Category Archives: Project Governance & Reporting

Common Cost Control Problems on Construction Projects

Here is a list of common cost control problems found on construction projects: Improper estimates, standards and budgeting techniques. Unrealistic budgets. Activities started or completed out of sequence. Inadequate WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) or insufficient WBS detail. Lack of management … Continue reading

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The “Silo” Effect in Large Project-Based Organizations

Delivering large and complex projects in accordance with contract requirements while meeting client expectations is difficult enough.  There is an added burden within large organizations that have not fully integrated project management into their fabric.  These organizations, particularly government agencies, … Continue reading

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The Role of The Owners Rep. Expands

http://newyork.construction.com/opinions/2011/0725-AsStaffsShrinktheRoleOftheOwnersRepGrows.asp With the Poor economy forcing owners to make tough decisions about layoffs and budget cuts, one position they should not consider eliminating is the owner’s representative. That is because this job has become a vital tool in helping the … Continue reading

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The Importance of Alignment in Project Management

Alignment of interests is a key trait of successful projects.  Alignment is required at several levels.  The objectives and actions of project teams must be aligned with those of the organization.  Similarly, project teams must be aligned with clients.  Proper … Continue reading

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The Importance of Gate Reviews in Design and Pre-Construction

Gate reviews are essential to well-managed planning and pre-construction phases of a construction project.  The concept is simple in its execution and elegant in its simplicity.  I caution industry professionals that simplicity does not mean that they should let their … Continue reading

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Contracts Negotiation

The best lesson I learned about negotiation was a simple one.   Contracts negotiation involves a lot of work.  It is all about the willingness and ability of the team to prepare, document, analyze and demonstrate its case.  It is not glamorous and it … Continue reading

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Aligning Information Technology and Business Processes on Projects

The following is from a paper written by Jerry N. Luftman – “Alignment in the Sand” Project success requires alignment between information technology and business processes. The 12 factors involved in aligning technology and business are: – Business scope – … Continue reading

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Manage Large Project Teams Like Small Project Teams

From Michael A. Cusamano’s “How to Make Large Teams Work Like Small Teams” – Simplify the schedule and work out the interdependencies. – Stabilize the design via frequent synchronization. – Use iteration and concurrent engineering.  Projects should iterate and concurrently … Continue reading

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Common Problems on Large and Complex Projects

  Common Problems on Large and Complex Projects 1.         Difficult and belligerent subcontractors. 2.         Poorly structured subcontracts and loosely defined scopes of work. 3.         Protracted punch list activities, especially those related to the technical interfaces. 4.         Weak subcontractor field project … Continue reading

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Challenge the Team

One the most important jobs of the project leader is to challenge the team and stretch people out.   Good people have lots of untapped potential.  You can’t find that untapped potential if you keep the team in the sand box.  … Continue reading

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