The basic objective of which one of the following is to supply and support the field operations so that established time objectives can be met and costs can be kept within the construction budget?
- ATime management
- BResource managementCorrect
- CFinancial management
- DEquipment management
Solution
Concept
Resource management supplies and supports field work with labour, material, equipment and subcontractors so that time and cost targets are met.
Step-by-step solution
1. Read the key words: supply and support field operations, meet time objectives, keep cost within budget. 2. Supplying field operations means giving labour, materials, equipment and subcontractors at the right time. 3. Giving these inputs at the right time is the work of resource management. 4. So the answer is (B) Resource management.
Explanation
Resource management plans and supplies men, materials, machines and subcontractors to the site. When resources reach the site on time, the work follows the schedule and the cost stays inside the budget. This is the standard definition used in construction project management books.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Time management makes and controls the schedule. It does not supply the site. C: Financial management deals with cash flow, funds and accounts. D: Equipment management covers only machines, not all resources.
Shortcut
The words 'supply and support field operations' point to resources, so choose resource management.
Common mistake
Choosing time management because the statement mentions time objectives.
Correct answer: B) Resource management