This publication is part of an Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) series devoted to strengthening the role of key standing committees of governing boards. While there is no optimum committee system for institutions of higher education, certain principles, practices, and procedures prevail. The best practices…

In a competitive bid situation, the general contractor's first priority is controlling construction costs. The actions the general contractor take focus on adequate control, effective communication, efficient use of resources, and prevention of delays. (MLF)

Successful completion of a construction project requires the efforts of a team composed of the owner, architect, and contractor. A preconstruction conference can clarify the roles of the team as specified in the design contract. (MLF)

Reviews the types of facility construction project delivery methods and the concerns that facility owners have when embarking on a construction program. The considerations that should guide the owner in selecting the proper delivery method are highlighted. (GR)

In an effort to depoliticize design-build contracts, the Commonwealth of Virginia created a management review board to determine whether a locality should be authorized to use a design-build contract in lieu of competitive sealed bidding. This paper explains that process. In order to employ a design-build contract for a specific construction…

Outlines several existing case histories of projects undertaken by a management firm in which they have brought jobs in right on or under budget. With no architectural or contracting heritage to defend, the "computer boys" slip into owners' shoes and construction management becomes whatever the projects demand. (Author)

A new dormitory at Massachusetts Institute of Technology was constructed using a joint venture contract with safeguards and incentives that brought university, architect, and building contractor into a closer and more productive relationship than under conventional contract arrangements. (Author/MLF)

Scheduling, cost control, value analysis, quality control, and contract interfacing are the final steps in the project management method of bringing a project in on time and within budget. (Author)

Proven construction techniques implemented by an efficient construction management can save both time and money for school boards. (Author)

Different, but related, services that consulting engineers have been furnishing to clients for years have been consolidated into a full-service concept to handle the project from start to start-up. (Author)

In the planning stage, the project manager's primary role is to see that the project is begun, planned, and developed in such a way that future problems in budget, design, or construction are minimized. (Author)

The design stage encompasses the planning and scheduling of design development, preparation of construction documents, assistance in bidding and negotiation, and periodic visits to the site. (Author)

Systems building worked well for Boston's ambitious program, but the project manager tells why he thinks it won't work elsewhere. (Author)

The purpose of this audit was to determine whether New York City's School Construction Authority (SCA) followed its required procedures for awarding and monitoring contracts for construction work in New York City schools. It evaluated the adequacy of these procedures and surveyed school officials to determine their views about SCA work. The report…

A construction management firm and the architects working with the firm provided San Diego with ten elementary schools that were delivered on schedule, within cost, and met or exceeded the basic design criteria. (Author/MLF)