, the PBMOK process will be used to ensure that the project is completed within the time frame agreed, and according to the best project management practices.The supervisor will be directly involved in the daily activities of the project throughout. The engineer will facilitate quality assurance through a through and regular inspection process of the project, at every stage on the plan. The project manager will provide weekly reports to the client, to ensure that the client stays updated on project progress. The final outcome of the project will be signed off by the client after an inspection by the engineer.   References Barkley. B. (2010). Integrated project management. US: McGraw Hill Professional Billingham, V. (2008). Project management: How to plan and deliver a successful project. US: The Project Management Excellence Centre Inc. Charvat, J. (2003). Project management methodologies: Selecting, implementing, and supporting methodologies and processes for projects. New Jersey: Wiley Cleland, D. I. (1999). Project management, strategic design and implementation. New York: McGraw-Hill Duprey, R. (2010). Basis for project management and application development methodology. US: Trafford Publishing Guérin, D, M. (2012). “Project Management in the Construction Industry.” Retrieved from: projectmgmt.brandeis.edu Graham, R & Englund, R. (2003). Creating an environment for successful projects: The quest to manage project management. New Jersey: Wiley Kerzner, H. (2009). Project management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling and controlling. California: John Wiley & Sons Inc Knapp, B, W. (2010). Essential project management templates. US: Project Management Institute Inc Larson, E, W & Gray, C, F. (2010). Project management: The management process. US: Mc-Graw Hil Higher Education Lock, D. (2007). The essential project management. US: Gower Publishing Mays, G, C. (2001). Durability of concrete structures. Florida: CRC Press Maylor, H. (2010). Project management. New York: Prentice Hill. Meredith, J & Mantel, S. (2002). Project management a managerial approach. New York: John Wiley & Sons Newton, R. (2007). Project management step by step- How to plan and manage a highly successful project. US: Pearson Business Nokes, S & Kelly, S. (2007). The definitive guide to project management. New York: Prentice Hill. Oberlender, G, D. (2000). Project management for engineering and construction. US: Thomas Casson Parsaie, H, J. (2002). Project management handbook. Indiana: iUniverse Parsaie, H, J. (2001). Construction materials for civil and structural engineering: Part I – Concrete. Indiana: iUniverse Phillips, J. (2013). CAPM/PMP project management certification all-in-one exam guide. Third Edition. US: McGraw-Hill Education Project Management Institute. (2013). A guide to the project management body of knowledge. Fifth Edition.US: Project Management Institute Inc Shenhar, A, J & Dvir, D. (2007). Reinventing project management: The diamond approach to successful growth and innovation. US: Pearson Business