The Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Martin and Val talk to Santosh Bhat in detail about the lesser-known  Time-location method and how it can be applied on projects. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Time chainage is a form of presenting activities from a project schedule. It differs from a Gantt chart by the addition of a second dimension i.e. location. It allows you to plot where activities are occurring Time is shown on the vertical axis which can often confuse people! Location is presented on the horizontal axis. It uses start / end dates and location information that already exists in planning software Time chainage charts are not a new concept. It first originated in the 1800s! The Empire State Building was built using a version of this After educating Project Managers about how to use a time chainage chart, it enabled better conversations around the schedules and stakeholders became more engaged as a result It doesn’t require any specific training to operate, it relies on the programme being fully logic linked The colours on the chart tend to represent project disciplines. It allows discussion on production rate estimates by visualizing activities into shapes Baselines can be assigned 4D is a snapshot of a schedule at a point in time. Time location charts is more appropriate for live scheduling. Both visualization tools are complementary rather than competing The software is particularly useful for what-if scenarios and visualizing the impact of changes Time location charts are not directly linked to time risk allowance in Primavera, it can be used to visualize risk analysis outputs People have the impression time location charts are too complex to implement and too difficult to explain to stakeholders which has prevented major projects from implementing it Tune in next time when we’re re-joined by Dr Alexia Nalewaik to talk social value as a key project ROI criteria.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/  PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course)  InEight - https://ineight.com/  Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!

In this week’s pod, we were re-joined by Paul Goodge and Warren for the second innings of 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 is an avid long-distance walker, and worldwide traveller, and greatly enjoys music, reading, sport, fine food and wine in his spare time. He has recently commenced studying for a PhD. He lives in Wiltshire. Warren has 25 years of experience 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. He also opted to return to university and read a mid-career MSc in Project Management, Finance, and Risk. Graduating with distinction in late 2020, and invigorated to bring a fresh challenge to the long-standing project paradox that plagues our industry. The interim conclusion of this ongoing research is that Partnerships were never truly there. And that this is deemed no different in our wider construction endeavour. 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...The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows:·        Time-bound intended change (TIC) can be used as a definition of a project in order to challenge the existing definitions that usually encompass time/cost/quality·        Association for Project Management (APM) / Project Management Institute (PMI) have a role to play in leading the discussion around challenging the existing thinking around projects·        Organisations such as the Infrastructure and Projects Authority should be leading and challenging lessons learnt on major projects. Are the right people in the room?·        How do we understand what knowledge is?·        There is clear evidence that if there is enough leadership interest in personal agendas, it creates a long-term issue for the people who have to work under the leader·        Clarity of vision and priority is key for a leader to be successful over a period of time·        Information exchange is now immediate due to technology. This makes it more difficult to·        Tragedy of the Commons (link below) is the perfect example of whether we will be successful from a sustainable standpoint in the 2020sHere are links to some of the topics we discussed:·    Jo Lucas - Human-machine interoperability: What can we learn from the invention of the washing machine?  - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-machine-interoperability-what-can-we-learn-from-jo-lucas/·    Karl Jaspers – The Origin and Goal of History https://www.amazon.co.uk/Origin-Goal-History-Routledge-Revivals/dp/0415578809·    Projects Within Projects Blog

In this episode Val and our special host guest Jo Lucas, go down the rabbit hole with Kate on many subjects related to her studies and fantastic work to help communities through informal networks and leveraging technology. Kate talks about people 'doing the right thing' after her thesis and book and how technology and qualitative community data is helping to change policy and inform us more deeply about changes, concerns and feedback. Kate has 25 years as a social entrepreneur in East Africa and the UK. Her multidisciplinary approach to strategy and scholarship is informed by her PhD in human and organisational systems and her theory of ‘Doing the Right Thing’ - how people resolve the dilemma of being responsible citizens in uncertain times. Her research and consultancy practice builds a critical mass of child protectors in East Africa, and uses mobile technology to learn from them how to resolve violence against women and children. Kate has an extensive professional network across corporate, government and civil society settings in the UK and East Africa who draw on her expertise as a strategist, researcher, advocate, coach and facilitator. If you would like to help, work with or support Kate she can be reached here. www.drkatemcalpine.co.uk www.citizens4change.net www.connectgo.co.uk @katemcalpine Proudly sponsored by:  JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/  PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course)  InEight - https://ineight.com/  Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Bojan Tasevski to discuss how to turn your schedule into effective communication and delivery tools.For over 12 years, Bojan Tasevski has been a noteworthy leader in the project management technology space, primarily focusing on creating software products that ease the life of project teams of all sizes. Many people may know him as the Managing Director of Synami, the company behind Seavus Project Viewer, ScheduleReader, and ScheduleCleaner software products. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: ·        Project schedule information is often sent as a PDF and not communicated to those executing the project ·        Planning software is more important than the project management methodology due to the complexity of projects ·        Many organisations do not have tools that can be built around Primavera P6 ·        In-depth planning can be passed down to the Project Manager. This can be in the form of breaking down activities into steps. The project planner should be focused on simplifying the plan and communicating this with the various stakeholders ·        There isn’t a specific KPI to measure schedule effectiveness. The main measure will be whether stakeholders can understand the data ·        Most people focus on minimization waste when discussing lean project management, we should be focusing on maximizing value ·        The role of a project planner is unlikely to change in the next 5-10 years. Technology will become more prevalent in major projects but planners are likely to still be using toolsets such as Primavera ·        It is a question of how fast the industry will adopt and accept new planning technologies rather than a question of how fast the technology solutions become available ·        Many companies are exploring solutions that can include all project staff in schedule based communicationsTune in next time when we’re joined by Kate McAlpine to talk about Data design & behavioural intelligence that equips Social Purpose Organisations & ESG investors to make sense of & communicate the change that they create in the world 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/  PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course)  InEight - https://ineight.com/  Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)

In this episode, Dale and Val talk to Al Simmonite and Alexander Shakespeare from Advance on what is Professional Collaboration. This touches on a subject close to all of us. When it comes to projects what is needed from leadership? how do we establish the right cultures and values? According to our guests, Professional Collaboration is the ability, license, and courage for teams to openly discuss and resolve contentious subjects not only in a collaborative way but also as a mechanism to reinforce the collaboration between them.  Al Simmonite is a dynamic and experienced leader with a proven track record in delivering complex programmes and change initiatives of significant value in a multi-functional and dynamic environment in both the public sector and in a FTSE 100 global company. Able to simplify complex issues and identify clear value drivers. A skilled and highly confident presenter, communicator and facilitator, experienced in managing diverse (culturally and geographically) stakeholders and motivating teams to deliver the best value. Significant experience in safety-critical and quality management environments. A pragmatic and decisive individual who thrives on challenge and change and demonstrates innovation and vision. Always on the lookout for new ideas and fresh thinking. • Leadership at up to Board level with a focus on accountability and empowerment • Leadership of large teams, small teams, virtual teams, cross-functional teams • Portfolio, Programme and Project management (qualified MSP, APM(Q), Prince 2) • Change and transformation management • End-2-End collaborative working (Supply chain through to Customer) • Risk and opportunity management as an integral part of business operations • Developing pragmatic project control, compliance and governance environments • Stakeholder development and management. • Communication and engagement strategies • Performance and process improvement • Customer and Supplier Relationship Management Alexander Shakespeare is a leader, manager and business consultant with a proven record of achievement and high performance in Leadership Development, Transformation and Change Management. MBA, Project Manager and Business Coach qualified with Board level exposure to developing relationships and managing stakeholders, risk and strategic analysis to plan, implement and succeed in complex multi million-pound projects and demanding environments. Driven, committed and innovative. An empathetic leadership style to build successful relationships, coach and mentor teams; creating fun, vibrancy and a positive, business winning culture. Key Skills: • Strategy development: delivery of innovative and dynamic solutions. • Transformation and Change: assessing the impact of change, developing solutions and creating plans tailored to needs of the programme or project. • Leadership Development: improving and developing talent agendas to support operational performance. • Programme & Project Management: project planning, scheduling and implementation. • Business & Personal Coach: Developing team and individual performance, aligning business strategy and success with people Proudly Sponsored by:  JustDo.com InEight.com  PlanAcademy.com (discounted training) Prosci.com (free resources) 

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Bahar Maghsoudi to discuss when governance can be too much.Bahar is a passionate chartered Civil Engineer who, for the past 20+ years, has worked on fantastic projects across multiple sectors. She has an idea or two about what it takes to deliver successful projects, working as a team, and pulling together to deliver.The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: ·        Governance is the framework for how project decisions are made ·        If it doesn’t add value, it shouldn’t be there ·        There is a risk that Project Managers will play the system to pass governance approvals ·        Businesses need to empower and give confidence to Project Managers to deliver major projects ·        In order to be effective, governance needs to be done at the right time and the right amount ·        Joint ventures can build more risk into a project due to the differing ideologies of the businesses ·        Listen to your project teams! Delays can be discussed and managed if the management team are aware of the real level of progress ·        Politics can drive the key dates for major government projects. This can lead to poor expectation management if target dates are unrealisticTune in next time when we’re re-joined by Al Simmonite to talk about professional collaboration in complex projects.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/  PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course)  InEight - https://ineight.com/  Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #projectmanagement #governance #assurance

In this episode, Dale and Val talk to Dave about the additional elements of the Hexi approach and implementation guide for the Cynefin Framework and facilitation in your organisation. Following on from our previous discussion with Dave (Episode 83), Dave takes us on a linguistic trip of rhetoric and insight on his views about projects and how Hexi can be utilised. David John Snowden (born 1954) is a Welsh management consultant and researcher in the field of knowledge management and the application of complexity science. Known for the development of the Cynefin framework,[1] Snowden is the founder and chief scientific officer of Cognitive Edge, a Singapore-based management consulting firm specialising in complexity and sensemaking.[2] Dave is the Director of the Cynefin Centre, Chief Scientific Officer Cognitive Edge. Creator of the Cynefin Framework. Lead author EU Field Guide to managing in Complexity (and crisis). His focus is on naturalising sense-making as an emerging trans-disciplinary field of study. Here are links to some of the topics that were discussed: Cynefin Framework – A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making (hbr.org) Cynefin Method Kits (Hexi) - https://thecynefin.co/method-kits/  Complex Acts of Knowing: Paradox and Descriptive Self-Awareness (PDF) Complex Acts of Knowing: Paradox and Descriptive Self-Awareness (researchgate.net) —————————————– Proudly sponsored by: JustDo – https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy – https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight – https://ineight.com/ Prosci – https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch… (FREE resource kit)Stay safe, be disruptive, and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Cynefin #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Magnus Olsen to discuss career challenges, opportunities and trends - a student's perspective. Magnus has a background in the science of learning, having been a headmaster for a decade, managing organisations with complex stakeholder context. He has five years’ experience as a strategy advisor in public management and is now an entrepreneur engaged in multiple start-ups including own his consultancy firm. Magnus has always been a student but for the last two years he been taking a life changing Master of Science in Project Management at Karlstad Business School in Sweden. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: We need to understand what technology will help us with on projects. It will not give us everything! Project Managers need sustainable working conditions in order to deliver more sustainable projects Higher education should aim to develop experiences for students by giving them more practical experiences before they join the workplace There may be trend towards universities offering shorter degrees and people re-training later in their careers to learn new skills to adapt to the ever changing workplace As a project manager, it is better to work in different industries in order to get the best experience to Use toolsets such as LinkedIn to build a network when starting out in the industry Start-ups are often the best companies to gain experience as a project manager as they may focus too much on the product rather than the business Knowledge isn’t worth anything if you don’t know how to use it. Find your tribe!  Here are links to some of the topics we discussed:  Magnus Olsen - Political Astuteness in Project Management: http://kau.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1653426/FULLTEXT01.pdf Tune in next time when we’re re-joined by Dave Snowden to talk about the hexi approach and what it means to Cynefin Framework. 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/  PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course)  InEight - https://ineight.com/  Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-chatter (FREE resource kit) Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Nick Fewings to discuss achieving high-performance teamwork and greater success. Nick Fewings, Director of Ngagementworks, calls himself a Teamologist, someone who specialises in the study of the dynamics of teamwork, using this knowledge, to help teams become more effective. After a 20-year career in banking, working his way up from a cashier to a project leader, and finally a change director, Nick has spent the last two decades, developing teams across the globe, encouraging, facilitating, and helping them to make a positive difference to the effectiveness of their teamwork. During this period, he has profiled thousands of individuals across hundreds of teams. Nick is also the creator of the Team DyNAmics Model that measures overall team effectiveness across 16 areas of teamwork, important in helping to achieve high performance. When not working with teams, he is also a highly regarded, award-winning keynote conference speaker and to date, has spoken at over 500 conferences worldwide, including every branch of the APM, in the UK. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows:·        Research suggests only 10% of teams are high performing, 50% are average and 40% dysfunctional·        Most teams do not know which category they fall into because they do not measure their teamwork·        It is useful to view the traits of people on good days and bad days when reviewing Insights profiles·        Purpose is more important than trust in developing high performing teams·        Purpose is a task-based element whereas trust is more about the relationship. Many teams were driven by tasks to the detriment of relationships·        Good leaders will tap into the preferred communication styles of red, yellow, blue, and greens within their teams when briefing team members·        Anonymous feedback is the best way to enable more honest feedback when measuring team effectiveness over a period of time·        Excellence is impossible to achieve within a team. Some teams will come close·        There is a correlation between high performing teams and project success but it is not apparent in the Project Management industry·        Having the right skill set and adaptability to inspire teams is important when recruiting future leaders as opposed to trying to force the right balance upon a team here are links to some of the topics we discussed:·        Team, Lead, Success – Nick Fewings: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Team-Lead-Succeed-high-performance-teamwork-ebook/dp/B09SZHC6P9·        Team Dynamics Model: https://ngagementworks.com/teamwork/·        Clarity 4D Profile – Nick Fewings: https://ngagementworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Nick_Fewings-Clarity4D-Profile.pdf·        Google – What Makes a Good Team: https://rework.withgoogle.com/print/guides/5721312655835136/ Tune in next time when we’re joined by Magnus Olsen to discuss career challenges, opportunities, and trends - a student's perspective. For more information,

In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Martin Paver to discuss what’s been happening in the Project Data Analytics Hackathons Martin is the CEO and Founder of Projecting Success, a consultancy that specialises in leveraging project data to transform project delivery; from high end strategic consultancy through to apprentice training. He has led a $1bn megaproject and a multi $billion portfolio office. He is the founder of the Project Data Analytics community, comprising ~6,000 members who share a passion for leveraging the exhaust plume of project data. He regularly blogs and presents at international conferences, helping to ignite the professional imagination and inspire change.  He is also the co-chair of the Project Data Analytics Task Force and is helping to lead the charge for disruptive change. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows:  · Many project professionals do not realise they are working with data but see it individual cost / schedule toolsets · We need to think differently, too many projects have failed using the Prince 2 / APM methodologies · 9,000 people are currently in the project data analytics community. We do not have enough data to back up the knowledge and skills of the individuals which will lead to better decisions · Need to do more work to get the solutions adopted within organisations · Data from construction companies will have an independent “steward” to monitor the usage of the information · Hackathons bring a variety of Project Professionals together to solve problems. The teams are made up of data analysts, project managers, students to ensure a diversity of thought · The investment in data analytics has increased 100 fold in the last year · Change is happening. Some people will choose to not evolve their skillsets and risk becoming harder to employ · Jeff Bezos “I want people in my team who are right most of the time”. Data supports leaders to justify business decisions based on past performance · There needs to be a support eco-system to incentivize using analytics and demonstrating the benefits · If you are interested in contributing to the Project Data movement, the following options are available o Join the London Data Analytics Meetups (past videos on website)  o Attend the Project Hacks o Get trained up. Join the apprenticeship Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: · Project Hack 15: https://www.projectdataanalytics.co.uk/projecthack/ · Cognitive Biases: https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/cognitive-biases/#:~:text=The%20Cognitive%20Bias%20Codex%3A%20A%20Visual%20Of%20180%2B%20Cognitive%20Biases&text=In%20a%20single%20image%2C%20we,we%20might%20begin%20to%20improve · Top Ten Behavioral Biases in Project Management: An Overview: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3979164 Tune in next week when we’re re-joined by Nick Fewings to talk about achieving high-performance teamwork and greater success. 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/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-chatter/ - (FREE resource kit) Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications TeachThoughtTeachThought The Cognitive Biases List: A Visual Of 180+ Heuristics Cognitive biases are tendencies to selectively search for or interpret data in a way that confirms one's existing beliefs. Written