The Project Chatter Podcast

Summary: In this episode, the boys talk to Micah Piippo about the world of planning and scheduling, the importance and respect of planning, the need for more planners and schedulers, and the benefits and opportunities in planning and scheduling. They also talk about the skills required for planners and schedulers, the role of planners in the C-Suite, and the impact of planning on project success. The conversation covers the importance of proper planning and design, building teams and culture in planning, and the training and development options for planners and schedulers. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of switching sectors as a scheduler and the future of scheduling and AI. The conversation explores the current role of a planner and how it will change in the future. It emphasizes the importance of spending less time in planning and scheduling software and more time on value-added activities such as analysis and communication. The discussion highlights the potential for increased collaboration and human interaction in the future, facilitated by visual-based progressing and automated workflows. The conversation also touches on the need for a medium that everyone can understand to improve communication and understanding among project stakeholders. The future of project planning and scheduling is seen as a combination of technology and human expertise, with the potential for improved training programs and more efficient processes.Takeaways Planning and scheduling are crucial functions in project management and deserve more recognition and respect. There is a need for more planners and schedulers in the job market, and it is a profession that offers good career prospects and higher salaries. Planners and schedulers should have a balance of technical skills, soft skills, and a genuine interest in the job. Proper planning and scheduling can significantly impact project success, and organizations should prioritize these functions. Planners and schedulers should be involved in the early stages of a project to ensure better outcomes. Switching sectors as a scheduler can be challenging but offers opportunities for growth and higher salaries. Continuous learning and development are essential for planners and schedulers to stay updated with industry trends and advancements. The future of scheduling may involve the integration of AI and advanced analytics to improve efficiency and accuracy. Planners should focus on value-added activities such as analysis and communication, rather than spending excessive time in planning and scheduling software. The future of project planning and scheduling may involve increased collaboration and human interaction, facilitated by visual-based progressing and automated workflows. A medium that everyone can understand, such as visual-based progress tracking, can improve communication and understanding among project stakeholders. Technology has the potential to improve training programs and provide planners with more accurate and detailed data for analysis. Proudly sponsored by Deltek

In this episode, the guest, James Garner, discusses the role of AI in project management and its future implications. He shares his origin story and how he got into the field of AI. The conversation covers the definition of AI in project management and the different levels of AI sophistication. The guest also talks about the pace of AI implementation and the factors that contribute to the fear and adoption of AI. The episode concludes with a discussion on the government's generative AI framework and the importance of making project data freely accessible. The conversation explores the changing landscape of construction, the benefits of AI in project functions, the evolution of associations with AI, governance and safeguarding AI, and various other topics related to AI and technology.Takeaways AI in project management is a broad term that encompasses various levels of AI sophistication, from simple automation to more advanced machine learning and neural networks. The future of project management with AI involves a gradual progression towards increased automation and predictability, allowing professionals to focus on value-added tasks. The pace of AI implementation in project management is expected to be gradual but exponential, with constant advancements and increasing adoption. The fear of AI in project management can stem from a lack of understanding, time constraints, and the rapid pace of technological change. Education and accessibility are key to overcoming these barriers. The government's generative AI framework and initiatives like data trusts are important steps towards making project data freely accessible and fostering collaboration in the industry. The construction industry is evolving with the adoption of AI, robotics, and 3D printing, leading to changes in site operations and improved safety. Consultancy services, such as engineering and architecture, can benefit from AI by streamlining workflows and providing innovative solutions. Associations like APM and RICS have a role in setting standards and guidelines for AI adoption in the construction industry. Governance and safeguarding of AI are crucial to protect data privacy and ensure responsible use of technology. Common misconceptions about AI include the belief that it is a recent development and the lack of understanding about its potential impact. Leadership is a combination of nature and nurture, with the potential for individuals to develop leadership skills through training and experience. Recommended book: 'The Singularity is Near' by Ray Kurzweil, which explores the future of AI and predicts the point at which machines surpass human intelligence. James, an accomplished data leader in the construction industry, began his journey as a Quantity Surveyor in 2000. After earning a first-class honours degree, he wrote his university dissertation on data and digitalisation in the construction sector. James quickly built a strong portfolio, becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2002. In 2012, he was elected as a Fellow of RICS for his significant writing contributions to the RICS Black Book technical standards.   Throughout his career, James has worked on prestigious projects, including buildings for Imperial College and various Oxford University Colleges. Whilst employed at Gleeds as a Quantity Surveyor, he became head of the Education sector for London. In 2020, James took on a new challenge as Head of Insights and Analytics at Gleeds. This opportunity allowed him to further his skillset and qualify as a data analyst in 2022, launching the company's data analytics and research capabilities. UK Gov paper - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-ai-framework-for-hmg/generative-ai-framework-for-hmg-html#understanding-generative-ai James' newsletter - https://projectflux.beehiiv.com/subscribe Project Chatter is Proudly Sponsored by Deltek

Lawrence Rowland discusses the potential of ChatGPT and GPT in project management. He explains the differences between ChatGPT and GPT, highlighting the benefits of ChatGPT+ and the GPT Builder. Lawrence emphasises the importance of early adoption and experimentation with GPTs, as well as the need for entry-level tools to encourage wider adoption. He explores the role of GPTs in enhancing communication and information flow in project teams, and the potential for GPTs to disrupt and expedite various aspects of project management. Lawrence also discusses the upcoming ChatGPT Store and the possibilities of sharing and testing GPT use cases. He encourages project professionals to embrace the creativity and imagination enabled by GPTs and emphasises the importance of learning and exploring the capabilities of these models. The conversation explores the democratisation of projects and the changing role of project managers in the context of AI implementation. It discusses the flywheel effect of AI implementation and the potential impact on project success rates. The conversation also touches on ethics, education, alignment, and control issues related to AI. It highlights the importance of transparency and accuracy in AI projects and the need for ongoing discussions in society. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future modes of AI interaction and their impact on the physical world. Takeaways ChatGPT and GPT offer low-code or no-code environments for project professionals to experiment and apply AI in their work. Early adoption of GPTs can help address resource scarcity and skill set challenges in project management. GPTs have the potential to enhance communication and information flow in project teams, enabling faster decision-making and problem-solving. The upcoming ChatGPT Store will provide a platform for sharing and accessing public GPTs, fostering collaboration and innovation in project management. Project professionals should start with the hardest questions when using GPTs and be open to exploring the capabilities and limitations of these models. AI implementation is increasing the democratisation of projects, allowing a broader range of people to run projects at different scales. The role of project managers is changing as AI takes on more implementation tasks, requiring project managers to focus on decision-making and conflict resolution. The flywheel effect of AI implementation leads to more data on project success and failure, improving the overall success rate of projects done through AI. Ethical considerations and education are important factors to address in the context of AI implementation. Transparency and accuracy in AI projects are crucial, and different approaches to AI centralization and decentralisation may impact these factors. Ongoing discussions and societal awareness are necessary to navigate the impact of AI on businesses and society. Future modes of AI interaction, such as video integration and task-based models, will further impact project management and the physical w Proudly Sponsored by Deltek

In this conversation, Val and Dale reflect on the key themes and trends in project management in 2023. They discuss the impact of technology on projects, the changing landscape of education and learning, and the value of formal education in project management. They also explore the challenges and disruptions in project delivery, geographical trends in troubled projects, and the importance of leadership in project management. Additionally, they touch on the blurred information landscape and the future trends of software as a service and DIY solutions. In this episode, Val Matthews and Dale discuss various topics related to project management and technology. They explore the power of the Microsoft Suite and its integration capabilities. They also discuss the automation of project processes and the challenges of intellectual property in a world of shared and integrated systems. The conversation touches on expertise shortages and brain drain, particularly in the Middle East, where massive projects are being undertaken. They also reflect on the evolution of the Project Chatter podcast and make a deal with the listeners to interact more. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the future and a message of gratitude to the listeners. Takeaways: Technology continues to have a significant impact on projects, and project professionals need to stay informed and adaptable to new tools and methods. Formal education in project management is valuable, but experience and practical skills are increasingly important in the field. Leadership plays a crucial role in project success, and leaders need to be accountable, inclusive, and adaptable to changing circumstances. The information landscape is complex, and critical thinking and discernment are necessary to navigate the abundance of information available. Future trends include the rise of software as a service and the ability for project professionals to create tailor-made solutions using low-code or no-code platforms. The Microsoft Suite offers powerful integration capabilities for project management. Automation of project processes is becoming more prevalent, with tools like Process Mining and AI. Intellectual property challenges may arise in a world of shared and integrated systems. Expertise shortages and brain drain are a significant challenge for project delivery. Massive projects in the Middle East are transforming the industry. Scarcity drives innovation and can lead to novel ideas and approaches. Project Chatter is evolving and will continue to explore tech, megaprojects, and leadership. Interacting with the Project Chatter community is encouraged for more engaging content. The future holds exciting possibilities for the podcast, including translations and spin-offs. The hosts express gratitude to the guests, sponsors, and listeners for their support. Project Chatter aims to pay it forward by sharing valuable insights and experiences.

In this episode, Adrian Dooley discusses the barriers to applying good project management practices and the root causes behind them. He highlights the issue of project failure and the need to identify the true causes rather than just the symptoms. Adrian also explores the challenges of applying lessons learned and the impact of forgetting and lack of support. He emphasizes the potential of AI in project management but cautions against the dissemination of unreliable information. Additionally, he addresses the cost and accessibility of training and the importance of practical application and soft skills. Finally, Adrian shares the benefits of the Praxis Framework and the power of checklists in improving project outcomes. In this conversation, Adrian Dooley discusses the importance of integrating good practices and overcoming barriers to embedding them. He emphasizes the need to focus on the basics and not overcomplicate project management. Adrian shares anecdotes and highlights the value of involving business stakeholders, understanding requirements, and applying simple approaches. He encourages project managers to communicate and convince their organizations to provide space for applying learned practices. Adrian concludes by reminding listeners that projects can succeed and make a difference when common sense and the fundamentals are applied.Takeaways Integrate good practices and make them accessible to the organization. Identify and overcome barriers to embedding good practices. Focus on the basics and avoid overcomplicating project management. Involve business stakeholders, understand requirements, and apply simple approaches. Communicate and convince organisations to provide space for applying learned practices. Projects can succeed when common sense and fundamentals are applied. Originally a project manager on construction, Adrian has held various roles in project management for 45 years. He was part of the team that created one of the first project scheduling software packages and was founder member of the first independent project management magazine -Project Manager Today. He founded The Projects Group (a training and consultancy company) and served on the Executive Council of the APM. He is a non-executive Director of APM Group and the lead author of the Praxis Framework.

In this episode Val gets the studio to himself to talk with Cameron Mills about the fundamentals and the future project controls. A Project Controls expert with over 27 years private and government industry experience in the delivery of major infrastructure projects globally, leading large multidisciplinary teams in complex environments. Currently, the Head of Project Controls Australia & APAC for Systech, Cameron has a master’s degree in project management is a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP APM), a Certified Practicing Project Director (CPPD AIPM), and a Project Management Professional (PMP PMI). Cameron specialises in project management and controls on Megaprojects including most recently the North East Link Program and the Southern Program Alliance.

In this episode the lads talk to Charlotte Candy about gamification of Risk Management. Charlotte Candy leads a team of 20 risk managers within the UK at AECOM. She is a certified IRM Fellow with a construction and legal background. She has 17 years’ experience within the industry. Charlotte has led teams across Nuclear, Water, Rail and Infrastructure domains for both public and private sector clients. She has a passion for increasing knowledge and understanding of risk management by creating lasting legacies for her clients. Charlotte enjoys applying traditional risk theory in creative environments. Proudly supported by InEight.com

In this episode Dale and Val talk about the application and importance of risk in projects and more importantly the maturity, training and development of best risk practices and cultures. Colin is a Risk Management professional with 25 years experience across many industry sectors and countries. He is the current and founding Chair of the Institute of Risk Management Regional Group Australia and the Trainer for the institute of Risk Management training course in Australia. Outside of the work environment Colin like to keep fit by boxing and cardio fitness. Family man, married with 3 children. Jessie Schilling combines creative and Infrastructure intelligence, Jessie is a management consultant within HKA's Advisory team. At the core of her work are processes and people, where she seeks to implement agile strategies and solutions within complex project environments. Jessie is positioned in the Integrated Project Services stream with specialisation in risk management, change control and portfolio alignment and performance with a focus on process improvement. For over five years she has operated in the project controls environment on rail infrastructure projects and is a champion for leveraging cross-industry learnings. Links: Jessie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-schilling/  Colin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-mccrorey/ IRM Australian Regional group: https://www.theirm.org/join-our-community/regional-groups/australia/ Proudly Supported by InEight.com thank you guys, your support means everything.

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Eoin Condren to discuss "Building with Conscience: Cement's Eco Dilemma"! Eoin is corporate development director at Ecocem, in charge of the strategic structuring of the business to allow it to take advantage of the many opportunities that it currently has in front of it. He’s been with the company 2.5 years. His background is in finance and he spent 15 years working in real estate, infrastructure and tech private equity, investing in the US, the UK and throughout Europe. He’s a keen rugby fan and very average player who’s lowest moment has to be the time Dale, a prop, out-sprinted him, a fullback come winger on an attacking move about 10 years ago. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: 1,000 bathtubs worth of concrete are poured every second The majority of CO2 emissions are in clinker which is the key reactive material within cement Companies should focus on using timber where possible, however the If we replaced 25% of all the concrete consumed in any given year and replaced with more sustainable products such as timber, you would need to cut down a forest 1.5x the size of India Only 10% of concrete is cement, however it represents 94% of the carbon footprint When limestone is heated, it degrades into co2 and clinker Cement production process has not changed significantly in the last 200 year Join us next time when we’re joined by Jessie Schilling to discuss Enhancing risk maturity in your operating environment. 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: InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership

Dale and Val meet in person for the first time (ever) on the show to get deep and dirty on how simplification can or will save projects from themselves. We've all been on complex and complicated projects, but some times simple efficiencies can be found in the most obvious of places. Paul is part of the Jacobs Major Project and Programs Group with over 20 years’ experience in Controls; 15 of which have been spent leading Controls and PMO teams on various UK-based programmes. Having spent the first ten years of his career within London Underground’s capital programmes, he has since worked on the successful delivery of the Lee Tunnel, as well as helping to establish the organisations, and commencing delivery of both the restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster and the installation of a 16-mile sewer tunnel system beneath the River Thames for Tideway. He has been married for 17 years, has two children in secondary school, and enjoys playing golf, following Arsenal, and exploring different whiskies. Proudly Sponsored by InEight.com