The Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong discusses the fascinating world of reality capture with expert Derek Lawrence. They explore Derek's journey into the field, the various applications of reality capture in project management, and the integration of AI in this technology. The conversation also delves into the barriers to adoption, real-world use cases, and the future of reality capture, including its potential in creating digital twins. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding existing structures and the value of capturing accurate data for decision-making in construction and beyond.TakeawaysReality capture is a digital copy of what is for decision making.Derek Lawrence transitioned from traditional engineering to reality capture due to frustrations with conventional methods.Laser scanning technology is becoming more accessible and easier to use.Reality capture can integrate with cost modeling and project management.There are significant barriers to the adoption of reality capture in the industry.Real-world applications of reality capture include construction monitoring and historical preservation.AI is enhancing reality capture capabilities, making it easier to create 3D models.The future of reality capture includes potential uses in various industries beyond construction.Derek encourages a fail-fast approach to testing new technologies.Digital twins require accurate data, and reality capture can help achieve that. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Reality Capture05:42 Derek's Journey into Reality Capture11:59 Understanding Reality Capture18:52 Integrating Reality Capture with Project Management22:43 Barriers to Adoption of Reality Capture30:47 Real-World Applications of Reality Capture42:46 The Future of Reality Capture and AI57:39 Final Thoughts on Digital Twins and Reality CaptureLinksThe Furze Underground Complex - https://youtu.be/QKTnx6F-XMo?si=oSfyOTvXwfkv2-gjIan Jenkins talking about Gaussian Splats in the Meta Quest 3 - https://youtu.be/s6ZYbBsbAas?si=NVVz7mHMckj9p5-JDerek's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@twindltdDerek's LinkedIn page - www.linkedin.com/in/twindlderek

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Kevin O'Grady, a director at Cognitive, who shares his extensive experience in project management, particularly in the built environment. The conversation delves into the practical applications of blockchain technology in construction, the importance of carbon tracking, and the emerging role of sustainable aviation fuel. Kevin provides insights into how these technologies can enhance project delivery and efficiency, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities they present. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency and collaboration in the industry, as well as the importance of measuring and improving carbon emissions.TakeawaysKevin O'Grady has a diverse background in project management and engineering.Blockchain can enhance transparency and trust in project delivery.Carbon tracking is essential for sustainable project management.Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is gaining traction but faces infrastructure challenges.AI can play a significant role in tracking project progress and carbon emissions.Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for successful project outcomes.The construction industry needs to adapt to new technologies for better efficiency.Measuring carbon emissions is vital for improving sustainability in projects.Project wallets could revolutionize payment transparency in construction.Innovation in the industry is driven by the need for better practices and technologies.Chapters04:24 Kevin O'Grady's Journey in Project Management07:33 Transitioning from Engineering to Commercial Management09:21 Technological Innovations in Project Management13:12 The Role of Digital Twins in Project Delivery17:20 Understanding Blockchain Technology20:58 Blockchain Applications in Construction27:43 Exploring Real-World Use Cases for Blockchain30:23 Tokenization in Construction Payments32:03 Linking Progress and Blockchain34:54 Smart Contracts and Payment Automation36:51 Challenges in Implementing Blockchain39:42 The Role of Profit Margins in Construction43:03 Carbon Measurement and Blockchain43:32 Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Its Challenges

In this episode, Val and Dale engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Jo Lucas, exploring the evolving dynamics of insourcing versus outsourcing in organizations. Jo shares insights from her extensive experience, discussing the importance of human connection, decision-making, and the role of AI in modern workplaces. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities of insourcing, the impact of generational shifts, and the future of work in a rapidly changing world.Key Takeaways:Jo Lucas emphasizes the importance of human connection in organizational success.The conversation explores the shift from outsourcing to insourcing in modern workplaces.AI is seen as a tool for abstraction, while humans provide connection.Generational shifts impact workplace dynamics and decision-making.Insourcing offers opportunities for stability and purpose in jobs.The role of consultants is evolving with the trend towards insourcing.Decision-making is a key responsibility for clients in organizations.The future of work involves balancing technology and human relationships.AI can assist but not replace human decision-making and connection.Organizations must adapt to changing contexts and embrace flexibility.

In this episode, Val and Dale engage with Professor Eddie Obeng to explore the multifaceted implications of AI in today's world. They discuss the hype surrounding AI, its potential benefits and challenges in various sectors, particularly healthcare and governance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human elements in technology, the need for a balanced perspective on AI's role in society, and the necessity of dreaming a better future rather than getting swept up in the gold rush mentality.📖 All Change! [Project Chatter Edition]TakeawaysAI is both a potential savior and a threat.The hype around AI often overshadows its practical applications.Understanding the human element is crucial in technology adoption.Persuasion plays a significant role in the AI gold rush.AI can enhance healthcare but must be approached cautiously.The future of work will be shaped by how we integrate AI.Governance can benefit from AI, but ethical considerations are paramount.Community values should guide the implementation of AI.AI's limitations must be acknowledged to avoid over-reliance.Dreaming a better future is essential for meaningful progress.Chapters00:00 The AI Gold Rush: Promise or Peril?13:19 Understanding AI: Tools vs. Jobs22:40 The Human Element in Technology31:49 Leadership in the Age of AI33:09 Evolve, Dominate or Die: The New Business Paradigm34:32 Harnessing AI: A Practical Approach38:49 The Human Element in AI and Technology41:07 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges44:47 Reimagining Community and Governance with AI56:32 The Future of AI in Administration and Decision Making

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts Val and Dale engage with Riccardo Cosentino to explore the unique aspects of the REM project in Canada, a public-private partnership (PPP) model that has garnered attention for its innovative funding and governance structure. Riccardo shares insights into the project's background, the role of the Quebec pension fund as a project sponsor, and the implications of risk management and return calculations. The conversation delves into the importance of early stakeholder involvement, the challenges of public opinion, and the potential for replicating this model in other sectors. Throughout the discussion, the significance of governance, long-term perspectives, and the necessary skill sets for project professionals are emphasized, providing valuable takeaways for listeners interested in infrastructure projects and PPPs.TakeawaysThe REM project is a unique public-private partnership model.Risk management is crucial in financing infrastructure projects.The obligation to repay investments can shift from taxpayers to private entities.Calculating returns involves considering ridership and land value capture.Contingency planning is integrated into the rate of return.Early involvement of stakeholders leads to better project outcomes.Governance structures can significantly impact project success.Long-term perspectives are essential for managing infrastructure investments.Curiosity and risk-taking are important traits for project professionals.The REM model could be applied to other sectors beyond transportation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background03:24 Understanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)06:11 The REM Project Overview08:56 Funding and Risk Management in the REM Project11:55 Calculating Returns and Land Value Capture14:33 Governance and Project Delivery17:21 Long-Term Perspectives and Lifecycle Management22:47 Changing Dynamics in Project Management24:35 Governance and Change Management in Projects26:38 Replicating Successful Project Models29:08 Applying the Model Beyond Rail Projects31:07 Reporting Mechanisms and Governance Structures33:55 Skill Sets for Successful Project Delivery35:39 Advice for Aspiring Project Professionals37:27 Resilience in Today's Project Challenges39:40 Future of the CDPQ Model and Its Replicability

In this episode, the hosts delve into the transformative role of AI in project management, discussing its evolution, practical applications, and the challenges of adoption. They explore the emergence of AI agents, their impact on consulting, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the future of work, organisational changes, and the potential breakthroughs that AI may bring to the industry. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the interplay between knowledge, AI, and human experience. They discuss the importance of sharing knowledge, the balance between technology and human interaction, and the potential for AI to enhance project management. The dialogue also delves into philosophical perspectives on AI, the future of work, and the role of education in bridging the gap between technology and human understanding. The speakers emphasise the need for experimentation, collaboration, and a human-centric approach to technology, ultimately advocating for a fun and exploratory mindset in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.Key Takeaways People often feel stiffed by societal advances.Experimentation is key in understanding AI's capabilities.Building in public fosters confidence and knowledge sharing.AI should give us more time for human interaction.The transition to AI will be challenging for many.Humans often get in the way of technological progress.Education systems are struggling to adapt to AI.Generative models in AI mirror human intelligence.The meaning of life is not limited to intelligence.Chapters03:32 The Evolution of AI in Project Management06:16 Exploring AI Agents and Their Applications09:12 Practical Experiences with AI Agents11:54 The Future of Consulting and AI Integration14:31 The Role of AI in Organizational Structures17:32 Futurescaping: The Future of AI in Projects20:13 Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption23:09 The Ethical Considerations of AI in Projects36:30 Creating Value in the Age of AI40:04 The Disappearance of Intermediaries44:05 The Future of Work and AI48:39 AI in Project Management53:55 Knowledge Transfer and AI01:06:22 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction01:09:52 The Future of AI and Human Interaction01:14:11 Ethics and Rights of AI01:17:24 Understanding AI's Role in Society01:24:30 Education and AI: Bridging the Gap01:33:53 Generative Intelligence: Human vs AI

In this episode of the Project Chatter Podcast, Dale and Martin are joined by John Ryan, a seasoned project director and construction technology leader, to discuss the intricacies of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). John shares his extensive background in engineering and project management, emphasising the importance of understanding both capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx) in project delivery. The conversation delves into the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in PLM, the challenges faced by UK infrastructure projects, and the need for incentivisation in project delivery. John also highlights the lessons that can be learned from manufacturing industries, the significance of maintenance in project planning, and the role of circular economies in promoting sustainability. The episode concludes with a discussion on the impact of software and data ownership in lifecycle management, encouraging listeners to take small steps towards sustainability in their own practices.Takeaways📍 Product Lifecycle Management is essential for project success.📍 Understanding CapEx and OpEx is crucial for effective project management.📍 Incentivising maintenance can lead to long-term cost savings.📍 UK infrastructure projects face significant challenges that need addressing.📍 Manufacturing industries provide valuable lessons for construction and project management.📍 Maintenance should be integrated into project planning from the outset.📍 Circular economies can enhance sustainability in project delivery.📍 Environmental impacts must be considered in lifecycle cost assessments.📍 Software obsolescence is a growing concern in product lifecycle management.📍 Everyone can contribute to sustainability efforts in their own way.Chapters04:15 John Ryan's Engineering Journey06:06 Understanding Product Lifecycle Management14:53 Roles and Responsibilities in Product Management17:44 Challenges in UK Infrastructure Projects20:28 Incentivizing Better Design and Maintenance23:01 Future of Maintenance in Project Management24:23 Cost-Cutting and Operational Efficiency31:47 Understanding Circular Economies35:30 The Role of Government in Sustainability39:09 Environmental Impact and Lifecycle Management43:54 The Future of Data and Software in Product LifecycleLinkshttps://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-83571-1_14https://www.symterra.co.uk/

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale speaks with Micah Piippo, a leading voice in construction planning and scheduling. They discuss the evolving role of AI in project management, the importance of understanding the fundamentals of scheduling, and how to effectively review and validate schedules without getting lost in the details. Micah shares insights on common mistakes in project meetings, the significance of critical path and float, and the necessity of resource loading. The conversation also touches on contractual considerations and the importance of commissioning plans in project delivery.Takeaways💥 AI is revolutionizing project planning and scheduling.💥 Understanding the role of a scheduler is crucial for project success.💥 Common mistakes in project meetings can derail progress.💥 The schedule is fundamentally a mathematical calculation.💥 Critical path and float are essential concepts in scheduling.💥 Resource loading should be tailored to project needs.💥 Contractual specifications guide scheduling processes.💥 Effective communication between owners and contractors is vital.💥 Commissioning plans should be established early in the project.💥 Project leaders should focus on forecasting and data-driven decisions.Links Beyond Deadlines: https://youtube.com/@beyonddeadlines?si=HfE1Mosc2oL9o2v1

In this episode, Barry Hilton, a renowned South African comedian, shares his journey through comedy and mental health. He discusses the importance of vulnerability, humor, and resilience in addressing mental health issues. Barry emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health, recognizing signs of distress, and the cultural differences in how mental health is perceived. He also highlights the importance of teaching resilience to the younger generation and the role of community and connection in overcoming struggles.TakeawaysBarry Hilton is a celebrated comedian with a career spanning over four decades.He emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in discussing mental health.Humor serves as a powerful tool for resilience and coping with life's challenges.Recognizing signs of mental health issues is crucial for seeking help.Cultural perceptions of mental health can vary significantly.Connection and community play vital roles in mental health support.Teaching resilience to children is essential for their development.Barry's personal experiences highlight the struggles many face with mental health.Open conversations about mental health can help reduce stigma.It's important to own your struggles and seek professional help when needed.Chapters05:24 Barry's Journey to Comedy and Mental Health Awareness09:05 The Impact of Mental Health on Performers15:15 Using Humor to Address Serious Topics20:21 The Role of ADHD and Dyslexia in Creativity25:33 Owning Your Struggles and Vulnerability26:57 The Autobiography of Comedy28:18 Recognizing Mental Health Signs30:43 The Spiral of Loneliness32:58 Conversations About Mental Health34:22 The Importance of Directness36:57 Understanding Stress and Resilience39:11 Cultural Differences in Communication45:18 Teaching Resilience to the Next Generation49:01 The Power of Ownership in Mental HealthGet in touch with Barry:https://barryhilton.com/sandybarryhilton@gmail.com

Proudly sponsored by Deltek.com In this episode, the hosts celebrate their 200th episode with guest Chirag Shah, discussing the evolving job market, the impact of AI, and the importance of networking and mentorship in career growth. They explore the expectations of candidates in today's market, the significance of soft skills, and the balance between work and personal life. The conversation emphasises the need for continuous learning and adaptability in the project controls industry, while also addressing the challenges of recruitment and the changing dynamics of workplace culture.TakeawaysAI is not here to take jobs but to create new opportunities.Networking and mentorship are crucial for career advancement.Candidates should focus on soft skills alongside technical abilities.Understanding market trends is essential for job seekers.The importance of being present in the workplace for early career development.Expectations around promotions should be clearly communicated by managers.Building a personal brand is vital in today's job market.Flexibility in work arrangements is becoming norm.Candidates should actively manage their career growth and expectations.The project controls industry is evolving, requiring adaptability and continuous learning.