Department of Civil Engineering

Polytechnic Port Dickson

DCC 5183
PROJECT MANAGEMENT &
PRACTICES
TOPIC 3 :
SITE SUPERVISION & ORGANISATION
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4.1 Compare and contrast different

organizational
structures
and their
4.1.1 The relevance
of organizational
impact
on and
projects
structure
the main characteristics of :
TYPES OF ORGANIZATION
- Functional Organization
President

VP Finance

VP Marketing

VP
Manufacturing

VP
Engineering

Functional organization is a common type of organizational structure in

which the organization is grouped based on specialization by functional
areas, such as IT, finance, production , R&D , HR and marketing.

Advantages & Disadvantagesof

Fuctional structure
Advantages

Disadvantages

1. Decision making occurs at

top level of management. It
ensures upper management
has complete control over
organization.

1.Lead to poor communication

between departments,
situation where department do
not work together and interdepartment conflict

2. Clear career trajectory for

employee from junior level
position up to top decision
making positions.

2.Customer become frustrated

by lack of cooperation if they
have to work with more than
one department.

3.Provides stability and

efficiency especially in large
and complex organizations
because everyone uses similar
processes.
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TYPES OF ORGANIZATION
- Product structure Organization

A representation of the way in which the parts of a product fit together and
interact, organized in levels of detail based on structure.
A product structure is used to manage changes, testing, and problem
resolution for complex products with a large number of interdependent
parts and functions.
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Advantages & Disadvantages Org. base

on Product
Advantages

Disadvantages

1. Enables the organization

to diversify their product,
service or project

1. Dilemma in coordinating
product project areas.

2. They can cope better in

technological change.

2. Lack of clarify in
responsibilities between
product or project specialist

3. The department can be

dissolved easily if task
completed

3. Decrease in professional
contact

4. The Organization may

focus more on client needs
or requests.

4. Duplication of services or
product or project may occur

TYPES OF ORGANIZATION
- Matrix Structure Organization

Matrix Structures
-This type of structure combines the traditional departments seen in
functional structures with project teams.
-In a matrix structure, individuals work across teams and projects as well
as within their own department or function.
-Reporting relationship are set up as a grid or matrix rather than in the
traditional hierarchy.
-Employee have dual reporting relationships generally to both a
functional manager and a product manager.

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Advantages & Disadvantages

matrix org.
Advantages

Disadvantages

1. Allow individuals to use

particular skills within a
variety of contexts

1. Report to two line managers.

This scenario can put project
team member under a heavy
pressure of work.

2. Encourages crossfertilization of ideas across

departments e.g. helping to
share good practice and
ideas

2. Increases employee skills

and involvement but can lead
to employee confusion and
frustration because lines of
reporting are unclear.

3. A good way of sharing

3. Difficult to co-ordinate
resources across departments
which can make a project
more cost-effective
4. Greater motivation
amongst the team members

4. It takes time for matrix team

members to get used to
working.

5. Employees work in teams,

which they develop and

5. Team members may neglect

their functional responsibilities 11

Reason why the matrix structure in project

management has problem in term of :

Conflict: Matrix structure internalizes

conflict between organization needs and
environmental pressure.

Stressful Matrix organization can be a

stressful work environment. Reporting to
more one superior.

Costly Most of time spend on meeting

and discussion. It is time consuming and
costly.

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What will happen if an organization

structure fails to function properly or
effectively?

Difficult

to make decision
Miscommunication among staff
Workers will be demotivated
Low Productivity and quality
Difficult to deliver specific task

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Example: What type of this Org.

Chart?

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Example: What type of this

Org. Chart?

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4.2 Understand project supervision and superintendence

4.2.1 Differentiate project supervision and project
superintendence
Project Superintendence

Function of Job
Under administrative supervision from a
designated administrative officer, to plan,
coordinate, and supervise new construction and
remodeling of existing buildings.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
1. organizes, coordinates, and supervises the
work of the Foreman, Sub Foreman, and/or craft
employees on construction projects
2. interviews, hires, and trains employees

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3. determines work priorities and coordinates

work activities within the design area and/or with
others outside of the office; apportions work
among employees according to abilities or
specialized training
4. coordinates new construction and major
remodeling, which involves scheduling meetings
and reviewing project documents (e.g., contracts,
specifications, blueprints) as necessary
5. collaborates with administrators on the
supervision of all work operations
6. keeps cost records on work performed and
materials; is responsible for the control of costs in
materials and wages
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7. exercises control over rate of construction

progress in order to complete construction project
within time limits; schedules jobs and operations
8 estimates materials needed for specific jobs;
estimates manpower needed for specific jobs
9. leads inspection and commission of day to day
construction work to enforce conformity to
specifications
10. supervises craft supervisors, clerical staff, and
other personnel employed in construction work
11. acts as an adviser on job related problems
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Project Supervision
Field supervisors play a major role in every construction company and
every construction project.
They are the frontline managers on the job, directly supervising workers and
other field supervisors.
They are both the engine and the anchor of the construction team, driving it
toward effectiveness and efficiency, and stabilizing it with consistency and
good judgment. To fill this role, field supervisors need more than experience
in the field. They also need management skills in problem solving, planning,
estimating, safety supervision, scheduling, controlling costs and resources,
and, perhaps most important, managing people.
Project Supervision is a comprehensive, competency-based program that
gives both veteran and new field managers a step-by-step approach to
honing their natural abilities, developing essential skills, and generally
improving their performance as leaders.
As a one-level curriculum, Project Supervision covers topics such as
Human Relations and Problem Solving, Safety, and Quality Control.
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Summaries of differentiate of
Project supervisor and project
superintendence
Project supervisor

Project
superintendence

To record project
activity

Make decision in
term of compliance
of time, quality and
cost

To report progress
work

Liaise with authority

To inspect the quality Maintain good

of work
decision with
consultant
To monitor
subordinate work

Providing on site
technical support

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4.2.2 Understand the duties of a technician and assistant engineer.

a.Discuss and distinguish between the duties of a technician and
assistant engineer.
b Relate the duty of a technician with an assistant engineer.

The duties of a Technician

or a site supervisor :
> Supervising construction
sites
> Look after the welfare of
employees
> Ensure that the materials
in good condition. (cement,
bricks and others)
> Conducts materials testing
and analysis, using tools and
equipment.
> Confer with Asst. Eng to
determine project details,
such as plan preparation,
acceptance testing, and
evaluation of field conditions.
> Prepare reports and
document project activities
and data.

The duties of an assistant

engineer:
> Translate drawings and
ensure that work on
construction sites in
accordance with the drawings
> Solve the problems /
confusion about the drawing
by the main contractor and
sub contractors
> Doing as directed by the
construction manager
> Assist in designing,
developing and executing
construction projects
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Exercises :

match the scope of work

duties base on following tasks : ASupervisor
B- Asst. Engineer
1- Conducts materials testing
2- Prepare reports and document project
activities
3- Solve the problems / confusion about the
drawing
4- Supervising construction sites.
5- Assist in designing, developing and executing
construction projects.
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