DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS VERSUS CONSTRUCTON PROJECTS MANAGEMENT IN GULF COUNTRIES

1. Scope of Work

Consultant: Advises on multiple construction projects, providing high-level guidance across different aspects of project management, like cost control, risk management, and sustainability.
Manager: Focuses on the execution of a single project, overseeing daily tasks and ensuring the project is completed on time and within budget.

Example: A consultant might be involved in multiple skyscraper projects across Dubai, offering strategic advice on the overall budget management, while a project manager will be in charge of one skyscraper's construction on-site, dealing with contractors and ensuring timelines are met.

2. Advisory Role vs. Execution Role

Consultant: Provides expert advice but is not directly involved in the day-to-day operations of the construction site.
Manager: Is directly responsible for executing the project plan, managing contractors, suppliers, and workers on-site daily.

Example: A consultant may advise a government on the best approach to building a new metro system in Riyadh, while the project manager oversees the actual construction, coordinating between engineers, contractors, and city officials.

3. Strategic vs. Tactical

Consultant: Involved in setting the overall project strategy, long-term goals, and alignment with stakeholders.
Manager: Implements the strategy on a tactical level, dealing with the nitty-gritty of day-to-day operations.

Example: For a large infrastructure project like Qatar's FIFA World Cup stadiums, the consultant outlines the key milestones, while the project manager ensures that each task, like plumbing or seating installation, is completed according to the plan.

4. Multiple Projects vs. Single Project

Consultant: Typically handles multiple projects simultaneously, offering strategic input across different ventures.
Manager: Focuses on one project at a time, ensuring all resources are directed towards its completion.

Example: A PMC could work on various projects across Abu Dhabi, such as hotels, commercial centres, and infrastructure, providing advisory services. Meanwhile, the project manager is solely responsible for ensuring one of these hotels gets built to specifications.

5. High-Level View vs. Detailed Focus

Consultant: Looks at the broader picture, advising on cost estimates, timelines, risk assessments, and sustainability across multiple projects.
Manager: Works on the finer details of a specific project, from managing labour to ensuring materials arrive on time.

Example: A consultant might advise on how to reduce costs across several ongoing projects in Kuwait by sourcing materials from cheaper suppliers. The project manager ensures that those materials arrive on-site in time for construction.

6. Decision-Making Authority

Consultant: Provides recommendations and guidance, but final decisions are made by the client or project stakeholders.
Manager: Has direct authority over the project’s day-to-day decisions, such as scheduling workers, ordering materials, or hiring subcontractors.

Example: The PMC might advise a Bahrain client to change the material for a new bridge to something more cost-effective. The project manager will decide when and how to order that material and coordinate its use.

7. Temporary Engagement vs. Long-Term Role

Consultant: Typically hired for the duration of the project to provide specific expertise but is not usually part of the company long-term.
Manager: Is often a permanent employee of the construction firm and stays with the company long-term, even after the project is completed.

Example: A consultant may be hired for two years to help design a new business district in Oman. The project manager might be a long-standing employee who stays to manage future projects for the same firm.

8. Problem Identification vs. Problem Solving

Consultant: Identifies potential problems or risks in the early stages of the project and advises on how to mitigate them.
Manager: Solves problems as they arise during the actual construction process.

Example: A consultant might identify that weather conditions in Jeddah could delay construction and recommend a backup plan. The project manager enforces that plan when delays occur.

9. Risk Management

Consultant: Focuses on identifying potential risks (financial, regulatory, environmental) and advising on how to manage them.
Manager: Manages on-the-ground risks like safety, labour shortages, and technical issues as the project progresses.

Example: In the construction of a new airport terminal in Muscat, the consultant might highlight risks related to sourcing steel from international suppliers, whereas the project manager would handle the day-to-day risks of site accidents or equipment failure.

10. Stakeholder Management

Consultant: Works with high-level stakeholders like investors, government agencies, and financial institutions, ensuring their interests are aligned with the project’s goals.
Manager: Coordinates with on-site stakeholders, including subcontractors, engineers, and the construction team.

Example: A PMC working on a government housing project in Kuwait would ensure that the ministry's objectives are met, while the project manager ensures that daily targets and deliverables are met by contractors on-site.

11. Planning and Feasibility Studies

Consultant: Plays a significant role in conducting feasibility studies, analyzing market trends, and developing strategic plans before a project begins.
Manager: Works within the parameters of the feasibility study and executes the construction plan that’s already been developed.

Example: For a new resort development in Oman, the consultant assesses the viability of the project, including costs, timelines, and market demand. The project manager then executes this plan once approved.

12. Client Interaction

Consultant: Works closely with clients to offer advice, providing reports, updates, and recommendations.
Manager: Regularly updates clients on project progress, manages expectations, and addresses any client concerns on the ground.

Example: A consultant working on a skyscraper in Doha might meet the client bi-weekly to discuss long-term goals, while the project manager holds daily or weekly meetings to discuss current progress.

13. Pre-Construction vs. On-Site Construction

Consultant: Involved heavily in the pre-construction phase, providing advice on design, budgeting, and regulatory approvals.
Manager: Engaged primarily in the construction phase, overseeing the day-to-day activities on the construction site.

Example: In the development of a commercial hub in Abu Dhabi, the consultant would be heavily involved in planning the design and ensuring compliance with local laws, while the project manager would be on-site ensuring the plans are implemented.

14. Project Documentation

Consultant: Assists in preparing high-level documentation, such as project feasibility reports, risk analysis, and financial projections.
Manager: Maintains detailed site logs, schedules, and daily progress reports to track the construction's daily activities.

Example: A consultant for a hospital project in Bahrain may prepare a 5-year financial projection, while the project manager records the daily output of construction workers and material use.

And so on, you could continue breaking down the roles of a Construction Project Management Consultant and a Construction Project Manager across various areas like contract negotiation, procurement, environmental considerations, technology integration, sustainability practices, regulatory compliance, resource allocation, and much more, providing detailed examples from the GCC region.

This detailed comparison highlights that while both roles are integral to the success of a construction project, they function at different levels of the project lifecycle. The consultant provides high-level expertise, strategy, and risk management, whereas the manager is responsible for the hands-on execution of these plans, ensuring the project's smooth progress on-site.

15. Contractual Advisory vs. Contract Execution

Consultant: Advises on contract drafting, helping to structure agreements between clients, contractors, and suppliers to ensure favourable terms.
Manager: Executes and manages contracts on a daily basis, ensuring all parties adhere to the contract terms.

Example: A consultant might help draft and negotiate a contract for the construction of a high-rise in Dubai, advising the client on risk allocation and payment terms. The project manager ensures that the contractor sticks to the agreed schedule and payment milestones during the actual construction.

16. Procurement Strategy vs. Procurement Execution

Consultant: Develops procurement strategies, advising on the best suppliers, sourcing methods, and cost-saving measures.
Manager: Manages the actual procurement process, ensuring that materials are ordered, delivered on time, and used efficiently.

Example: A PMC in Kuwait may recommend bulk purchasing from a supplier in China to reduce material costs for a new infrastructure project, while the project manager coordinates the ordering process and ensures the materials arrive on-site according to the construction schedule.

17. Design Oversight vs. Design Implementation

Consultant: Works with architects and designers to ensure the project meets the client’s vision and complies with regulations.
Manager: Ensures the design is implemented as planned, coordinating with construction teams to bring the design to life.

Example: For a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, the consultant may advise on the optimal layout and material choices based on the client’s vision, while the project manager ensures that the construction crew follows the detailed design plans exactly, including interior finishes and architectural features.

18. Financial Feasibility vs. Budget Control

Consultant: Conducts financial feasibility studies, advising the client on whether a project is viable within a given budget.
Manager: Tracks day-to-day expenditures to ensure the project remains within the budget.

Example: For a new mixed-use development in Doha, the consultant might determine if the project is financially feasible considering market demand, costs, and potential returns. The project manager ensures that daily spending, such as labour costs and material expenses, stays within the established budget.

19. Sustainability Consulting vs. Sustainable Building Practices

Consultant: Advises on incorporating sustainable practices and materials into the project, ensuring environmental goals are met.
Manager: Implements the consultant’s recommendations by ensuring that sustainable materials and practices are used during construction.

Example: A consultant might recommend using solar panels or eco-friendly materials for a smart city project in Saudi Arabia. The project manager ensures that these materials are sourced and installed correctly, making sure the project meets the required sustainability standards.

20. Regulatory Compliance Advisory vs. Permitting

Consultant: Advises on legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that the project adheres to local building codes and international standards.
Manager: Obtains the necessary permits and ensures that all on-site work complies with local laws and regulations.

Example: For a commercial building in Bahrain, the consultant ensures that the project design complies with local fire safety and zoning regulations. The project manager handles the on-site inspections and obtains the necessary construction permits.

21. Risk Mitigation Planning vs. Crisis Management

Consultant: Identifies potential risks before construction begins and creates a mitigation plan.
Manager: Deals with crises on-site, such as material shortages or accidents, and implements the mitigation strategies suggested by the consultant.

Example: A consultant working on a bridge project in Oman may predict the risk of material shortages and advise ordering ahead of time. The project manager handles any actual delays by sourcing materials from alternative suppliers to keep the project on track.

22. Value Engineering vs. Cost Control

Consultant: Advises on value engineering, suggesting cost-saving measures that do not compromise the project’s quality or performance.
Manager: Enforces these measures on-site, ensuring that the construction team follows the revised cost-saving plans.

Example: A PMC in Dubai may recommend using pre-fabricated materials for a new high-rise to reduce costs. The project manager ensures that the construction crew follows the pre-fabrication plan to save both time and money without sacrificing quality.

23. Client Expectations Management vs. On-Site Execution

Consultant: Manages high-level client expectations, offering regular updates on project milestones and advising on any necessary changes.
Manager: Ensures that the on-site team executes the project according to the client’s requirements and addresses any client concerns regarding daily operations.

Example: A consultant for a luxury resort project in Qatar may present progress reports to the client and discuss possible design changes. The project manager ensures that these changes are communicated to and implemented by the construction team without delays.

24. Benchmarking vs. Performance Tracking

Consultant: Benchmarks project performance against industry standards and competitor projects.
Manager: Tracks actual on-site performance, measuring productivity and ensuring that the project is on schedule.

Example: A consultant working on a new metro line in Riyadh might benchmark the project against similar transportation projects globally, suggesting improvements based on international best practices. The project manager monitors the daily progress to ensure construction meets these benchmarks.

25. Strategic Risk Allocation vs. Day-to-Day Risk Mitigation

Consultant: Allocates risks between the client, contractor, and stakeholders strategically, suggesting who should bear the responsibility for potential issues.
Manager: Manages day-to-day risks, such as equipment breakdowns or worker absenteeism, and ensures that the team adheres to the risk allocation plan.

Example: In a public infrastructure project in Kuwait, the consultant might advise the client to transfer certain risks, like material cost fluctuations, to the contractor. The project manager ensures these risks are managed on-site, such as by adjusting the construction schedule if materials are delayed.

26. Innovation Advisory vs. Technology Implementation

Consultant: Suggests innovative technologies or processes, such as using Building Information Modelling (BIM) or drones for site monitoring.
Manager: Implements these technologies on-site, ensuring they are effectively integrated into the construction process.

Example: A consultant in Saudi Arabia might recommend the use of drones to monitor progress on a large-scale housing project. The project manager ensures that the drone technology is deployed correctly, providing real-time updates and footage for better decision-making.

27. Cost Estimation vs. Cost Monitoring

Consultant: Provides detailed cost estimates at the beginning of the project, advising on budget allocation across different phases.
Manager: Monitors the project’s ongoing costs, ensuring that expenditures remain within the budget.

Example: A PMC working on a stadium project in Oman might provide a detailed cost estimate that includes materials, labour, and contingencies. The project manager ensures that daily expenses, such as worker overtime or material procurement, stay within the estimated budget.

28. Training and Development vs. Workforce Management

Consultant: Provides training and development plans to ensure that project managers and construction teams have the necessary skills.
Manager: Manages the workforce on-site, ensuring that the team is adequately trained and equipped to perform their tasks.

Example: For a large infrastructure project in Dubai, the consultant may develop a training plan for using new construction technologies. The project manager ensures that the on-site team is trained and applies the new technology during the construction process.

29. Cultural Sensitivity vs. On-Site Communication

Consultant: Advises on how to navigate cultural sensitivities, especially in international projects, ensuring that stakeholders are treated appropriately.
Manager: Ensures that communication on-site respects local customs and cultural practices, especially when dealing with local workers and suppliers.

Example: In a construction project in Saudi Arabia, the consultant may advise on local labour laws and cultural practices regarding working hours or religious holidays. The project manager ensures that the on-site team adheres to these cultural norms while maintaining productivity.

30. Post-Project Evaluation vs. Final Delivery

Consultant: Conducts post-project evaluations, analyzing what worked well and where improvements could be made for future projects.
Manager: Oversees the final delivery of the project, ensuring all contractual obligations are met and the client is satisfied with the completed work.

Example: After completing a commercial development in Manama, Bahrain, the consultant might review the project’s success and suggest areas of improvement for future developments. The project manager ensures the building is handed over to the client, with all specifications met and paperwork completed.

Conclusion:

In summary, the role of a Construction Project Management Consultant focuses on providing expert advice, strategic planning, and high-level oversight across multiple projects, while the Construction Project Manager is responsible for the hands-on, day-to-day execution of these plans, ensuring that each project is completed efficiently and effectively. Both roles are critical to the success of any construction venture, but they operate at different stages and levels of the construction process.

31. Third-Party Negotiations vs. On-Site Coordination

Consultant: Engages in third-party negotiations with suppliers, vendors, and contractors, helping clients secure the best terms.
Manager: Coordinates the daily on-site activities between contractors and subcontractors to ensure smooth operations.

Example: A consultant in Doha may negotiate with international contractors to secure favourable terms for the construction of a new hotel. The project manager ensures that those contractors and their teams coordinate their activities effectively on-site, preventing bottlenecks.

32. Macro Scheduling vs. Micro Scheduling

Consultant: Develops high-level project schedules, including major milestones and deadlines for project phases.
Manager: Creates detailed daily or weekly schedules, managing the tasks of individual teams to meet project deadlines.

Example: A PMC overseeing a stadium construction project in Saudi Arabia might set key milestones such as foundation completion or roof installation, while the project manager creates the weekly task list for workers to ensure each milestone is met.

33. Long-Term Project Goals vs. Short-Term Objectives

Consultant: Focuses on long-term goals such as sustainability, profitability, and client satisfaction.
Manager: Focuses on short-term objectives like keeping the project on schedule and within the daily budget.

Example: In the development of a sustainable city in Dubai, the consultant might outline how the project should reduce carbon emissions over the next 10 years. The project manager works to ensure that each phase, such as solar panel installation, is completed correctly in the short term.

34. Contract Advisory vs. Contract Management

Consultant: Offers advice on the structuring and terms of contracts, ensuring that the client is protected legally and financially.
Manager: Manages the fulfilment of contractual obligations on-site, ensuring that all parties meet their responsibilities.

Example: A consultant might advise on contract terms for a road-building project in Oman, specifying penalties for delays. The project manager ensures that the contractors adhere to the contract by meeting deadlines to avoid those penalties.

35. Pre-Construction vs. Construction Phase

Consultant: Involved heavily in the pre-construction phase, offering guidance on planning, budgeting, and regulatory approvals.
Manager: Focuses primarily on the construction phase, managing on-site activities and ensuring plans are executed properly.

Example: For a large mall in Kuwait, the consultant provides advice during the design and permitting stages, while the project manager takes over once construction begins, managing the day-to-day activities to build the mall as per the approved plans.

36. Feasibility Studies vs. Resource Allocation

Consultant: Conducts feasibility studies to determine if a project is viable, considering factors like cost, market demand, and return on investment.
Manager: Allocates resources such as manpower, machinery, and materials to ensure the project progresses efficiently.

Example: A PMC might assess whether it is feasible to build a luxury resort on a coastal area in Oman, while the project manager ensures that the right number of workers and materials are allocated to the site during construction.

37. High-Level Reporting vs. Progress Tracking

Consultant: Produces high-level reports for stakeholders, outlining overall project health, potential risks, and future recommendations.
Manager: Tracks daily or weekly progress on the project, reporting to clients and ensuring that construction meets deadlines.

Example: In a mega-construction project like the Red Sea Development in Saudi Arabia, the consultant provides reports to stakeholders about overall project milestones. The project manager tracks the daily completion rates for specific tasks, like landscaping or foundation work.

38. Risk Identification vs. Risk Management

Consultant: Identifies potential risks to the project, such as financial, environmental, or market-related issues, and advises on mitigation strategies.
Manager: Manages risks that occur on-site, such as safety incidents, material shortages, or weather delays.

Example: A consultant might warn that a shortage of steel could impact a high-rise project in Manama. The project manager mitigates this risk by finding alternative suppliers or adjusting the construction schedule to accommodate delays.

39. Business Case Development vs. Project Execution

Consultant: Helps develop a business case for the project, showing how it will benefit stakeholders financially or strategically.
Manager: Executes the project in line with the business case, ensuring that the construction meets the outlined financial and strategic goals.

Example: A consultant working on a new airport terminal in Dubai may create a business case highlighting the expected passenger growth and financial returns. The project manager ensures the terminal is built to meet the demands outlined in the business case.

40. Industry Benchmarking vs. On-Site Best Practices

Consultant: Benchmarks the project against industry standards, suggesting best practices for design, cost, and time efficiency.
Manager: Implements on-site best practices, ensuring that workers follow safety regulations and efficient work methods.

Example: A PMC might compare a new transport project in Qatar to similar projects in London or Tokyo, recommending best practices for speed and cost-efficiency. The project manager ensures these practices are followed on the construction site.

41. Stakeholder Engagement vs. Team Management

Consultant: Engages with high-level stakeholders such as investors, government officials, and financial institutions to align interests and manage expectations.
Manager: Manages on-site teams, including contractors, subcontractors, and engineers, to ensure that daily tasks are completed.

Example: A consultant in Saudi Arabia might hold meetings with government officials to discuss progress on a new industrial park. The project manager ensures that the on-site workers are completing their tasks according to the agreed schedule.

42. Regulatory Guidance vs. Permit Acquisition

Consultant: Advises on regulatory requirements, ensuring that the project complies with local, national, and international laws.
Manager: Obtains the necessary permits for construction, managing the approval process and ensuring compliance on-site.

Example: A consultant for a port project in Oman might ensure the design complies with international maritime safety regulations. The project manager handles obtaining construction permits from local authorities.

43. Budgeting and Forecasting vs. Financial Tracking

Consultant: Helps develop the project budget and forecasts potential financial outcomes based on market trends and construction costs.
Manager: Tracks actual expenditures, ensuring that costs do not exceed the budget during construction.

Example: For a mixed-use development in Abu Dhabi, the consultant forecasts potential financial outcomes based on expected rents and sales prices. The project manager tracks daily spending to ensure the project stays within the planned budget.

44. Sustainability Advisory vs. Green Building Practices

Consultant: Provides recommendations on sustainability, such as reducing the project's carbon footprint or using eco-friendly materials.
Manager: Implements green building practices on-site, ensuring that sustainable materials and methods are used during construction.

Example: A consultant may advise using renewable energy sources like solar panels for a new residential project in Kuwait. The project manager ensures that these panels are installed correctly and that the construction meets the required sustainability certifications.

45. Risk Transfer Advice vs. Risk Management Implementation

Consultant: Advises on risk transfer strategies, such as shifting certain risks to contractors or insurers.
Manager: Implements risk management strategies on-site, ensuring that risks are controlled and mitigated.

Example: For a high-rise project in Bahrain, the consultant may recommend transferring weather-related risks to an insurance provider. The project manager implements safety protocols to manage on-site risks like worker injuries or equipment malfunctions.

46. Performance Monitoring vs. Day-to-Day Oversight

Consultant: Monitors overall project performance, ensuring that timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
Manager: Oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring that each task is completed according to plan.

Example: In a large infrastructure project like NEOM in Saudi Arabia, the consultant might track the overall project’s performance against set benchmarks, while the project manager ensures that daily tasks, like site preparation or material delivery, are on schedule.

47. Investment Recommendations vs. Cost Monitoring

Consultant: Recommends investment strategies for the project, advising on cost-effective approaches or profitable ventures.
Manager: Monitors costs on-site, ensuring that materials and labour are used efficiently.

Example: A consultant in Qatar might recommend using advanced technologies like modular construction to save on long-term costs for a hospital project. The project manager ensures that these modular units are installed correctly and cost-efficiently.

48. Risk Mapping vs. Contingency Planning

Consultant: Maps out potential risks in the project lifecycle, advising on which areas require contingency plans.
Manager: Implements contingency plans on-site when unforeseen events occur, such as delays due to weather or supply chain disruptions.

Example: For an oil and gas facility in Kuwait, the consultant might identify logistical risks in transporting materials from overseas and recommend contingency plans. The project manager enacts these plans when a delay in material delivery occurs.

49. Innovation and Technology Integration vs. Operational Implementation

Consultant: Recommends innovative technologies like drones or AI for improving construction efficiency and monitoring.
Manager: Implements these technologies on-site, ensuring that they are used effectively to improve project outcomes.

Example: A consultant for a large-scale development in Dubai might suggest using BIM (Building Information Modelling) for better project planning and collaboration. The project manager ensures that the on-site team uses BIM efficiently to monitor construction progress.

50. Project Termination Advisory vs. Final Project Delivery

Consultant: Advises on project termination or completion strategies, ensuring all financial, legal, and operational aspects are covered.
Manager: Oversees the final delivery of the project, ensuring that the client is satisfied and all construction is completed according to the original plan.

Example: For a luxury residential tower in Doha, the consultant might advise on the legal and financial steps required for project completion. The project manager ensures that the final inspections and client handover go smoothly.

Thu Oct 10, 2024