Owner/Contractor Work Structure: A Preview

Thirty recommended project competencies were identified to support the capital projects delivery process. Examples include:

• Conceptual Cost Estimating: Preparation of estimates at various stages of scope development for purposes of project option selection
• Constructability: Incorporating construction knowledge and experience into project development and execution
• Construction: Installation of permanent facility equipment and materials including all support required to do so
• Construction Management: Management oversight of field construction operations and startup

Perceptions of business unit managers, operations managers, technical managers, and project managers are:

• Most downsizing is driven by attempts to reduced fixed costs.
• Reengineering of entire organizations has occurred.
• Loss of expertise has occurred through retirements.
• Owners have fewer experienced project managers.
• Contractors are not adding skills necessary for outsourcing.
• Contractor responsibilities are increasing, but staff size is not keeping pace.
• Owner representatives today often lack decision-making authority, resulting in poorly informed decisions by owners, with varying effectiveness.