College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
3-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Philip Barlow, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Construction projects are often defined by their visible outcomes, structures completed on time, within budget, and built to the required standards. Yet beneath these outcomes lies a less visible force that quietly shapes whether success is achieved or compromised. Uncertainty is present in every phase of construction, influencing decisions, performance, and ultimately the trajectory of the project. The ability to recognize and respond to this uncertainty may separate projects that proceed with stability from those that experience delays, escalating costs, and diminished quality. Project managers, superintendents, project engineers, and other related fields play a central role in navigating this uncertainty by anticipating potential challenges and guiding decision-making with foresight rather than reaction. Through deliberate evaluation and continuous awareness, they create conditions where progress remains controlled and predictable. Risk management strategies may align the project objectives, even as conditions evolve, rather than allowing unforeseen events to dictate outcomes. In this way, the relationship between uncertainty and project performance becomes clear. Project success is not determined solely by technical execution, but by the ability to manage risk reactively. When effective management transforms uncertainty into an element that can be understood and addressed, projects are far more likely to be successful.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/929
Poster Board