A Quick Guide to Forensic Project Management

If you run a construction company, doing so effectively and safely is imperative. It is also difficult to keep up with on your own, which is why so many construction companies are turning to businesses that offer forensic project management for help.
A Brief Definition
Forensic project management involves investigating and analyzing the key elements of your construction projects to ensure they are on schedule, on budget and adhering to relevant safety and building codes. Putting your company’s process under a microscope allows for most projects to follow through to completion without complications. Of course, sometimes projects end up behind schedule or over budget anyway; however, because so much information will have been gathered about the project, it will be easier to determine where communication broke down and remedy the situation so it isn’t an issue on the next project.
What to Expect
After you hire a company to provide forensic project management services, the first steps depend on the reason for hiring. If you’ve hired the experts to provide feedback that prevents problems down the line, they will analyze your construction plans, budgets, schedules and progress before providing feedback on what’s working and what could lead to problems down the line. Sometimes, you decide to call in experts because your project has already run into problems. In this case, forensic experts use scientific methods to investigate the situation. They analyze facts and determine the validity of any claims made against your company. They may also perform tasks such as comparing your as-planned and as-built schedules and preparing a time impact analysis. These types of services are most important if you find yourself and your company under questioning in a court. The forensic management experts can also create reports that present their findings. Many even provide expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf in front of a judge or jury.
Training for Your Team
Proper training goes a long way toward ensuring your company never needs to go through the stress of being tied up in a court case. Forensic project management experts often provide seminars or training classes that teach you and your employees how to plan and execute projects more effectively. Some topics you might find it helpful to receive training in include contract administration, how to restart stalled projects, strategic planning for complex projects, and how to avoid disputes as well as what to do if one is unavoidable.
When hiring a company for forensic project management, look for the right credentials. A solid company will employ licensed engineers, architects and accountants like the ones employed by MDC Systems. Companies that have been in business for many years are typically a good bet as well.
