Project Execution A Practical Approach to Industrial and Commercial Project Management

Written by Chitram Lutchman, a project management professional with more than 20 years of field and business experience, Project Execution: A Practical Approach to Industrial and Commercial Project Management gives you a more optimistic view of this exciting and challenging area. The book focuses on the essential requirements for successful execution of commercial and industrial projects. It differs from other project management books by focusing exclusively on the Execution Stage of the project, leveraging this opportunity for value maximization for the organization. Lutchman identifies people, process, and systems readiness as key components of an overall Milestone Readiness Process. When managed properly, this readiness approach to project management greatly increases the ability of project leaders to deliver on budget and on schedule. The author highlights practical measures and tools that can be used by Project Leaders to promote smooth and controlled execution of a project, rewarding all stakeholders through a collective value maximization effort. He also pinpoints safety as a priority, strong leadership behaviors and stakeholder relations and management as key requirements for success. Lutchman draws on his in-the-trenches know-how and frontline experiences to provide practical recommendations for project execution requirements that, while intuitive, are very likely to be forgotten given the many competing priorities of project leaders. Whether you are a seasoned professional with years of experienceor a novice just getting your feet wet, this book enhances your preparedness, skills, and capabilities in project execution or project support roles. This easy-to-follow road map is well equipped with practical tools, ideas, and concepts that enhances your ability to keep projects on budget and on schedule.

The Project CycleIntroductionThe Simplified Project CyclePractical Workforce Management TipsIntroductionHave the Right Person for the Right Job: Leadership Skills Are an AbsoluteMake Safety a PriorityHire a Mature WorkforcePlace Emphasis on Developing Strong TeamsEnsure Clear Expectations, Responsibilities and Authorities are CommunicatedHave a Retention Plan (Avoid Being a Training Ground)Treat Everyone Fairly and with RespectEncourage and Support Leadership Visibility at the Front LineEmbrace and Promote Diversity in the WorkforceRecognize and Reward Exceptional ContributionsCelebrate Milestone Achievements and SuccessesAvoid Conflict among Operations, Construction, and Commissioning OrganizationsHave a RACI ChartCommunicate, Communicate, CommunicateRotate Personnel Out as RequiredEnsure Adequate Facilities Are AvailablePractical Work Process Management Tips for Success in Project ExecutionIntroductionDo Not Reinvent the WheelEnsure Proper Representations at PHAs and HAZOPSUse Construction and Commissioning Organizations with Consistently High Standards of WorkApply Simple Control Systems that WorkEnsure Ownership and Buy-In by All StakeholdersGet Big Quickly When Required and Lean in a Well-Orchestrated ApproachDelay Process Hazard Introduction as Long as PossibleCentralize the Work Permitting SystemUse Commissioning and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at All TimesMaintain a Log of Activities and Events on Critical SystemsHave a Backup or Contingency PlanFlush All Critical Systems Before Putting into ServiceConsider Human Factors in DesignsKnow When to Focus on Optimization and Efficiency ImprovementsEnsure an Effective Document Control System ExistsCapture and Share Lessons LearnedThe Readiness Processes: An OverviewIntroductionMilestone DeterminationCriteria for ReadinessThe Weighting ProcessWho Is Who in the Readiness ProcessPulling It TogetherEmpowerment and AccountabilityThe Go-No-Go DecisionPeople ReadinessIntroductionBuilding the Operations OrganizationCriteria for ReadinessTraining and QualificationStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs)Critical PracticesCodes of PracticesTraining, Qualification, and Competency MatricesPush/Pull Effect of the Training Qualification and Competency MatrixCompetency AssessorsProcess ReadinessIntroductionComputerized Maintenance Management SystemsCriticality of Equipment and Development of Work PackagesProcurement of Spares, Warehousing, and Maintenance WorkshopContractors and Service ProvidersSupport Services: Human Resources, Accounting, Communications, Information Technology, Employee Assistance ProgramsRelationship ManagementCritical Ranking of Operating Areas and Operating Personnel AllocationSystems ReadinessIntroductionMechanical CompletenessDesign Quality and Operating Standards and Adherence to an MOC ProcessControls Tested within Design LimitsRegulatory ComplianceSafety Systems Installed and FunctionalLive Systems Communication NoticesSystem Walkdown, Deficiency Identification, and Deficiency ResolutionSystem Turnover Documentation Completed and Adequately PackagedStakeholder ManagementIntroductionInternal and External Stakeholder GroupsStakeholder CommunicationsStakeholder Interest and Expectation MapManaging the BudgetsIntroductionWages and SalariesManaging Employee TurnoverWaste Management and ReworkCompetitive Pricing StructuresCost Escalation from Lagging Labor ProductivityCost Associated with Project Schedule SlippagesManaging Project ScopeTreating Expenses Associated with Safety as a Benefit as Opposed to a Cost Situ-Transformational Leadership Behaviors: A Model for the FutureIntroductionThe Frontline LeaderSenior Leadership (Strategic Leader)ConclusionAppendix 1: Sample Standard Operating ProcedureAppendix 2: Sample Critical PracticeAppendix 3: Sample Code of PracticeAppendix 4: System Turnover Responsibilities and MethodAppendix 5: Checks and Tests Performed by the Operations and Commissioning OrganizationsAppendix 6: System Turnover Documentation and Control Glossary of TermsReferencesIndex