Project Charter

PROJECT PLANNING – Managerial Challenges (Part 3)

January 8, 2013 By George T McLaughlin PMP CCM

PROJECT PLANNING – Managerial Challenges(Part 3)

Project Initiation – Contractor

This post is the third in a series of discussions regarding managerial challenges in project management situations. In this series, we focus heavily on the managerial aspects of program / project planning and management. This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project. Part 2 discussed Project Initiation in general. This post [Part 3] addresses considerations that are unique to contractors.

Owners often view contractors as a homogenous group or homogenous within the contractor’s own organization. This perception is not correct, at least for contractors of any size or diversity.

Why does the same contractor behave differently on one job relative to another? Why does a contractor bid differently relative to past practices or experiences? Why is the contractor’s price so high on this bid when it was so low on another bid? We expected the contractor to be competitive and they are not. Another scenario, we expected the contractor to not be competitive; but, they have the best proposal and bid. There are many potential reasons. The answer may reside in the project initiation process.

PROJECT PLANNING – Managerial Challenges (Part 2)

December 29, 2012 By George T McLaughlin PMP CCM

Project Initiation

This post is the second in a series of discussions regarding managerial challenges in current project management situations. In this series, we focus heavily on the managerial aspects of program / project management. This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project. This is a crucial challenge.

In a recent consulting assignment, M&M encountered a highly respected client using a phrase that is something like “Building the right project in the right manner.” While this is paraphrased, the notion is clear. But, what could they mean “Building the right project…?” Why would an organization devote time and investment money to building the wrong project? The answer typically resides in the Project Initiation process. Inadequate attention and alignment regarding such items as the project objectives and scope of work [also known as the Project Scope Statement] can lead to a misguided start (and sadly sometimes, finish) of the wrong project. Project Initiation is the essential foundation.

PROJECT PLANNING – Managerial Considerations (Part 1)

December 20, 2012 By George T McLaughlin PMP CCM

Introduction

After a long period [since March 2012] of inactivity, McLaughlin and McLaughlin is pleased to resume posting activity in this blog. Project Professionals is intended to offer advice and tips regarding various aspects of Program and Project Management. For a statement of blog Objectives and Goals, please follow this link.

During this inactive period, M&M has been performing two time-consuming assignments. One is program management support work on large Canadian oil sands investment/expansion program. The second is a construction claim on an international power plant project.

In considering the general topic of project planning, consider the following question. Why do so many projects experience serious negative issues, if not failure, when project planning has been pursued? Often the answer is that the plans are defective or ignored. Alignment, implementation and updating are essential features. Good quality plans must be developed and implemented. Often, this is not the case.

[Continued] [Read more…]

Filed Under: Claims, Featured, General, Projects, Uncategorized Tagged With: Best Practices, Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Doctor Harold Kerzner, Earned Value Management, McLaughlin & McLaughlin, PMBOK, Preliminary Project Scope Statement, Project Charter, Project Execution Plan, Project Execution Planning, Project Initiation, Project Management Institute (PMI), Project Planning, Project Sponsor, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), www.mclaughlinandmclaughlin.com

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES – Project Initiation Lessons Learned (Part 3)

July 5, 2011 By George T McLaughlin PMP CCM

This Lessons Learned in Project Initiation post is the third in a series of discussions regarding current challenges being encountered in today’s project management world. We have titled the series PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES, since we intend to focus heavily on the managerial aspects of program / project management. This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project. This is a crucial challenge.

The study of lessons learned creates relevance and importance in (sometimes) abstract concepts. It answers queries regarding the practical side of the issue. There is a famous quote out there that talks about those that refuse to study history. It is suggested that you avoid reliving the mistakes experienced by others. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Featured, General, Projects Tagged With: Construction Contract Planning and Scheduling, Construction Management, Construction Management Blog, Construction Management Services, Earned Value Management, George T. McLaughlin PMP, McLaughlin & McLaughlin, Preliminary Project Scope Statement, Project Charter, Project Execution Plan, Project Execution Planning, Project Initiation, Project Management, Project Scope Statement, Project Sponser

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES – Project Initiation (Part 2)

June 29, 2011 By George T McLaughlin PMP CCM

This post is the second in a series of discussions regarding current challenges being encountered in today’s project management. More specifically, we have titled the series PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES, since we intend to focus heavily on the managerial aspects of program / project management. This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project. This is a crucial challenge.

Authoritative information and guidance regarding project management comes from many sources. A few that may be obvious include:

Project Management Institute [PMI]
Construction Industry Institute [CII]
The Chartered Institute of Building [CIOB]
Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering International [AACEI]
Many colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools and other educational organizations.

In order to frame and organize this topic, we will use the PMI Project Management Processes for a Project as presented in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide).

Many discussion groups and forums can be helpful. These include AACE, PMI, LinkedIn and others. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Featured, General, Projects Tagged With: Doctor Harold Kerzner, Earned Value Management, PMBOK, Preliminary Project Scope Statement, Project Charter, Project Execution Plan, Project Execution Planning, Project Initiation, Project Management, Project Sponser

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES – Introduction (Part 1)

June 25, 2011 By George T McLaughlin PMP CCM

This post is the first in a series of discussions regarding challenges being encountered in current project management. More specifically, we have titled the series PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES, since we intend to focus heavily on the managerial aspects of program / project management. This post introduces the topic and sets the framework for ongoing posts on individual challenges. This series is intended to draw upon many sources within the project management discipline or profession.

Authoritative information and guidance regarding project management comes from many sources. A few that may be obvious include:

Project Management Institute [PMI]
Construction Industry Institute [CII]
The Chartered Institute of Building [CIOB]
Association for Advancement of Cost Engineering International [AACEI]
Many colleges, universities, community colleges, trade schools and other educational organizations.

In order to frame and organize this topic, we will use the PMI Project Management Processes for a Project as presented in A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK^® Guide).

Many discussion groups and forums can be helpful. These include AACE, PMI, LinkedIn and others.

Some blogs (other than this one) provide useful information. Consider:

Filed Under: Featured, General, Projects Tagged With: Earned Value Management, Preliminary Project Scope Statement, Project Charter, Project Execution Plan, Project Execution Planning, Project Initiation, Project Management, Project Sponser