Tips, tricks, surveys
Tip: Create "Special Events"
September 9, 2017
In one of my projects abroad, in Bangkok, work had largely come to a standstill due to serious problems related to the Asian financial crisis of 1997. After work was largely able to resume, we agreed on acceleration measures with our consortium partner, a construction company. The depot and workshop, a large structure measuring 500m by 200m, in which the trains would later be parked and serviced, were largely completed. However, hundreds of tons of construction rubble remained in the enormous hall. This threatened to delay the installation of the tracks in the structure. This, in turn, would cause major problems when the trains, which were already on their way by ship, arrived at the port. It was absolutely necessary to transport them directly from the port to the depot and place them on the tracks there.
At this time, due to the critical situation, members of the board repeatedly visited us. They wanted to see the situation for themselves and speak with the project management. Another such visit was scheduled to take place shortly. The project manager took this as an opportunity to ask the visitor to also visit the depot construction site and inform the construction company. The construction company wanted to show what they could do and not unnecessarily burden the important visit. I don't know exactly how they did it, but after three days and just in time for the board's visit, all the rubble had been cleared away. Next to the hall, there was a pile of rubble about 400m long and about 3m high. It goes without saying that the board was full of praise for the construction company and everyone emphasized the good cooperation.
So an “event” was created that was so important that everyone involved tried with all their might to work towards this event.
Tip: Create "special events" if there's a risk of delays to important scheduled deadlines or milestones. Such events can be created by one party or based on mutual agreement. If it's just "your" event, you shouldn't disclose the background to your partners, as otherwise it could be ineffective. A "special event" can refer to external participants, but it's also helpful for accelerating your own internal progress. It's important not to overuse this tool, otherwise there's a risk it will no longer be effective.
September 9, 2017
In one of my projects abroad, in Bangkok, work had largely come to a standstill due to serious problems related to the Asian financial crisis of 1997. After work was largely able to resume, we agreed on acceleration measures with our consortium partner, a construction company. The depot and workshop, a large structure measuring 500m by 200m, in which the trains would later be parked and serviced, were largely completed. However, hundreds of tons of construction rubble remained in the enormous hall. This threatened to delay the installation of the tracks in the structure. This, in turn, would cause major problems when the trains, which were already on their way by ship, arrived at the port. It was absolutely necessary to transport them directly from the port to the depot and place them on the tracks there.
At this time, due to the critical situation, members of the board repeatedly visited us. They wanted to see the situation for themselves and speak with the project management. Another such visit was scheduled to take place shortly. The project manager took this as an opportunity to ask the visitor to also visit the depot construction site and inform the construction company. The construction company wanted to show what they could do and not unnecessarily burden the important visit. I don't know exactly how they did it, but after three days and just in time for the board's visit, all the rubble had been cleared away. Next to the hall, there was a pile of rubble about 400m long and about 3m high. It goes without saying that the board was full of praise for the construction company and everyone emphasized the good cooperation.
So an “event” was created that was so important that everyone involved tried with all their might to work towards this event.
Tip: Create "special events" if there's a risk of delays to important scheduled deadlines or milestones. Such events can be created by one party or based on mutual agreement. If it's just "your" event, you shouldn't disclose the background to your partners, as otherwise it could be ineffective. A "special event" can refer to external participants, but it's also helpful for accelerating your own internal progress. It's important not to overuse this tool, otherwise there's a risk it will no longer be effective.
What special events might occur in your project? Prepare yourself mentally well in advance to have "special events" in reserve for important milestones that you can activate at short notice. As the project manager, write them down and don't show them to anyone!
Survey on problems in PM
Dec 28, 2016
The survey on problems in PM ran until January 31, 2017. The results are now available. The complete analysis can be downloaded here:
Striking finding: The "underestimation of project complexity" plays an unexpectedly important role compared to previous studies.
Survey participants have now received a detailed analysis. Comments and interpretations will be prepared by the end of May. Anyone interested in the detailed analysis and comments/interpretations is welcome to contact us. We will then provide them to you for a fee of €15.
Download survey results
Dec 28, 2016
The survey on problems in PM ran until January 31, 2017. The results are now available. The complete analysis can be downloaded here:
Striking finding: The "underestimation of project complexity" plays an unexpectedly important role compared to previous studies.
Survey participants have now received a detailed analysis. Comments and interpretations will be prepared by the end of May. Anyone interested in the detailed analysis and comments/interpretations is welcome to contact us. We will then provide them to you for a fee of €15.