Last Updated on January 9, 2022 by Admin
Infrastructure project management concentrates entirely on infrastructure projects. Yet, it uses all the same standard methodologies and processes as other types of project management. Read more to learn about infrastructure project management and the types of infrastructure construction projects.
Infrastructure Project Management
Infrastructure project management involves several general project management components like planning, execution, monitoring, testing, and project closure. However, it is also highly technical: all projects are linked with maintaining the continual operation of the infrastructure.
While there are some similarities, there are also noticeable differences between technology, business, and economic infrastructure projects. A technology infrastructure project may follow the software development life cycle (SDLC) and require an Agile approach. Both of these are less likely to be used on an economic or business infrastructure project. Due to these differences, when discussing what infrastructure project management is, it’s important to specify the type of infrastructure.
Generally, someone interested in infrastructure project management would specialize in only one of the three categories. If your background is technology infrastructure, you’re less likely to land a project manager job in economic infrastructure — at least, compared to a project manager who already has that kind of experience.
Moreover, within the broad categories, project managers often become more specialized. Some project managers only manage roadway and highway projects, while others only manage facilities projects.
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A technology company may have one project manager who only does hardware projects and another that only does software projects. While the basics are the same, specialization allows you to gain experience in specific project types.
This specialization can result in the following:
- Improved planning due to past lessons learned
- Better ability to problem solve due to experience with similar issues
- A greater understanding of the technical aspects of the project
- A reputation as an expert, which can lead to greater trust from your team and stakeholders
Infrastructure is the basic structures, systems, and services required for operation. Think of infrastructure as the fundamentals that everything else is built upon.
The infrastructure of a community is called economic infrastructure. It includes roadways, sewers, railways, power lines, etc.
Here are some examples of economic infrastructure projects:
- Developing a new highway
- Installing underground power lines
- Replacing a section of the sewer system
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There are also business and technology infrastructures. Business infrastructure can include facilities, operating systems, communication tools, and security systems. Some business infrastructure project examples are:
- Upgrading the phone lines in the building
- Installing a new sprinkler system
- Renovating the production facility
Technology infrastructure consists of hardware systems, software, network connections, and servers. These are some examples of technology infrastructure projects:
- Installing a new backup server
- Replacing all the computer hardware
- Upgrading the payroll system software
Various types of infrastructure construction projects
Of course, not all infrastructure construction projects are the same. Despite the similar pains they have to battle against, there are a number of different types of such projects. In a nutshell, here are the main categories of infrastructure construction projects:
Roads and highways:
One of the most common types of infrastructure construction projects. When it comes to roads, these projects mainly focus on repair and maintenance as the reconstruction of an entire road can be pricey. In the case of a highway, things might differ a bit with the reconstruction or expansion to be considered as one of the main options.
Airports:
Airports are in need of continuous improvements and expansions. In an effort to provide services of high quality and resolve the air traffic congestion, airports invest both in constructing new runways and creating more utility areas for the passengers.
Energy network:
According to the CPA (Construction Products Association), electricity is the largest subsector of infrastructure projects in UK construction and it is expected to grow exponentially by 2020. Such projects may focus on power generation or transmission. In addition, maintaining and/or repairing a power plant can also be a part of this process.
Rail:
The development and maintenance of rail depots and infrastructure is another area of great activity in infrastructure projects. Their main goal is to reduce congestion for passengers, support the regeneration of different neighborhoods and connect cities and areas in a quick and efficient manner.
Telecommunications infrastructure:
Telecommunications cover a wide spectrum of technologies and services that connect the entire world. Depending on the geographic location the quality of telecommunications might vary.
Water infrastructure:
Water infrastructure projects ensure that all citizens can have access to the most precious good on Earth. Projects that fight water scarcity and projects that facilitate its distribution are two of the most characteristic examples of water infrastructure projects. It goes without saying that the nature of such projects may differ from country to country depending on the local climate.
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Bridges:
Another common yet very important infrastructure project has to do with the construction or repair of bridges. They can provide great service with regard to alleviating traffic but they come with a huge admin burden. One of the biggest challenges is the maintenance/repair of bridges as they continuously accommodate a large number of people.
Waste management:
Regardless of the type of waste, waste management projects hold a significant role in the effort to keep both the people and the environment safe. This could translate to projects that focus on the removal and transportation of waste and dangerous materials out of the cities.
Social infrastructure:
Schools and hospitals are two of the most classic examples of social infrastructure. Simply put, it’s the infrastructure that is targeting to provide a service of societal value to the public.
References:
- https://www.wrike.com/project-management-guide/faq/what-is-infrastructure-project-management/?r=kDR06vSe
- https://www.letsbuild.com/blog/infrastructure-project-management-in-construction
