Here is a list of some of the best Construction Project Management Books for the curious cats out there. The list has been curated based on the recommendations of project managers of some of the world’s most prestigious projects being done right now.
As the Saying goes “Readers are Leaders”
This is no different in the case of construction project managers as well. In Fact the importance of knowledge becomes even more important in a field that is both technical and artistic in nature.
To complete any major task one must be confident, well prepared. Especially in the field of construction project management, to be successful, a person should have proper knowledge and confidence to complete/execute the role.
This level of self-assurance can be gained by self-experience in the work and also by proper research done on every aspect of the work. For most fields of study, books are your best resource.
Table of Contents
Now that we have established the importance of books and knowledge lets look at:
The Best and Must read Construction Project Management Books in the market
Most of these books are voluminous and bulky. You can either purchase these books from the store in hardcopy format.
Some of these construction and project management books pdf copies are also available by the publishers. These are really helpful when the hardcopy versions are usually bulky to carry around for reference.
Scroll down further for the list of books. If you are an avid reader and knowledge seeker you are sure going to fall in love with them.
Introduction to construction management by Fred Sherratt:
This is one of the beginner’s guides to construction management. It includes terms and concepts that you’ll need to know, along with examples and different perspectives to complete the work.
Construction Project Management: A Complete Introduction by Alison Dykstra:
This book goes in-depth on the process of a construction project. It also attempts to answer any common questions you might have as you begin researching construction management.
The First-Time Manager 6th Edition- by Loren B. Belker, Jim McCormick, Gary S. Topchick:
This book is one of the best-selling construction management books that are available on the market. It offers motivation and management strategies and also guides to understanding the responsibilities expected ahead in a career in management.
This is a must-buy book for anyone new person to the project management role.
Construction Management JumpStart by Barbara J. Jackson:
The most famous of them all and the most referred to by students and academicians. This book is a well-organized guide that provides a step by step walkthrough of all stages of projects and it is from an experienced construction management specialist. important details to consider in this book are estimating project costs and ensuring project safety, administering contracts, monitoring performances and more. So, this book is worth reading
Modern Construction Management by Frank Harris and Ronald McCaffer:
In construction management studies, this book is considered a core text. The book is a great resource of knowledge as it covers the basics of construction management, methods, examples of real-world situations and offers solutions, and then manages to go beyond that.
Building Construction: Project Management, Construction Administration, Drawings, Specs, Detailing Tips, Schedules, Checklists and Secrets Others Donʹt Tell You by Gang Chen:
This book will help with tips on construction management and provides a foundation for understanding the field. The best part is provided with the greatest tools like case studies that will allow you to solve issues of the work in the real world.
Construction Business Management: What Every Construction Contractor, Builder & Subcontractor Needs to Know by Nick B. Ganaway:
This is a can’t-miss text in construction management. To be successful at just about anything, you have to learn from the mistakes. This gives you those lessons, the good and the bad, so that you can be profitable. It also doesn’t hurt that the author has 25 years of construction business experience to back up what he’s saying.
Running a Successful Construction Company by David Gerstel:
The author of the book is a builder and he has a lot of work experience in the field. In his book, he shares his methods on how to overcome the difficulties and succeed in running your own construction company.
Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide by Paul Netscher:
This book provides practical tips that will help you on your construction project or if you’ve never been on one, help you get started. Are hidden difficulties in the project management to be avoided?
Read this book.
Construction Project Manager’s Pocket Book by Duncan Cartlidge:
You would want to keep it in your pocket and you can’t go wrong having this handy. straightforward guide. This handbook starts with pre-construction and goes through every activity relevant to a construction manager, including technical expertise, leadership, being environmentally friendly, communication, and negotiation.
Last but not the least anybody who wants to be great and Construction Project Management needs to understand the nuances of General Project Management. For this purpose, there are two great books/ process which is accepted by the world and can be followed they are APMBOK and PMBOK.
The APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition
The APM Body of Knowledge (APMBOK) is a foundational resource, providing the concepts, functions and activities that make up professional project management.
It seeks to reflect the developing profession, recognising project-based working at all levels, and across all sectors for influencers, decision-makers, project professionals and their teams.
A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
It is PMI’s flagship publication and is a fundamental resource for effective project management in any industry. The book helps in formulating general concepts and philosophies for the user. The reader can customise the processes to their respective field or activity.
Conclusion
Learning and developing skills is a never-ending process. The intention of this article is not to end the knowledge gained with these books only but to provide the reader of this article with a head start into the field of Construction Project Management in specific and Project Management in general.
Happy reading and do let us know which other books can be suggested to newbies in this field.