What is construction engineering management?
Civil engineering management (CEM) involves the application of technical and scientific knowledge to infrastructure construction projects. Construction engineering management combines engineering (which focuses on design) with construction management, which deals with overseeing the actual construction.
Continue reading to find out more about construction engineering management and the managers who carry out these responsibilities.
What is construction engineering management?
Construction engineering management refers to the use of critical thinking in technical and scientific disciplines to improve a construction project. This often involves designing and implementing new solutions and faster processes that can help overcome barriers in the workplace and increase efficiency. Construction engineering management can help improve safety, productivity, and resilience to natural disasters—indeed, any aspect of the construction industry could be addressed through construction engineering management. Construction engineering managers are key players who bring together the elements of design and management to help push construction projects across the finish line to successful completion. Over the course of their career, a civil engineering managers will likely work and oversee a wide variety of projects. This may include the design of drainage and sewerage systems, the construction of buildings, or even larger infrastructure projects such as the development of highways or railways. Others choose to focus on one particular type of construction and build a career in it.
How does civil engineering management work?
Some common areas of focus for CEMs include:
Commercial business or residential construction
Electrical system design
HVAC/Mechanical
Road/Heavy Construction (Bridge Building, Airport Project, Wastewater Management Systems, etc.)
Work Responsibilities
Before construction begins, a construction engineering supervisor may be called in to survey the site, address environmental issues, study local laws and regulations, and take care of other details that need to be resolved before construction begins. The technical manager usually prepares a report of his findings and works with others involved in the project, including government agencies, environmental associations, contractors, and subcontractors.
In addition to on-site work, civil engineering managers are often called upon to use computers and construction management software to create and analyze their project designs. They are responsible for assembling teams of qualified engineers who can ensure the completion of a given project. Civil engineering managers also need to have the right knowledge to control the estimation and planning of related project costs.
Once work begins, construction engineering managers often work out of headquarters, but may visit the construction site frequently and sometimes engage in on-site work with workers. They also visit the sites regularly to inspect the work and ensure that the correct standards are followed in the construction project. A typical work week for a civil engineering manager is 40 hours, but many work longer hours to meet deadlines or solve problems that arise on a project.
