Project Delivery Management - Types, Phases, Methods & Tips

In the current dynamic landscape of project management, efficient project delivery is the key to success. As a project management professional, I have learnt the critical role that effective project delivery management plays in achieving objectives and client satisfaction. 

In this blog, I will be sharing my insights and experiences as a project manager, explaining the different phases, types, methods, and strategies that influence the entire project delivery process.

What is project delivery?

When we talk about project delivery, we can describe it as the structured approach to planning, organizing, and managing resources to successfully deliver a high-quality project within a specific time and budget. Managing project delivery is a comprehensive process that involves various elements which can influence its effectiveness. All the factors related to the project must align with the client's requirements and expectations. If you are looking to elevate your skills as a project delivery manager, I highly recommend you explore the PMP Certification programs offered by StarAgile. These programs can help you sharpen your knowledge and management skills.

Types of Project Delivery Methods

With experience as a project manager, I can attest that various delivery methods are used. Each methodology has its unique advantages and is suitable for different projects. Therefore, you need to understand these techniques to find the most appropriate approach for your specific project.

Below are a few types of project delivery methods that I came across during my stint as a delivery manager:

1. Design-Bid-Build (DBB)

It is a traditionally used method involving three sequential phases. In this process, the design is completed before bidding and construction. I learned that it enables the separation of responsibilities. However, DBB planning can be time-consuming.

2. Design-Build (DB)

In this approach, design and construction are integrated under a single contract. This creates a sense of collaboration and has the potential to accelerate project timelines.

3. Construction Management at Risk (CMAR)

Currently, this is one of the most popular project delivery methods. In this process, the construction manager acts as a consultant during the design and development stage, also known as the pre construction stage. The construction manager is then responsible for delivering as per the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).

4. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

Personally, I mostly used IPD during my time as a project manager. It emphasises collaboration among the owner, designer, and builder through shared risk and reward mechanisms. This helps in identifying the problems quickly and creates room for innovation.

Phases of Project Delivery Management

Successful project delivery management involves exploring through distinct phases, each with its specific objectives and deliverables. As per my knowledge and experience, the following phases are involved in delivery management:

1. Initiation: This phase begins by defining the project’s ideology, objectives, and the key elements related to the project. This is why thorough project requirements management is crucial for establishing a solid foundation.

2. Planning: Developing a detailed plan is essential for completing the project as per the given budget and resources while ensuring its quality. Thus, effective management skills play an integral role in planning the project.

3. Execution: This phase involves the activities carried out to complete the project as per the plan. While executing the plan, every step is monitored to limit errors to ensure the client's guidelines are followed appropriately.

4. Monitoring and Controlling: After the execution process starts, the project progression is tracked against the plan. This allows project managers to identify deviations and take action to rectify them. Thus, having project requirements management skills is essential for a delivery manager.

5. Closing: Lastly, when the project is formally completed, the project manager hands over the deliverables and finalises the documentation process. A small tip, as a project manager, keep a note of the new things that you learn. From my personal experience, I can say that it can help you in future projects.

To develop a better understanding of the different phases involved in project delivery, you can enrol to PMP Certification Training.

Now that you know the different phases of project delivery, let's delve into some of the most popular project delivery methodologies that I used as a delivery manager:

1. Agile: This iterative approach is focused on flexibility and collaboration to ensure rapid delivery of the project. It is well-suited for projects with evolving requirements and those in need of frequent customer feedback.

2. Waterfall: This project delivery approach involves completing each phase sequentially. It is best for projects with well-defined guidelines that may only require minimal changes.

3. Hybrid: It is one of the most popular methods, as this approach combines elements of both the previously explained methods. It allows project managers to create a balance between flexibility and structure.

Tools for Project Delivery Management

With the tech world constantly evolving, integrating the right tools can significantly enhance the standards of your project delivery management. So, I have listed a few tools that helped me in maximising my output:

1. Project Management Software: There are various platforms such as Asana, Trello, etc. that can help you track your tasks, schedules, and resources.

2. Collaboration Tools: To facilitate your communication and teamwork, you can start using tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc.

3. Document Management Systems: For streamlining the process of saving project documents, you can integrate Google Drive or Dropbox into your professional life.

4. Risk Management Tools: Identifying the risks is essential to ensure a high-quality project. So, you can consider tools like Risk Register or Predict360 for identifying and mitigating risks.

Apart from these, there are also other secret tools that can help you in enhancing your efficiency. Hence, consider enrolling on a PMP Training to learn the hidden tools to improve your delivery management skills.

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Tips for Effective Project Delivery Management

From my experience, here are some invaluable tips that can help you achieve success in project delivery:

1. Clearly Define the Project Objectives: As a project manager, you have to ensure that everyone has a proper understanding of the project. This is why management skills are essential to ensure an optimised project delivery process.

2. Developing a Comprehensive Plan: Consider every aspect related to the project such as the budget, deadline, objective, etc. to design a proper blueprint for your future steps. However, you need to invest time and effort as a team to create an effective plan.

3. Build Effective Communication: Maintain open and transparent communication with your team members as well as your client throughout the project lifecycle. It will help you avoid silly mistakes that can hamper your project’s quality.

4. Regularly Monitor Progress: I personally always kept track of the milestones that I and my team achieved. It helped us identify deviations or errors, and take corrective actions.

5. Manage Risks Proactively: During my time as a delivery manager, I learnt that being proactive is essential for streamlining the project execution phase. It allowed me to identify the potential threats early on and develop strategies to solve them. 

6. Creating a Strong Team: It is crucial to assemble skilled and motivated individuals who can work as a team in order to achieve the project objectives. Your team members should have a clear understanding of their roles and what they are contributing to the project.

Challenges in Project Delivery Management

Project delivery management is not an easy task and has its own challenges. However, being aware of these challenges can help you in addressing issues.

So, I am going to share the problems I faced while managing project delivery:

Unclear or Changing Requirements: Inadequate or continuously evolving project requirements can create problems in creating a high-quality project. It can cause issues such as delays and budget overruns.

Poor Communication: A gap in communication between the team members and the client can hinder project progression and create misunderstandings.

Inadequate Resource Allocation: Incorrect utilisation of resources is a big problem I faced in my initial days as a project manager. It creates a situation where your team lacks the resources to properly execute the project.

Conclusion

Effective project delivery management is a multifaceted task that requires a combination of skills, knowledge, and tools. So, as a project manager, having a proper understanding of the types, phases, methods, and challenges involved, can enhance your ability to deliver projects successfully. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I choose the right project delivery method for my project? 

By considering factors like project complexity, objectives, risks, and client guidelines, you can choose a delivery method that aligns with the requirements. Each method has its strengths and weaknesses, so you should opt for the most suitable option.

2. How can I overcome challenges in project delivery management? 

With proactive planning, transparent communication, risk management, and a strong team, you can overcome project challenges. However, it is vital to regularly monitor the progress for identifying and addressing issues.

3. What are the future trends in project delivery management? 

The increasing adoption of hybrid and agile methodologies has shown a greater emphasis on collaboration and communication. Also, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning into project management tools is becoming a popular trend.