Project controls and project management are terms that are used easily when it comes to large-scale projects, especially those in construction and engineering works. Nevertheless, the two disciplines are different and have dissimilar practices within the project lifecycle. Knowledge of the contrasts between project controls and project management is essential to the management of a successful project.
We are going to discuss these two roles in this guide, their major differences, and how they help each other to achieve project success. Let’s get started!
High success of the project does not happen instantly. They also need attention to be planned, monitored and controlled. But what do project controls and project management have to do with the equation? Are they interchangeable or different job positions, each trying to work together to achieve better results?
So what breaks it down?
What is Project Controls?
The strength of any project is the project controls. It is the process of planning, monitoring and controlling the project, scope, schedule and cost. This is to guarantee that the project is implemented within budget and achieves the required deadline and expected results.
One of the people who oversee these functions is known as the project controls director or project control manager. They make sure that all the data provided by the project team is correct to make adequate decisions and to be on track. The position revolves much around the aspects of risk identification, cost-effective administration of the resources, as well as putting effective controls in place against delays and cost overrides.
What is Project management?
A larger field, however, is project management. It implies management of all the processes of a project. This entails project initiation, project planning, project execution, project controlling and project closing.
This initiative is headed by a project manager specialist who organizes actions, directs a group of people, and formulates strategies to streamline the project and make sure that it adds value to the stakeholders. As project management takes into consideration all phases of the project life cycle, it is important to note that project management may require the organized support of the project controls to meet objectives.
Key Differences: Project Controls vs Project Management
Project controls vs project management might appear as something similar at first, yet they have some fundamental differences in their main functions. Let us have a closer look:
Knowledge of the Core Functions
Project Controls: It is mainly involved in cost, time, and scope control. It is a matter of keeping the project on course and making sure all variables are in check.
Project Management: Project management has a wider scope and entails the organization of teams, parties and resources at all the steps of the project. It covers all aspects of planning, execution and even more.
Project Controls vs Project Management: Roles and Responsibilities
Project Controls: The Project Controls team is responsible for observing and regulating the expense, plan, and correctness of the undertaking. To monitor progress and counter risks, they tend to leverage such tools as project management control systems.
Project Management: The project manager will have a role to provide the project vision, team management, contact with the stakeholders and project implementation. Though project managers use project controls to get data, it is their responsibility to take a broad view of the project.
Roles in Project Controls
Project Controls Director
The project controls director guides the project controls approach on the entire project and checks whether the project is on schedule. They head a team of experts who are specialized in schedule control, cost management and risk analysis. They aim to give the project manager useful information to get everything rolling.
Project Control Manager
Effecting the project controls strategy is the undertaking of a project control manager; he is also expected to make sure that everything about the project is under surveillance. This position usually deals with project planning and forecasting to make sure that the project has its time and cost objectives.
What Does a Project Controller Do?
The project controller keeps watch and puts control over all the finances of a project. They monitor the budget of the project and provide an analysis of the spending and predict any risks. Their efforts guarantee that the project is executed on time and within the budget.
Roles in Project Management
Project Manager Specialist
A project manager specialist is a professional in administering the project cycle. They have a responsibility for the successful delivery of the project from its inception to completion. This involves coordinating resources, schedules, as well as flow of information among the stakeholders.
Project Manager vs Project Control Manager: A Comparison
In this scenario, the project manager plays the major role and is concerned with the overall requirements of the project, whereas the Project Control Manager. In this case, the project control manager is the most responsible person in charge and is involved with the general demands of the project.
The project manager focuses on the big picture and overall implementation of the project.
The project controls manager ensures the project stays on track by managing time, cost, and quality.
Project management leads the effort, while project controls provide the tools and data needed to guide it correctly.
The role of Project Controls in Building Projects
Project Controls in Construction
Project controls are vital, especially in the construction industry. Construction projects on a large scale are highly complex, although there are many moving parts involved, such as workers, materials used, equipment and schedules. It is important to succeed by having a structured approach to managing cost, schedule, and scope.
The necessity of Project Controls for construction projects
Construction is expensive, so it’s important to track and control every part to avoid budget overruns. Project controls help managers make data-driven decisions that reduce risks and keep the project on track.
The Connection between Both: Project Management Control System:
The Role of Control Systems in Project Management
A project management control system aids the project managers and the project controls team to keep track and check various factors about the project. They monitor the cost, schedule and risks that are used in real time to keep the project on course.
Project Controls and Project Management integration
Project controls and project management tend to play a key role in enhancing the success of any project. As productive as project management is, project control also plays an important role in the project cycle. It maintains all elements of project output, such as costs, duration and scope, to make sure everything is observed and adjusted accordingly. It is the marriage that exists between the two functions that makes it certain that the project meets its objectives.
The necessity of having both Project Controls and Project Management
Project Controls and Project Management Synergy
On the one hand, the controversy between project controls vs project management may be looked at as two distinct functions. Yet, in the real world, they are much more synergistic. The project manager will govern the project to be managed, whereas the project controls team will make sure all is on time and budget. These are united in making a project successful.
Successful Integration in large projects: Case Studies:
Project controls/project management integration has brought a lot of success in large-scale projects. Indicatively, where there is a large construction project, a project controls construction team will go together with project managers to ensure the project to materialize on time and within the budget. To minimize the risks of embarrassing mistakes or time-zone lapses.
Conclusion
Concluding Roads to Project Controls vs Project Management
The concepts of project controls and project management are essential for anyone involved in project delivery. While the project manager steers the ship, the project controls team ensures it stays on course. Both functions are critical for achieving successful and effective project outcomes.
Selecting the Appropriate Direction of Your Project
Whether one emphasizes scope or complexity depends on whether the project requires stronger management or more effective project controls. In large and complex projects, project management and project controls must work together to ensure successful and aligned outcomes.
Realizing the significance of both positions and how they work together, you can thus make sure that your next project will run effectively, not over budget, and on schedule.
