The Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode Val and Marco get contractual! Not any contract but the NEC which is widely used in the UK and Europe on major programs. Val and Marco (Dale's handsome gues host) explore the challenges of an NEC contract and how we might overcome certain constraints and limitations within an NEC environment. For Project Managers and PMO NEC can be a great tool for further client and contractor collaboration. Glenn wastes no time sharing his views and experience on the construct of NEC's for good and bad. For that interested Glenn offers a fascinating and informed insight, we love having him on Project Chatter. Glenn Hide is the director of GMH Planning which is a consultancy that specialises in NEC forms of contract. Glenn focuses on providing NEC training, consultancy, and resources to the construction industry. Glenn has presented on aspects of the contract at various national conferences and has published a number of articles for the ICE Procurement, Management, and Law publication and the NEC user-group newsletter. Glenn provides training to most of the large Client & Contractor organisations in the UK construction industry. Having exclusively used the NEC form of contracts for the past 20 years, he offers insight and practical advice on how users within the industry should understand and maximise the effectiveness of the contract on their projects/businesses. He is the founder of the NEC People LinkedIn group which is the largest and most successful discussion forum around NEC contracts and he also manages Reachback – the largest Q&A portal where users can ask NEC-related questions. Glenn is also a lead developer of FastDraft which is a new cloud-based portal for comprehensively managing the flow of NEC communications on projects ensuring all parties are following the correct processes and timescales. To get in touch with Glenn and his team you can reach out to them here https://gmhplanning.co.uk/  Do check out their newsletter, blogs and check out their LinkedIn Page for more info https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2893228/ Proudly sponsored by:PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | Prosci.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!

In this epsiode, Dale and Val catch up with Antonio on the interesting world and growth of project management across the globe. With an economy shaken by the pandemic, it seems projects are becoming more and more important, not just to the client and sectors they serve, but more broadly as a product unto themselves, contributing directly to the countries GDP. Our guest in this episode is no stranger to the trends of project management and provide clarity and insight as an author on this subject, in various online forums and books. VM - Author of the Harvard Business Review Project Management Handbook and four other books, Antonio is the creator of concepts such as the Project Economy and the Project Manifesto. His research and global impact in modern management have been recognized by Thinkers50. Former Chairman of the Project Management Institute, he is the founder of Projects&Co and co-founder of the Strategy Implementation Institute. >>>>> Born in Madrid, Spain, and educated in Germany, Mexico, Italy, and the United States, Antonio is fluent in five languages. He has an MBA from London Business School. He is a member of Marshall Goldsmith 100 coaches. You can follow Antonio through his LinkedIn Newsletter - Lead Projects Successfully and website. Proudly sponsored by:PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | Prosci.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!#ProjectManagement #Technology #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this episode, Dale and Val talk about the experience and the future with Aidhean Camson. Where have we gone, where are we now, and where are we going are filled with injectors and interest as they go on a journey with Aidhean, who took of his early programming days, to the wonders of project and technology today. Aidhean has spent over 20 years working on infrastructure programs across the globe and has personally started up over $100bn USD of programs. He's worked at all levels of project and program controls making sure that systems are operable from the worksite to the corporate board level. His degree is in Computer Science and he believes that we are moving into a time where program controls technology can truly 'move the needle' in the delivery of infrastructure. Proudly sponsored by:PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | Prosci.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!#ProjectManagement #Technology #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Greg Lawton to discuss whether technology can improve project delivery. Greg is an Astrophysicist who spent the last 7 years of his career in BAE Systems (UK). He managed large defence programmes (£100M+), advised the Board of Directors on International Strategy, and owned key relationships with the UK Government and MoD. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: What is GAAS? The effects of automation and the changing behaviours of project professionals What will the future of project delivery look like Tune in next week when we’re joined by Aidhean Camson to talk about the ghosts of project and programme management past, present and future. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | Prosci.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Technology #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this episode, Dale and Val talk about transport and operations, what's involved and an experiential journey of a woman on the rise in transport with a passion for the industry.  There is something for everyone in this episode as we talk about improving performance, why transport projects are sexy and what interesting roles inspired our guest.  Our guest, Magda Robertson is an accomplished senior leader with 20 years of experience in the transport industry (heavy rail, light rail & buses), both in the public and private sectors. She possesses exceptional client and stakeholder engagement capabilities along with contract management, both as the client and operator. She has a blend of operational, corporate and strategic leadership experience and has led various teams ranging from service delivery, network operations (train control & signals) asset management, infrastructure (civil, electrical & technical), engineering, maintenance, fleet & security operations. Her operational & technical expertise is underpinned by an MBA from a leading Australian Business Institute She is also an experienced rail operations advisor with large project management capabilities and delivery aspects for both greenfield and brownfield developments and major renewal projects. Magda harnesses safe and best practices with an objective to optimise business outcomes and deliver results. She has experience in delivering business transformation, lean end to end system integration, governance, building high-performance teams and reform in highly industrialised and safety-critical transport environments. If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!

In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Paul Goodge and Warren Beardall to discuss the philosophy of project management.  Paul is internationally regarded as a Programme Management and Change Management specialist. He is noted for his ability to swiftly and accurately diagnose issues and evolve solutions both from a technical and a behavioural point of view. Over his career he held a variety of roles both in line leadership and a number of functional responsibilities, providing him with insights across the whole of the enterprise. He has Chaired or sat on a wide variety of internal and external committees and steering groups. An ex-Board member of the Association of Project Management he has continued to work very closely with the organisation and was in the first cohort to achieve Chartered Project Professional status. He achieved an MBA from Cranfield University in 1994. Paul retired from full-time employment in 2012 and enjoys a wide range of interests. His portfolio encompasses consultancy work to various companies, the P3M profession, Executive Coaching and extensive work with various charities, operating locally, nationally and internationally.  Projects to Warren are principally associated with the construction industry. He worked for 25 years within the construction related insurance industry. Three years ago Warren made a decision to reset his career. He joined a consulting practice offering specialist risk, internal control and assurance advice to large scale construction and professional service providers. Career project experience was predominantly centered around Public Private Partnerships. Advising senior debt lenders, project equity Special Purpose Vehicles, Government entities or Construction Contractors. UK PFI, US and Canadian P3, Turkish and European PPP. This experience became the center-piece of his MSc dissertation. The interim conclusions of this ongoing research is that Partnerships were never truly there. And that this is deemed no different in our wider construction endeavor. The suggested answer to the paradox is that projects are either set up to collaborate, or they are set up to fail. That is what he is here to discuss.  If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.  Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com  Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!  #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Fred Schebesta to talk about whether blockchain can improve project delivery! Fred Schebesta is the epitome of entrepreneurialism. An obsession for hyper success, Fred is passionate about disruptive innovation and inspires the startup community through his achievements and learnings.  The Australian-born entrepreneur is the co-founder of Finder, a global personal finance comparison website, which attracts over 10 million visitors each month, over 400 staff across six offices, and can be found in over 80 countries. For the past 2 years, Fred has been leading the Finder App, which is an Australian-first innovation that combines personal finance management with automated comparison. It connects a user’s bank accounts, analyses insights and sends automated alerts on when they can compare products and potentially save money.  Launched in March 2020 with plans to roll out in the USA and UK early next year. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: · In its simplest form, a blockchain is an internet-based database that anyone can access · Most projects shouldn’t use blockchain. It’s expensive, slow, cumbersome and emerging! · Blockchains are useful where you need to prove project data to the public ·  A database is a cheaper, more effective solution for projects · Bitcoin could change the way we incentivise people working on projects · Blockchain could be used to create smart contracts (self-executing contracts). This may not work on qualitative outcomes that occur on major construction projects. It works better where there are binary outcomes.  · Be remarkable! Make sure people are willing and want to comment to their friends about ti · In most businesses, the rational idea is not to innovate and keep doing what they’re good at. At some stage businesses will experience disruption   Blockchain is most relevant on airplane and train manufacturing projects, high value but process-driven projects · Plenty of major engineering projects have been delivered without technology but with solid project management principles. Have Project Management skills ever really changed since the Pyramids were built? ·  Technology isn’t necessarily an enabler for good project management · Innovation gets killed by antibodies within organisations!  · When creating new technology, you need to ignore the KPI’s. Deliver or don’t! ·  We’re likely to see digital industrial revolutions in the next year `  · Write down what a project will do, also write down what the project won’t do Here are some links to the topics we discussed:  · Finder - https://www.finder.com.au/ · Mythical Man-Month - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mythical-Man-Month-Software-Engineering-Anniversary/dp/0201835959 · Phoenix Project - https://itrevolution.com/the-phoenix-project/ Book recommendation: Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncommon-Profits-Writings-Investment-Classics/dp/0471445509  Tune in next week when we’re re-joined by Paul Goodge and Warren Beardall to discuss the philosophy of project management. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.  Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive, and have fun doing it!  #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Richard Logue to talk about "Busting Earned Value Management Myths"! Richard has worked in Project Controls and Planning for over 30 years, largely in the Transport industry. Richard was part of the team that implemented Primavera at Network Rail.  Richard previously worked as a Business Consultant at the planning software company Artemis and is currently working on an assignment at Transport for London. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: No project is too small (or too big) to reap the benefits of EVM EVM does not need complicated software or a large team to implement effectively EVM can coexist with various contractual frameworks like NEC, etc. Earned Value (progress) needs to be tied to something tangible (or have agreed "rule of credit") The Work Breakdown Structure is really important when it comes to setting up a Performance Measurement Baseline Tune in next week when we’re joined by Fred Schebesta to talk about if blockchain can improve project delivery! For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by:  PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Dr Paul Giammalvo and Yani Suratman to talk about competency-based training, benchmarking and being cancelled from Linkedin.  Dr Paul is a Senior Technical Advisor (Project Management) to PT Mitratata Citragraha. (PTMC), Jakarta, Indonesia. He is noted for the development and delivery of graduate level, blended learning curricula designed for the mid-career path, English as Second Language (ESL) professionals to develop competency in the local practitioner and build capacity for the local organizations. For 29+ years, he has been developing and delivering Project Management training and consulting throughout South and Eastern Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North, West and South Africa, and Europe.  Yani is an experienced project management professional having Developed and delivered project management training and consulting professional services to Fortune 500 companies, Universities, Multilateral Development Institutions and NGO’s around the world.  The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows:  Exam based certifications may not be the best solution. Teaching to the test does not help students with real-life situations they will inevitably encounter on projects  IPMA has a competency-based certification programme unlike PMI or AACE  Competency is the quality or state of being functionally adequate when assessed against a standard  It takes 15,000 hours to be a competent project manager on a major project. Less experienced PM’s may not be the right fit  It takes 10,000 hours (incl. study time) to be considered a “journey-man” project manager  Big picture thinkers do not make the best project managers  People need to want to go on Project Management training courses and apply the learning. Companies should not be paying for training by numbers of people without assessing the motivations of the students  Managers need to know what they want to see before engaging companies to do benchmarking exercises  Tune in next week when we’re joined by Richard Logue to talk about busting Earned Value Management myths!  For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com  If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.  Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com InEight.com JustDo.com  Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!

In this episode, Dale and Val talk to Dr Harris about the various definitions of Transformation, Digital, PMO and PM. Dr Harris is a visionary strategy executive, author and speaker with two decades of diverse industry exposure, highly skilled and experienced in international and multicultural business environments. Led and directed a plethora of large scale, complex project portfolios and programs (20 countries, up to $1.65 billion value and benefits of $178 million). Results-oriented, being capable to lead Business and Digital transformations, PMOs and sustainable strategy implementation, putting the pieces towards corporate excellence. Harris’s work often involves the integration of multiple strategy processes & tools taking into consideration diverse corporate environment factors, blended with change and risk management frameworks as well as, with global project management best practices (traditional / hybrid / agile). Personal Mantra: Being motivated by what others believe as complex and impossible to achieve. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by; PlanAcademy.com InEight.com JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!