As mentioned in my last blog, I will write (at least briefly) about the CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide (PDPG). Fortunately the first few chapters are basic and straight-forward. Chapter 1 is called "Introduction to The CSI Project Delivery Practice Guide" which briefly describes the project delivery process.

The introduction begins with:

Designing and constructing buildings, civil structures, industrial facilities, interior design projects, and other structures and facilities is one of humankind's most difficult endeavors in spite of the fact that it is a common activity. All facilitites start as a project that takes a journey through a sophisticated and complex process in order to come into being. (PDPG - Chapter 1, p.1)

Overall, understanding project delivery is noted as "foundational knowledge" for stakeholders and participants to be more effective.  Overall there are six project delivery methods in the guide, but there are many different variations in reality.

The chapter continues with:

A successful delivery process depends on the following:

• An owner that has a defined plan for a facility
• Individuals, firms, and companies to produce the design and make the appropriate decisions
• Contacts that comprehensively and effectively establish and define roles and responsibilities of the stakeholders and participants
• Well-developed and sufficient construction documentation
• Organized construction project management and scheduling
• Individuals and companies to provide and install the required materials
  (PDPG - Chapter 1, p.2)

With today's pace of technology and the availability of the Internet, there is an extension amount of information available for design and construction.  In general, there are books and periodicals, along with professional associations, societies, and institutes. Additionally there are established standards (to be discussed in Chapter 4), trade associations, manufacturer associations, research agencies, and manufacturers. Finally there are numerous continuing education opportunities.

Managing information is another important aspect of the design and construction of facilities. With the accessibility of the Internet, this has become a common part of most professional's work life. A part of this is being able to manage information by developing a skill for finding, evaluating, and storing information. With this includes the ability to convert information into knowledge.

As commonly noted, knowledge maybe empowering for an individual.  From the PDPG, this knowledge has four realms needed for success: 

1. What We Know
2. Resources within Reach
3. Accessible Informaton
4. Whom We Know
   (PDPG - Chapter 1, p.6)

Finally two key terms are important to know: project and facility. (Review page 6-7 of the PDPG for these definitions.)

Image Credit: Construction Specifications Institute