256 Section 4 Construction Management
Purchasing Agent
Large construction companies often employ purchasing agents whose responsibilities
include purchasing materials and equipment. Purchasing agents track price trends and negotiate
discounts. They also evaluate the ability of potential suppliers to deliver goods according to
project schedules. Purchasing agents also negotiate contracts for rented equipment.
Purchasing agents work with project managers and superintendents to ensure that
materials and equipment are on site when needed. They also work with the finance department
to ensure that bills are correct. Overtime hours may be required to ensure that last-minute
needs at a construction site are met.
Ideal candidates are college graduates. A degree in construction management with an
emphasis on business is preferred. Experience as a construction superintendent or project
manager is desirable. Purchasing agents must be willing to continually update their knowledge
of market trends and suppliers.
Growth in employment of purchasing agents in construction is expected to keep pace
with growth in other construction occupations. Median annual earnings for purchasing agents
specializing in building materials is more than $35,000. The income range for purchasing
agents is from $28,000 to more than $78,000. Purchasing agents also commonly receive
benefits that include paid vacations, insurance, and pension plans.
Scheduling Methods
Three scheduling methods are commonly used for construction projects.
Each of these methods is described in the following paragraphs.
Experience
Schedules are often designed based on the experience of a long-time
builder. Those who have been in the construction business for many years
acquire a sense for planning. They know how construction jobs need to be
done. They are aware when specific tasks are taking too long to complete.
While the experience method can work, it is best to use only on small proj-
ects. To protect the money and other assets invested in large projects, formal
scheduling methods are required.
Bar Chart
A bar chart shows a list of activities with the start, duration, and finish
of each activity shown as a bar plotted to a time scale. Bar charts are an
effective means of scheduling and recording progress on construction proj-
ects. The development of a bar chart for the construction of a flagpole illus-
trates how bar charts are prepared and used.
A contractor has a contract for $2,000 to install a flagpole. All of the
work except painting will be done by the contractor’s employees. Concrete
will be ordered from a ready-mix plant. The contractor lists the tasks to be
completed and estimates the cost of each task. The cost includes both mate-
rials and labor, Figure 15-1.
bar charts:
Scheduling tool that
uses horizontal bars
to depict the time
required to complete
a task.