The Project Chatter Podcast

In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Paul Goodge to discuss why we’re bad at promoting the industry. 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. In all of his most senior roles he successfully implemented Capability Improvement Plans that received significant praise both internally and with the customer base. 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. He is an avid long-distance walker, world-wide traveller, and greatly enjoys music, reading, sport, fine food and wine in his spare time. He has recently commenced studying for a PhD.  The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Whilst there isn’t much quantitative data on the subject, most Project Management professionals would agree that we are not great at promoting the industry There are not many case studies that people can refer to that show the benefit of project management Whose responsibility is it to promote the industry? Everyone’s! The associations also have a role to play in sharing knowledge within the industry as well as promoting it Not enough is currently done in terms of outreach programmes to attract graduates and students into the profession. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) have done this successfully in the UK Failure to entice a diverse range of candidates into the profession will cause issues in years to come Gamification and simulation of projects could be a way of promoting the benefits of project management to schoolchildren Groups such as Project Connect Group are helping to promote networking within the industry. The associations also have a role to play in this We are all ambassadors for the industry – be proud! Join us next week when we speak to Paul Waskett to discuss Project Controls in design and engineering stages 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:  JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/  InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Dr Alan Barnard to discuss the theory of constraints & decision-making. Dr. Alan Barnard is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, strategy advisor, research scientist, app developer, author, coach, lecturer, podcaster, and lifelong learner. Alan is considered one of the world’s leading Decision Scientists and Theory of Constraints experts. Alan is the CEO of Goldratt Research Labs, which he co-founded in 2009 with Dr. Eli Goldratt, author of THE GOAL, creator of Theory of Constraints and Critical Chain Project Management. Dr. Alan's research focuses on understanding why good people make, and often repeat bad decisions, and how best to avoid these. From this research, Alan and his team at Goldratt Research Labs have developed a range of award-winning Decision Support Apps that help organizations and individuals make better faster decisions when it really matters. Their clients include Fortune 500 companies, Government Agencies, and people from over 70 countries that are using their apps to make difficult life and business decisions. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: There is a massive amount of invisible simplicity on major projects How do you decide on a goal if you do not know what resources will limit you reaching that goal? Many people become successful due to factors outside their control such as luck and good genes, however almost all successful people make good decision and are hard working, which is in their control To create a stable system, have a single constraint that doesn’t move Projects are always looking for the inherent but invisible simplicity. Critical path methodology enabled projects to simplify how they represent project delivery, however this usually ignores resource and capacity constraints Many people are better at estimating work durations in big chunks rather than at a lower level / individual task based detail Hard to quantify capacity, availability and capability of resources in a project plan. The easiest thing to track is whether a project is waiting for resource The main planning mistake is to ignore capacity when making commitments and launch too many projects at the same time AI is better suited to production environments where there is repetitive information A key skill of a manager is the ability to keep the team “in flow” Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: Flow Theory: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/flow-theory Impossible Unless: https://www.impossibleunless.com/special-copy-registration Project Portfolio Digital Twin: https://www.projectdigitaltwin.com/sale1648625245366 Goldratt Research Labs: www.goldrattresearchlabs.com Harmony Apps: https://harmonyapps.com/ Dr Alan Barnard Website: www.dralanbarnard.com Critical Chain - Eliyahu Goldratt: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Critical-Chain-Business-Eliyahu-Goldratt/dp/0566080389 How to Improve Work Flow in any Environment - keynote by Dr. Alan Barnard: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AkrjO55VBQ&feature=youtu.be Join us next week when we speak to Paul Waskett to discuss Project Controls in design and engineering stages 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:  JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Rita Arrigo to discuss AI in Infrastructure and how it is going to change our cities.As a natural storyteller excited by the opportunities the tech world brings, Rita can translate complex technical ideas across the ‘IT divide’ to those less tech-minded, an enthusiastic advocate and sought-after speaker for many years on all thing's innovation and digital.The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: AI, Machine Learning and Spatial Computing are moving at a fast pace Most construction projects are using paper based documents on site despite the prevalence of digital technology There is not enough diversity in engineering which has led to a lack of challenging the status quo which is stifling disruption Digital Twin seeks to connect the past and predict the future AI can be used by governments to help them monitor and achieve COP 26/27 commitments Maturing of toolsets will give us higher capability and reduce the workload CEO’s now need to understand the digital technology their company provides rather than simply relying on the technical experts AI will never replace human interactions Blockchain help accelerate investment cycles for companies People always need visualizations – AI will support and enable this Technology will change the way we collect and store information on projects which will make the traditional “filing” system redundant We don’t perceive the world, we only see what we perceive Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: Project Hack 17: https://www.projectdataanalytics.co.uk/projecthack/ Click – BBC Tech show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n13xtmd5 NeRF Technology: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2022/03/25/instant-nerf-research-3d-ai/ Responsible Metaverse Alliance: https://responsiblemetaverse.org/ Quantum Computing: https://www.quantamagazine.org/first-time-crystal-built-using-googles-quantum-computer-20210730/ Checkmate Humanity: https://checkmatehumanity.com/ Atlas of AI: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atlas-AI-Kate-Crawford/dp/0300209576 Join us in two weeks when we speak to Dr Alan Barnard to discuss the theory of constraints & decision-makingFor more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf 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:  JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/  InEight - https://ineight.com/Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!

In this episode Val and special co-host Joseph Ballouz talk about connecting and shaping cities with bike and placemaking enthusiast Chris Bruntlett. Chris Bruntlett is Marketing and Communication Manager at the Dutch Cycling Embassy, a public-private partnership that represents the best knowledge, experience, and experts from the Netherlands. As a long-time campaigner in Vancouver, he fell in love with Dutch bike culture in 2016, inspiring him to co-author the book, “Building the Cycling City: The Dutch Blueprint for Urban Vitality”. Chris uses his knowledge and passion to share practical lessons for global cities wishing to follow their footsteps, and become better places to live, work, and—of course—cycle. His latest book is “Curbing Traffic: The Human Case for Fewer Cars in our Lives”. You can reach out to Chris and the Dutch Cycling Embassy below; website: http://www.modacitylife.com/ Available books: http://www.modacitylife.com/books Dutch Cycling Embassy: https://dutchcycling.nl/ Chris Bruntlett's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbruntlett/ Proudly sponsored by: InEight.com  JustDo.com

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Will Woodhead to discuss unlocking productivity from the hardhat movement. Will is an engineer by trade who has spent nearly his entire career to date working overseas. At age 21 he was sent to Dalian in northern China for a year by his employer to work on a floating production platform. We Will then move to a further 7 different countries in Asia and West Africa working on the design, construction and offshore installation of oil & gas facilities. During this time Will went back to University in Shanghai, and learnt to speak, read and write Mandarin. Nearly 20 years later he started Mafic, a construction tech company that has created an alternative payment mechanism that allows tradespeople to get paid a bonus if they graft.It works by recognising the activity someone is doingfrom the movement of their head alone. The system can detect very subtle changes in productivity and schedule and hence in aggregation can be used to understand exactly how a construction site is performing and where the biggest opportunities in productivity and health and safety lie. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Productivity is simply the cost per unit of work done. This allows companies to look at the bottom line and allows meaningful comparisons between methods of working Efficiency doesn’t focus on individual outputs but is more linked to wastage Effectiveness is based on the objective you are trying to achieve e.g. profit or net zero targets Productivity means looking at problems with fresh eyes and trying a different approach There are many ways in which projects should look to define success outside of the traditional iron triangle (time, cost, quality). This could be in the form of environmental benefits, upskilling local economies, social responsibility There is a huge value in having a diversity of thought and experience in project teams to drive productivity People generally work at the same rate but the more productive people have less “wastage” when working The data from the Mafic hardhat technology shows workers are primarily motivated by money If you measure the productivity of a team of workers, there will always be a hierarchy of performance. Getting rid of the lowest performer(s) doesn’t correlate to greater efficiency whereas motivational techniques will have a direct influence Companies should not seek to offer overtime during the week as a productivity initiative as the productivity level will be around 60%, companies should aim for weekends. Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: ·        Mafic Progress Data - https://mafic.ltd/time-on-tools/Join us next week when we speak to Rita Arrigo to discuss AI in Infrastructure and how it is going to change our cities. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf 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:  JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/  InEight - https://ineight.com/

In this episode, we welcome Colin D Ellis in a special episode titled Culture, Whisky and Whine!   Colin D Ellis is an award-winning international speaker, four-time best-selling author and much sought after workplace culture and project management expert who works with organisations around the world to help them transform the way they get things done. He is originally from Liverpool in the UK, but now lives with his family in Melbourne, Australia. You can find out more about Colin at www.colindellis.com   Colin shares his thoughts on where organisations get it wrong (& right) when it comes to setting culture and also what individuals can do. He talks about how to be courageous and how we need more "windfarms" instead of "oil tankers".   Proudly brought to you by:  InEight.com JustDo.com #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this episode Dale and Val discuss with Ian Heptinstall the Alliance contract model and or why it can be used more successfully with a provision of openness, collaboration and behaviours across all sides. In addition we discussed the value of the Critical Chain Method and how Theory of Constraints among other methods enable a more successful project plan.  Ian Heptinstall is Associate Professor of Project Management at the University of Birmingham in the UK, and lead tutor on the MSc in Industrial Project Management, whose students are working project managers studying part-time by distance learning. Before moving to academia in 2019, he spent 35-years in project management, procurement, and supply chain management roles. He has managed projects in the process industry as both project owner and a supplier. He was Supply Chain Director for a construction company in the UK, and after that he spent seven years working all over the world as a supply chain & procurement coach and trainer. Ian's interest is in capital and construction projects, with a particular passion for systems thinking and collaborative procurement. Podcasts aren't cheap and take a lot of effort, time and money. Thankfully, we are supported by some great companies  InEight.com JustDo.com  Support Movember here

In this episode, Val caught up with a passionate and dedicated storyteller. The value of stories on projects is immense. As data and technology service the digital position, we still require the breadth, depth and understanding of storytellers, managers and people on the ground to explain and narrate the changes and forces that deliver projects that matter.  Susan is a documentary filmmaker and a creative qualitative data specialist. Her inquisitive and intuitive nature is central to her ability to capture meaningful stories for a greater purpose. Susan is the founder of The Story Catchers - Stories for Purpose. Together with Nerissa Walton Story Cathers Evaluation Specialist, we co-created a methodology that uses film and community participatory approaches in monitoring, evaluation, and social impact measurement. Film presents evidence in a way that a written story cannot do. Our methodology supports communities to tell and share their stories. This helps to eliminate situations where project staff tell their versions on behalf of communities. Numbers aren’t enough to fully understand community conditions of well-being, or quantitatively assess certain aspects of well-being. For example, in measuring human emotion and perception; we need stories to do this! Our methodology enhances the individual and collective voice, including the silent and unheard voices that are often sidelined. The methodology empowers communities to actively co-create and evaluate their own projects and programs. We have been using our methodology for close to a decade and we have refined our processes. We know it is an effective tool in the evaluation and reporting process. Using our methodology for evaluation and impact measurement can help create positive systemic, sustainable change in the organisation and communities that we work with. Proudly sponsored by: InEight.com JustDo.com

In this episode, Dale is joined by Marco Frisenda and Jo Lucas as guest hosts to speak with Steve Wake and some of the presenters from EVA27 about Project Performance in Turbulent Times! You'll hear from.. Steve Elliot, Experienced consultant and expert adviser in the field of project controls within complex infrastructure programmes and projects; Tony Welch, VP Bids And Programmes Thales; Mark Wild, former CEO Crossrail; Georgie Alderson-Slater, Director GeoVic Ltd; Ajay Patel, Head of Risk TfL; Charlotte Candy, Director of Risk AECOM; ...who provide a wide-ranging collection of thought-leadership in everything from leadership, lessons learned, gamification of risk, training project controls professionals, the future of projects and much much more! EVA is an intimate conference which takes place at the Armourers Hall in London. Nestled in the heart of London the Armourers' Hall is the home of The Armourers & Brasiers' Company. The Company was founded in 1322 as the guild overseeing the production of armour. It now exists primarily for charitable purposes. Proudly sponsored by: InEight.com JustDo.com

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Chirag Shah to discuss the post-pandemic Project Controls job market.Chirag is a passionate Project Controls Recruitment Expert. His mission is to deliver clients the best quality Project Controls and PMO professionals, who are trusted to bring projects in on time and within budget.Chirag does this by digging that little bit deeper, to understand the client's story and what they are trying to achieve. He has more than 17 year's recruitment experience, having built an extensive network and is a trusted advisor.Most recently, Chirag has been moving the project community forward through LinkedIn and by bringing people together through networking events. He is the London Ambassador for the Project Connect Group and is promoting other leading industry events such as Project Controls Expo and Project Controls Summit.Outside of work, Chirag is a dedicated father to an 8-year-old and 1 year old. The pandemic helped Chirag focus on changing from a fixed to a growth mindset or so he likes to think.The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Many youngsters are choosing to move abroad to take advantage of major infrastructure investment in Australia and the Middle East The shift towards hybrid working has made it harder for early careers staff to gain softer skills such as resilience, influencing and networking The UK Project Controls job market is buoyant. People should not worry about whether they can leave a “safe job” There has been a greater diversity of experience in the project controls market Don’t be a “quiet quitter” – be passionate about what you’re doing! Recruiters try to look for examples of resilience in candidates based on the type of experience during their career Many recruiters advocate references and testimonials into CV’s to stand out from the crowd UK Project Controls salaries have increased by c.10-15% since the start of the pandemic Join us next week when we speak to Susan Rooney-Harding to discuss the inability to evaluate complex and multiple truths as one of the greatest threats For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf 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:  JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/  InEight - https://ineight.com/Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!