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PROJECT PLANNING – (Part 5)

February 20, 2013 By

A Key Planning Resource

Industrial Megaprojects by Edward W. Merrow (Merrow, 2011)

This post is the fifth in a series of discussions regarding challenges in project planning and management situations.  In this series, we focus heavily on program / project planning and management.  This post addresses a major resource that can be highly useful in the planning and initial management of large and complex projects.

This resource is Industrial Megaprojects by Edward W. Merrow.   The subtitle is Concepts, Strategies, and Practices for Success.  This subtitle is particularly appropriate and compelling.

While the title is focused on “megaprojects,” the advice and guidance has value and merit in considering the planning and management of large and complex projects.  Smaller projects may be better guided by previous Project Professionals discussions.  Some of the key discussions are summarized in the previous post, PROJECT PLANNING (Part 4) Summary of Posts.

As presented on the dust cover of this fine book, “Mr. Merrow is the founder and CEO of Independent Project Analysis, Inc. (IPA), the world’s leading consulting firm evaluating billion-dollar megaprojects of national and international oil, chemical, pharmaceutical, and major mineral companies, and benchmarking their cost, schedules, safety, startup, and operational performance.”

While this lofty description can be both impressive and intimidating, the book has a wealth of information regarding project planning and initial execution. [Read more…]

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PROJECT PLANNING – Managerial Challenges (Part 3)

January 8, 2013 By

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.

[Read more…]

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PROJECT PLANNING – Managerial Challenges (Part 2)

December 29, 2012 By

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.

[Read more…]

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PROJECT PLANNING – Managerial Considerations (Part 1)

December 20, 2012 By

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…]

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PROJECT PROFESSIONALS POSTING RESUMPTION

December 16, 2012 By

McLaughlin and McLaughlin [M&M] is pleased to announce that they will resume postings at their blog, Project Professionals.  Since March 2012, M&M has been heavily involved with several large assignments [Canadian Oilsands program management support and construction claim regarding an international power plant project].  Now that workload permits, new blog postings will be offered.

M&M wishes to remind followers (new and ongoing) that there are many offerings at the Project Professional site.  They are organized by what we call Subject Series.

These Subject Series are:

  • Managing Risk of Delay [15 posts]
  • Contract Notice and Recognition [4 posts]
  • Productivity [18 posts]
  • Schedule Validation and Audits [3 posts]
  • Staffing Your Project Management Team [8 posts]
  • Project Management Challenges [11 posts]
  • Time Management – Schedule Specification Implementation [6 posts]
  • Ways of Working [1 post]

M&M will resume new posts with a Subject Series titled Success through Project Planning.  This Subject Series will focus on methodologies, process, sequencing, synchronization and other managerial considerations.

We hope that you will find these existing and new posts informative and relevant.

May we wish you the best of luck and let us all attempt to confront and deal with Project Management Challenges.  It is crucial that recognition and anticipation of these issues occur during initiation and planning.  However, the recognition and management should continue through execution, controlling and closeout.

Please note that McLaughlin and McLaughlin [M&M] is not a law firm and is not intending to provide legal advice.  M&M is a consulting firm providing (among other services) non-legal expertise in dispute resolution and litigation support.  The Resource Center is for the convenience of blog visitors and M&M does not offer this for commercial purposes.  For further information on M&M services, please see www.McLaughlinandMcLaughlin.com.

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PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES– Subject Series Summary

March 21, 2012 By

Having recently addressed the AACE International Western Winter Workshop, I am heading for Canada on a new consulting engagement.  Likely, we will have some additional posts and details at a later time.  The press of business has reduced our recent posting activity.  Given this trend and  the large number of new visitors to this blog, we will repost some of the Subject Series Summaries.

This  McLaughlin & McLaughlin‘s Project Professionals summary update provides readers with an overview of prior posts and provides a baseline for future posts that will follow on a timely basis.  This Subject Series, PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES was posted during June through September 2011.  Since that time, blog readership has increased significantly.

This summary is very brief and simply serves as an index for readers to follow.  More robust summaries are provided in the June summary.  Of course, detailed descriptions are contained in the individual posts.

Ideally this Subject Series provides a starting point to investigate best practice on many planning and execution features of project management.

Introduction (Part 1) – This post is the first in a series of discussions regarding challenges being encountered in current 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.

Project Initiation (Part 2) – This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project.  This is a crucial challenge.  The initiation process (getting started formally) requires two processes and deliverables/outputs (see PMBOK® and Kerzner).  Both processes are discussed.

Project Initiation Lessons Learned (Part 3) – This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project.  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.

Project Planning Process (Part 4) – This post addresses the project planning process.  This is a crucial challenge and the importance of this process cannot be overstated.  A logical and often asked question is along the lines of “Why plan?” as it can be complicated, time-consuming and aggravating.  There are several key benefits to planning.  These benefits are discussed.

Project Management Plan (Part 5) – This post addresses the Project Management Plan [also known as Project Execution Plan, Project Plan and other titles].  The Project Management Plan can consist of several pages of information and direction or a bookshelf full of many volumes of documents.  These many volumes can have a hierarchical structure.  PMBOK® provides guidance regarding this deliverable/work product.  The Project Management Plan is also known as Project Execution Plan, Project Plan, and other similar titles.

Project Planning Issues (Part 6) – Planning the project properly, documenting the plan professionally and then implementing the plan successfully are likely the source of most project success and failure outcomes.  While project planning is one of the most fundamental skill sets in project management, the requisite processes and actions are not well developed or successfully implemented.

Project Planning Lessons Learned (Part 7) – Learning from the experiences of others is an effective method for skill set development.  Many organizations that use project management on an ongoing basis close out projects with a compilation of “lessons learned.”  These firms have found value in studying the issues that have emerged in the past.

Project Planning Lessons Learned STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT (Part 8) – This post continues the focus on issues in planning and problems that have their source or root cause in planning.  The subject is Stakeholder Management.  The use of team and stakeholder workshops can be an effective mechanism for aligning, selling and implementing the Project Management Plan.  Obtain an audience with all stakeholders.  Start with the Project Sponsor.  Sell the Project Management Plan in detail.

Project Planning Lessons Learned RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS (Part 9) – This post continues the focus on issues in planning and problems that have their source or root cause in planning.  The subject is Resource Requirements.  In this regard, the post will focus on human resources or staffing. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Claims, Featured, General, Projects Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES– Subject Series Summary

November 14, 2011 By

This summary update provides readers with an overview of prior posts and provides a baseline for future posts that will follow on a timely basis.  A Subject Series Summary has not been posted in the past.  This Subject Series, PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES  was posted during June through September 2011.  Since that time, blog readership has increased significantly.

This summary is very brief and simply serves as an index for readers to follow.  More robust summaries are provided in the June summary.  Of course, detailed descriptions are contained in the individual posts.

Ideally this Subject Series provides a starting point to investigate best practice on many planning and execution features of project management.

Introduction (Part 1)  – This post is the first in a series of discussions regarding challenges being encountered in current 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.

Project Initiation (Part 2)  – This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project.  This is a crucial challenge.  The initiation process (getting started formally) requires two processes and deliverables/outputs (see PMBOK® and Kerzner).  Both processes are discussed.

Project Initiation Lessons Learned (Part 3)  – This post addresses the starting point or initiation of the project.  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.

Project Planning Process (Part 4)  – This post addresses the project planning process.  This is a crucial challenge and the importance of this process cannot be overstated.  A logical and often asked question is along the lines of “Why plan?” as it can be complicated, time-consuming and aggravating.  There are several key benefits to planning.  These benefits are discussed.

Project Management Plan (Part 5)  – This post addresses the Project Management Plan [also known as Project Execution Plan, Project Plan and other titles].  The Project Management Plan can consist of several pages of information and direction or a bookshelf full of many volumes of documents.  These many volumes can have a hierarchical structure.  PMBOK® provides guidance regarding this deliverable/work product.  The Project Management Plan is also known as Project Execution Plan, Project Plan, and other similar titles.

Project Planning Issues (Part 6)  – Planning the project properly, documenting the plan professionally and then implementing the plan successfully are likely the source of most project success and failure outcomes.  While project planning is one of the most fundamental skill sets in project management, the requisite processes and actions are not well developed or successfully implemented.

Project Planning Lessons Learned (Part 7)  – Learning from the experiences of others is an effective method for skill set development.  Many organizations that use project management on an ongoing basis close out projects with a compilation of “lessons learned.”  These firms have found value in studying the issues that have emerged in the past.

Project Planning Lessons Learned STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT (Part 8)  – This post continues the focus on issues in planning and problems that have their source or root cause in planning.  The subject is Stakeholder Management.  The use of team and stakeholder workshops can be an effective mechanism for aligning, selling and implementing the Project Management Plan.  Obtain an audience with all stakeholders.  Start with the Project Sponsor.  Sell the Project Management Plan in detail.

Project Planning Lessons Learned RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS (Part 9)  – This post continues the focus on issues in planning and problems that have their source or root cause in planning.  The subject is Resource Requirements.  In this regard, the post will focus on human resources or staffing. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Claims, Featured, General, Projects Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

July 5, 2011 By

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: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES – Project Initiation (Part 2)

June 29, 2011 By

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:

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: , , , , , , , , ,

PROJECT MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES – Introduction (Part 1)

June 25, 2011 By

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:

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:

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