The Construction Management Association of America has updated its Code of Ethics to embrace a wider range of professional services, and simultaneously endorsed a new set of definitions of key industry processes and functions.
Key changes to the Code of Ethics expand its scope to include program management as well as construction management, a recognition of the growing acceptance of program management as a vital service needed by construction owners nationwide.
In addition, the new Code makes clear that its subscribers include both individual practitioners and corporations. The language referring to conflicts of interest has been simplified to read, “I will endeavor to avoid conflicts of interest; and will disclose conflicts which in my opinion may impair my objectivity or integrity.”
The Code also binds CMAA members to pursue continued professional development both for themselves and for fellow practitioners. In addition, it stipulates that a professional CM or PM “will only accept assignments for which (I) am qualified by my education, training, professional experience and technical competence...(and) will assign staff to projects in accordance with their qualifications and commensurate with the services to be provided.”
The complete text of the new CMAA Code of Ethics can be found online at www.cmaanet.org.
In adopting the new Code, the CMAA Board of Directors also recognized that developments in the construction industry have led to uncertainty about the proper roles of project participants, and released a new set of industry definitions to address this issue.
“CMAA believes clear definitions of the industry’s basic terms are a good start toward identifying the best way to deliver any project,” CMAA President Bob Fraga said. “Unfortunately, there has been little consensus in the construction industry over the meanings of many commonly used words and phrases.”
As a result, the Board of Directors adopted these basic definitions:
Delivery System
.
Construction Management. A professional management practice consisting of an array of services applied to construction projects and programs through the planning, design, construction, and post construction phases for the purpose of achieving project objectives including the management of quality, cost, time, and scope.
Agency Construction Management. A professional service that can be applied to all delivery systems, in which the CM acts as the owner’s principal agent, responsible to the owner for managing the planning, design, construction, and post construction phases, or portions thereof. The CM represents the interests of the owner in its dealings with other construction professionals, and with other private and public entities.          Â
Construction Management At-Risk. A delivery system which entails a commitment by the CM for construction quality, time, and cost. The CM provides professional management assistance to the owner prior to construction, and during construction the construction manager holds sub-contracts for construction, guaranteeing schedule and maximum cost of construction.
