Client note: The independent role of the project manager

Project management, in its broadest sense, implies management of a project from its inception as an idea, through predesign and feasibility studies, design, construction, commissioning and initial operation. The project-management organisation takes over the function of the owner, in the predesign stage – it provides, through its own organisation, or its own consultants, expertise in market research, demographic studies, feasibility studies, cost-benefit and investment analysis, and can thus produce a detailed brief for the design team. In the design stage, it can provide management for the design team, by design assessment and appointment of architects and other consultants. In the construction stage, it can provide construction management, and/or act as the client's representative in negotiation of contracts.