You're in construction management and need to solve a problem creatively. What's the first step?

Identification of the problem precisely is important. One of the techniques I use is: asking people what problem are we trying to solve by describing it in ONLY ONE sentence. Many times, people describe situations, contexts etc. while describing the problem. That causes distraction. The problem needs to be defined by applying a laser sharp focus.

…and these 7 steps just cost the client $1M in delay claims….just get on with it !! A wise man once told me…”Sometimes a bad decision is better than no decision at all”. Think about it 🤔

In Construction Management, it is necessary to simply determine what the problem really is before solving any problem. This step will be a solid foundation for all subsequent steps. Additionally, this unit of knowledge will also play an important role in preventing similar problems from arising in the future, which is a much more earned valuable for organizations. However, I regret to say that employees who prevent problems from arising without causing them are often not valued as much in the organizations where they work as those who solve problems...

This is what separates the good from the great in construction: Being disciplined enough to be certain you have found the true problem BEFORE you begin solving it. Most of the best solutions in construction are actually straightforward and somewhat simple. But nothing wastes time like trying to solve the wrong problem, because then you wasted time and resources on the wrong solution, you are still left with the original problem, and you have likely created a new problem!

For proper construction management with smooth progress of work, all issues and problems should be well identified with clear image about their causes. These problems should be categorized from easy to resolve to outstanding issues that need to be discussed with the owner to find ways of problem solving that can be applied throughout the project duration.

Feed back of all the team members to understand the problem and cause , once identification complete invite suggestions from all the concerned , choose the best solution and implement the change

Once the problem is clearly defined, the next step involves an exhaustive collection of relevant data and insights. This encompasses site surveys, stakeholder interviews, analysis of project documentation, and review of similar case studies. Understanding the nuances of the current design, materials, labour skills, and technology available is crucial. This comprehensive information gathering aids in framing the problem within the context of the project's unique constraints and opportunities.

Identifying the problem is crucial because it allows you to understand its root causes and develop effective solutions. Once identified, you can analyze its impact, prioritize actions, allocate resources appropriately, and implement corrective measures to resolve it efficiently.

You left out a big item. Get all the players in one room to discuss the problem and best solution. With consensus comes success.

When faced with problem, after identification of problem, i prioritise gathering data from all relavent departments as collabration and communications are essential,which always helps to take a strategic decisions aimed at solving the issue efficiently and effectively.

Engage the front line. The solution to a problem is usually within the people facing or closest to the problem. Get their ideas during brainstorming and include them when implementing the solution.

In my experience, I have always seen that asking the right questions typically help the team figure it out. However, it is important to make sure the team actually trusts each other and is vested in solving the problem together. Tools can only go so far but initial team building can help the team think with an open mind which ultimately leads to generating good ideas that help the team be effective and efficient while they continue to solve the problem.

After understanding the problem and gathering information, the next step is to brainstorm lots of ideas to solve it. This is your chance to get creative and think of all kinds of possibilities. You can use techniques like brainstorming with others, drawing out your ideas visually, or tweaking existing ideas to come up with new ones. There are also methods to help you look at the problem from different angles or imagine different outcomes. These techniques help you explore a wide range of ideas and find the best solutions.

Reaching outside of the project team can help with a solution many times. If the problem involves some technical issues, there are often experts outside of your organization that have seen a similar issue. The most important thing is to make sure that any solution not only meets the project criteria and goals, but is aligned with your core values.

Before straining into the 'invention mode' read the contract, read the scope and obligations of the team members, understand the agreed time frame and then you may be feeling very 'creative' to sort it out.

The first idea is not always the best idea. However, something to work on and improve is always better than nothing to work on and improve.

The first few ideas are so important. They are the ones who are not overanalyzed and mostly generated out of fresh creative minds. Its important to evaluate ideas but overthinking can make the brain think that they are not doable. Most ideas are doable and should be given a chance. At the least they start a chain of thoughts that can give the best solution.

Streamline Communication: This idea addresses the common issue of miscommunication and can significantly improve project efficiency and coordination. Implementing a centralized communication platform can streamline information flow and ensure everyone is on the same page. It's a practical solution with proven benefits in construction management. Improve Resource Management: Efficient resource management is key to controlling costs and maximizing productivity. Implementing resource management software and tracking systems can help monitor equipment, materials, and labor effectively. This idea has the potential to streamline operations and reduce waste.

I believe that it was a chess grandmaster that said the best moves are usually found within the first 15min. Do not try to complicate things, you may dig a deeper hole.

Borrar y empezar de cero es parte del proceso, más aún cuando el problema es complejo. No existe la decisión correcto, pero si la mejor según la información disponible. Una variante de la matriz de Eisenhower será una herramienta simple de resultados potentes cuando se evalúa responsablemente.

La industria de la construcción es un campo que tradicionalmente ha sido visto como conservador en términos de adopción de nuevas tecnologías e innovaciones , sin embargo, está experimentando un cambio de paradigma gracias al uso cada vez mayor de prototipos. Estas representaciones físicas o virtuales de proyectos permiten a los profesionales de la construcción visualizar, probar y refinar sus ideas antes de llevarlas a la realidad. Con estos modelos se pueden anticipar posibles desviaciones e incongruencias futuras en terreno.

Turn promising ideas into tangible solutions by prototyping and testing. Tools like MVP, Wireframe, or A/B Testing can help create and validate actionable solutions.

In recent project I have used Tomps Project Management. The reason is as mentioned below. Tomps comes with various smart project management features that help you manage projects end-to-end. From the initiation stage to closing. Some of these features include: ☑️ Project Scheduling, Planning, and Completion ☑️ Project Tracking ☑️ Project Cost ☑️ Project Appraisal ☑️ Document & Evidence Repository ☑️ Unlimited Cloud ☑️ Role Access Management ☑️ Vendors Performance Report ☑️ Automatic Project Reports ☑️ Gantt Chart & S-Curve ☑️ Geo-Map Tagging & Visualization ☑️ API Integration ☑️ Customization-Friendly

For construction industry there are prototype, aka mockups, that's a great solution, also there are software that can create a 3D model for your solution. In reality, in construction time is your worst enemy, you don't have time to prototype your idea, so call for help. People with experience are passionate enough to share with younger people their experiences. One phone call can save you so much time.

For the shortlisted ideas, develop prototypes or detailed plans to test their viability. This might involve creating models, simulations, or pilot projects to evaluate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed solutions in a controlled environment. This phase is crucial for identifying unforeseen challenges and refining the solution before full-scale implementation.

Implement and monitor the best solution. Use tools like the Action Plan or KPI to plan, manage, measure, and improve the solution over time.

Upon successful testing, proceed with the implementation of the chosen solution. This requires careful planning, allocation of resources, and coordination among all project stakeholders. Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the solution is effectively addressing the identified problem and to make necessary adjustments in response to any issues that arise during execution. It's important to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team. Encourage open communication, ongoing education, and the sharing of best practices. Additionally, consider the long-term impacts of the solution, not just in terms of the immediate project, but also on the environment, community, and future industry standards.

After identifying the gaps in your business performance and the root causes behind them, the next step is to implement solutions and monitor progress. This is a crucial phase of the gap analysis process, as it involves taking action to close the gaps and achieve your desired goals.

No debe quedar en un plan o que arranque la ejecución, el seguimiento será clave para realizar cualquier ajuste que se requiera. El control termina siendo clave para realizar los ajustes, más si estamos en un ciclo de desarrollo tradicional o híbrido.

After testing, implementation is next. This requires planning, resource allocation, and communicating with the project stakeholders. Continuous monitoring is needed to ensure the solution has effectively fixed the problem, addressed the proper problem, and make necessary adjustments to any issues that arise during execution. Long term monitoring is sometimes needed to consider the solution's unintended impacts to the system and the environment.

Construction is unique. No two projects are alike…not the building..not the team that builds it. Imagine working in an office where your coworkers constantly change… that’s construction for you. the architect contractor subcontractors, and client constantly changed from one project to another. In such a unique scenario, you need to Form,Norm, storm, and Perform quickly for the success of your project. Problem solving becomes a function of teambuilding and so it’s absolutely important that the team can learn to function as one team and thus get to the solutions faster and quicker.

Very vague question - but here's a practical example I applied on one of my projects for a multinational in my region (project was rated a 5/5 by the client) 1. There was a cost savings objective by the CRES team and a requirement to use a supplier who had an SLA with the multinational. The supplier had local suppliers to deliver in the region, as they didn't have a presence. 2. The suggested solution was to negotiate with the main supplier to have local supplier rather quote in local currency & take ownership of project, and to rather take a management fee. This resulted in huge savings. So, I'd say first identify/extract the main objective, then reverse engineer and play around with non typical solutions to achieve said objective.

When dealing with construction issues, remember these points: 1. Ensure everyone stays safe at the worksite. 2. Don't compromise on good work and materials. 3. Watch your spending and find affordable solutions. 4. Try not to delay the project. 5. Think about the environment and try to do things eco-friendly. 6. Communicate well with everyone involved.

Unfortunately we are having similar problems with different perceptions. Lack of standards, and / or implementation of standards, is the major source of problem. The Contract is being signed with known problems actually the problems shall be unique and new then it is challenge other all problems are just little more than the ego and sometime to prove one is right rather what is right. What is right is too late after the Contract sign.

Understanding constraints. Applying a risk analysis identifying commercial & programme implementations. Good stakeholder governance, so critical decsions can be made