Saturday, October 31, 2009
Nui - 4th blog
Learning from Transformer Team
1.1. Project deliverable quality
This week, we face the problem on quality of our deliverable of both mapping project and question project. For mapping project, team members don’t have same understanding on how to precede the work. We are getting confuse how to fill information in the template, what does the “comes from/goes to” and “input/output” should be put in. For question project, our mentor comment on where the question from book, page, format of answer that Thang already given to us and reference.
Although we have to do on project deliverable with our scared available time, from my point of view, I would like to do my deliverable as my best. Because finally we (all team member) will use this information for lesson summarizing like a short note for ourselves to prepare the examination and beyond that we also can use this for our work life especially for process mapping.
I would like to thank you to on our mentor/facilitator who monitor our work and give us more specific clarification about our deliverable. Even sometimes I think this is his job but I still very appreciate on his sacrifice.
1.2 Difficulties in IT
As our transformer team, our working environment is in Virtual. From computing dictionary (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virtual): Virtual definition is Simulated; performing the functions of something that isn't really there. Opposite of real or physical. This virtual term become very interesting point for me. This is very difficult for project management to manage project toward specific goal within time plan and budget including manage group of people who working in different countries, difference work environment and difference way of working.
The distinctive obstacle for me is IT problem; firstly obviously notice on Hycienth who even able to post his weekly blog which has high impact to his performance but low impact to project performance because it is individual work. He get help from Lau to post his blog to the web. And another big problem the office live workspace, we use this tool for our file storage. As it is not really workable, not everyone in our team can access it, maybe because of security reason or other reason. This is very high impact to our project performance.
As the project control role, this is our risk to our project which very much impact to project performance report which should be the first priority and put action and monitoring as soon as possible. What I ‘m thinking now is move report file from workspace to google docs but his limit the file size at 1 MB. So I will try to split report file to 2 files, the first one is on individual weekly report and its summary for project manager to see his own project report and the second one is the overall project report which have each project report for program manager and client.
1.3 From my Paper project
Lastly, I consider to change my paper topic from Appling EVM to telecom project because it require a lot of detail to put in to make the paper practical and limit on company proprietary. Now I feel of geting lost in the space but I have few alternatives for myself.
1.1. Project deliverable quality
This week, we face the problem on quality of our deliverable of both mapping project and question project. For mapping project, team members don’t have same understanding on how to precede the work. We are getting confuse how to fill information in the template, what does the “comes from/goes to” and “input/output” should be put in. For question project, our mentor comment on where the question from book, page, format of answer that Thang already given to us and reference.
Although we have to do on project deliverable with our scared available time, from my point of view, I would like to do my deliverable as my best. Because finally we (all team member) will use this information for lesson summarizing like a short note for ourselves to prepare the examination and beyond that we also can use this for our work life especially for process mapping.
I would like to thank you to on our mentor/facilitator who monitor our work and give us more specific clarification about our deliverable. Even sometimes I think this is his job but I still very appreciate on his sacrifice.
1.2 Difficulties in IT
As our transformer team, our working environment is in Virtual. From computing dictionary (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/virtual): Virtual definition is Simulated; performing the functions of something that isn't really there. Opposite of real or physical. This virtual term become very interesting point for me. This is very difficult for project management to manage project toward specific goal within time plan and budget including manage group of people who working in different countries, difference work environment and difference way of working.
The distinctive obstacle for me is IT problem; firstly obviously notice on Hycienth who even able to post his weekly blog which has high impact to his performance but low impact to project performance because it is individual work. He get help from Lau to post his blog to the web. And another big problem the office live workspace, we use this tool for our file storage. As it is not really workable, not everyone in our team can access it, maybe because of security reason or other reason. This is very high impact to our project performance.
As the project control role, this is our risk to our project which very much impact to project performance report which should be the first priority and put action and monitoring as soon as possible. What I ‘m thinking now is move report file from workspace to google docs but his limit the file size at 1 MB. So I will try to split report file to 2 files, the first one is on individual weekly report and its summary for project manager to see his own project report and the second one is the overall project report which have each project report for program manager and client.
1.3 From my Paper project
Lastly, I consider to change my paper topic from Appling EVM to telecom project because it require a lot of detail to put in to make the paper practical and limit on company proprietary. Now I feel of geting lost in the space but I have few alternatives for myself.
- Virtual Project Management but if it is too broad I would specify only virtual projec team or obstacle in the project management.
- PPP: Purchasing Power Parity, I have read many website of about this article and it’s very interesting for me. But I’m not sure whether it is too broad or I have to write on specific topic.
- Investment decision making tool & technique: I would like to study and summarize if I would like to make investment decision what techniques and tool that we should use for which situation/case. But I have to check on more detail.
Dear my lovely mentor, pls. kindly lighten the way for me.
Gary's Blog #04
While updating the weekly report for the Project Controller of the AACE project, notice that there is a indication of -7 in the float measurement of my Project "Mapping" project. It catches my eyes as the number shows a negative figure and it became a interest to me how it got there ...
"Negative float means that the project end date cannot be met base on the current plan of accomplishing the work." - Humphreys's Project Management Using Earned Value, Chapter 17.
We have lost 2 weeks even before project starts, and in this first week, things are moving slowly due to the first time activity and unfamiliar process. I strongly believe this will becomes better in coming week when everyone is over the start-up stage. It was originally plan for each member to have complete processes, but to mitigate the risk of over run of time, I have adjusted the plan last week for some part of the process to be re-assigned to other use who's process will ends earlier. Identifying the critical path of any particular team member, sharing the workload and transferring work to member that has lesser activity. Few options to resolve negative float in a project:
- Expediting critical activities
- Revising the schedule logic
- Redefine procurement packages
- Reschedule
- No Action
Since in this project situation, there is no additional resource to expedite any activities, cannot ignore with no action due to the "Client" is from "Hell" and letting the date slip will not be a solution as the date is too close to the exam time, no procurement process to look into. The only sensible and logical resolution is to revise the schedule logic. To re-align the schedule in a way to maximize the use of all available resource. As shown in the below graph on re-allocating of work loads to balance among team members.
"Negative float means that the project end date cannot be met base on the current plan of accomplishing the work." - Humphreys's Project Management Using Earned Value, Chapter 17.
We have lost 2 weeks even before project starts, and in this first week, things are moving slowly due to the first time activity and unfamiliar process. I strongly believe this will becomes better in coming week when everyone is over the start-up stage. It was originally plan for each member to have complete processes, but to mitigate the risk of over run of time, I have adjusted the plan last week for some part of the process to be re-assigned to other use who's process will ends earlier. Identifying the critical path of any particular team member, sharing the workload and transferring work to member that has lesser activity. Few options to resolve negative float in a project:
- Expediting critical activities
- Revising the schedule logic
- Redefine procurement packages
- Reschedule
- No Action
Since in this project situation, there is no additional resource to expedite any activities, cannot ignore with no action due to the "Client" is from "Hell" and letting the date slip will not be a solution as the date is too close to the exam time, no procurement process to look into. The only sensible and logical resolution is to revise the schedule logic. To re-align the schedule in a way to maximize the use of all available resource. As shown in the below graph on re-allocating of work loads to balance among team members.
Chris Blog#4 - Managing Work Loads
It is really fun ride in this AACE certification projects, yes, I am planning to have CCC and EVP in this project. I do not know which one is better CCC or CCE so it is still hard for me to choose.
Professional Days
This week is so hectic week for me, as I have to become project supervisor for running project and I am also acting as project deputy for coming project that is on tender phase. All contractor were contacting me about my organization decision either to proceed or to hold off. I was not have decision hammer in my hand therefore I am only buying time for my administrator to decide which is suitable for organization plan.
For running project, it was way behind schedule for 1,5 month delay. Therefore, the contractor was adding their resources and creating this week from Thursday until Saturday a concrete sessions. I have to stand guard and supervise the work up until in the morning. The concreting was not allow in school hours so they can start in the evening and have to complete before school starts.
It was hard for me to sit in my workbench even for 5 minutes, I have to be in different posts and acting for different positions in different site location. It was fun though, but the problem is how to maintain the work loads and share the loads.
At first stage, I could manage up until 12 projects in my hand. But after I learn from AACE class, that there are no multi tasking but more prefer to multi processing. And from Project Management Using Earned Value, Humphreys, page 14, it takes an entire project team working together to make the project success, but only a single determined to make it failure. It emphasing how we should work together and start to delegate and covers each other.
But, back in Mahakam class, Dr PDG mentioning about the fat boy in the team will create trouble. And it is happen to me, I was assign to baby sit one team member and trying to use it to the limit for my in-hand projects. It just great, another un-written assignment that I have to bare but as a professional engineer, we should bringing solutions not creating ones, therefore I am accepting that challenge from organization.
Refers to last week assignment about ethical and unethical in work, for me, the job is done. Mater how we do it, it just your self control how to measure it. I am a professional engineer, I should have bring the solutions not creates one. and it will depend in which area that we stands. As long as greater community did not get their lost. So my decision making criteria, is for great to good. Which one is greater so they should have more advantage.
Transformers.....TRANSFORM
We are very late progress as well, another issue in my hand right, which we need to levelling the loads as we are trying to achieve the greater good, right? How we going to do that? We need to outsource if we cannot do it by our self. Another thing is we add more time to this. How? Like me for example, I have working from 6 AM to 1 AM every day, where it could slip through? It is my problem as why this week blog is to manage the work loads.
Finding paper topics, which is easy to mention but hard to do. The same like finding a good resolution for every year. We will never know whether is it good for us until we implement it and make the changes and every one happy.
For me, everyday is challenge, so I will be keep fighting and struggling and will always try to keep my stock holders happy.
Just hanging in...
Chris
Professional Days
This week is so hectic week for me, as I have to become project supervisor for running project and I am also acting as project deputy for coming project that is on tender phase. All contractor were contacting me about my organization decision either to proceed or to hold off. I was not have decision hammer in my hand therefore I am only buying time for my administrator to decide which is suitable for organization plan.
For running project, it was way behind schedule for 1,5 month delay. Therefore, the contractor was adding their resources and creating this week from Thursday until Saturday a concrete sessions. I have to stand guard and supervise the work up until in the morning. The concreting was not allow in school hours so they can start in the evening and have to complete before school starts.
It was hard for me to sit in my workbench even for 5 minutes, I have to be in different posts and acting for different positions in different site location. It was fun though, but the problem is how to maintain the work loads and share the loads.
At first stage, I could manage up until 12 projects in my hand. But after I learn from AACE class, that there are no multi tasking but more prefer to multi processing. And from Project Management Using Earned Value, Humphreys, page 14, it takes an entire project team working together to make the project success, but only a single determined to make it failure. It emphasing how we should work together and start to delegate and covers each other.
But, back in Mahakam class, Dr PDG mentioning about the fat boy in the team will create trouble. And it is happen to me, I was assign to baby sit one team member and trying to use it to the limit for my in-hand projects. It just great, another un-written assignment that I have to bare but as a professional engineer, we should bringing solutions not creating ones, therefore I am accepting that challenge from organization.
Refers to last week assignment about ethical and unethical in work, for me, the job is done. Mater how we do it, it just your self control how to measure it. I am a professional engineer, I should have bring the solutions not creates one. and it will depend in which area that we stands. As long as greater community did not get their lost. So my decision making criteria, is for great to good. Which one is greater so they should have more advantage.
Transformers.....TRANSFORM
We are very late progress as well, another issue in my hand right, which we need to levelling the loads as we are trying to achieve the greater good, right? How we going to do that? We need to outsource if we cannot do it by our self. Another thing is we add more time to this. How? Like me for example, I have working from 6 AM to 1 AM every day, where it could slip through? It is my problem as why this week blog is to manage the work loads.
Finding paper topics, which is easy to mention but hard to do. The same like finding a good resolution for every year. We will never know whether is it good for us until we implement it and make the changes and every one happy.
For me, everyday is challenge, so I will be keep fighting and struggling and will always try to keep my stock holders happy.
Just hanging in...
Chris
Labels: aace, Chrisma Wibowo, weekly blog in english
Blog#4_Farid_Period 25-30 Oct'09
Hi All see you again in the Blog#4. Blog#4 means we’re passing the 1st month of the learning curve already. I am asking my self, “What do I have learn? I am personally felt, just little! I should be taking thing class 5 years ago to allow me longer time to learn (but, Indonesian says better late than never...) By this weekend I just finish my long HaZop construction for 250T Gantry crane upgrade. Once its get approve and distributed, so the contractor and all project team could start developing their construction activity and Job Safety Analysis and Layered Safety Audit plan. Before attending this valuable “AACE class” (now I can argue 1,000 words to my colleague on why they should take AACE compare to PMI), I would honestly tell that I have little aware to risk of overall project cycle. What I know I am the executor during design and construction, so I just need to aware on my portion,”the big picture” it should be my management’s problem. I use often HaZop to assess risk related to design, construction, process flowchart, but now my eyes open and realize that I just “part” of the overall project cycle. 
[Citation, AACE class, day 2, p.35]
[Citation, AACE class, day 2, p.35]Looking to life cycle management above, the risk project should consider from the early phase of the project, external and/or internal risks (see “Skill knowledge of Cost engineering chapter 31,risk management).The cycle of indentify à assessment à analysis à mitigation will do on each phase of project life. The Risk management goal the goal to increase probability that a planned asset or outcomes will occurs without decreasing the value of the asset or project [cited from TCM book,chapt.7.6 ], give more answer on Dr.PDG question in class “ why we need to consider risk in front (before cost and schedule)? I am sure is not only about cost and schedule, but beyond of it, is earlier step during decision “go or not go” with the project.
Once the risk factor identified then we start considering to assess, on what risk probability, what probability event, and the consequence if the risk take in account. We need to be ready not only on negative impact (negative risk) but also to the opportunities/performance (positive risk). Once its defined, then we feedback the information to the baseline to establish a mitigation plan. IMHO, if I try to borrow term from PMI, the risk process is “progressive elaborate”.
Align with above, the risk management project map where cited from Futron’s website, also teach me on implementation steps of preparing risk management on our project. Shown that the in the early “initiated” phase we start to commit on champion for risk management, concept and tools.
Once the risk factor identified then we start considering to assess, on what risk probability, what probability event, and the consequence if the risk take in account. We need to be ready not only on negative impact (negative risk) but also to the opportunities/performance (positive risk). Once its defined, then we feedback the information to the baseline to establish a mitigation plan. IMHO, if I try to borrow term from PMI, the risk process is “progressive elaborate”.
Align with above, the risk management project map where cited from Futron’s website, also teach me on implementation steps of preparing risk management on our project. Shown that the in the early “initiated” phase we start to commit on champion for risk management, concept and tools.
[Cited from http://www.futron.com/risk_management/methods/risk_management_implementation_roadmap.htm]
Having read on Asril Blogs#4, I can add a comment in to it that the problem of capital spending always away from the budgeted plan is also, probably because we need more intend on the risk management plan. On how we building its aware from the early phase of the project, then convert it to the cost and schedule.
I believe in some reason all the strategic plan team in my company has tools on review risk, but I wondering could see more or probably advise on the suit method on considering risk management.
B/R, Farid Maloni
Having read on Asril Blogs#4, I can add a comment in to it that the problem of capital spending always away from the budgeted plan is also, probably because we need more intend on the risk management plan. On how we building its aware from the early phase of the project, then convert it to the cost and schedule.
I believe in some reason all the strategic plan team in my company has tools on review risk, but I wondering could see more or probably advise on the suit method on considering risk management.
B/R, Farid Maloni
Friday, October 30, 2009
Asril's Blog Wk#4
PT Inco is a mining and processing plant company producing an average 160mlbs nickel matte per year with annual capital spending average $200-250m in order to sustain and to financing the growth, environmental, license and other mandatory projects for Contract of Work undertaking.
Historically, annual actual capital spending is far away from the capital plan either under or over spending and so many factors identified as the root cause of these variances but one of the major contributions is inaccuracy of capital cost estimate produced through the project life cycle. Subsequently, its lead less credibility of the organization from the owner to manage the capital projects with regard to the annual cost spending and managing the cash flow. I’m pretty sure that the owner is right to complaint such situation. From an owner perspective, if the cost estimate is not accurate, the financial return from the capital investment may not be realized, and compounding this problem is the fact that the other deserving projects may not have been funded.
The current process and methodology of preparing the capital cost estimate is way out the process that I have learned in the ACCE course. The cost estimate methodology still not well established in which process and classification to determine the accuracy of the cost estimate. Cost estimate is generated mostly based on the historical project information, individual skills who accountable to provide the cost estimate on each cycle and combination of assumption, guessing and prediction. There is no system and procedure in place to guide the organization on how to produce an accurate cost estimate on each project management life cycle.
Looking at the life span management1, it’s clearly defined the step of project identification, assessment, and selection up to define the project. Each process has a decision making point during the project life cycle and typically requires cost estimates of increasing accuracy. Estimating is thus an iterative process that is applied in each phase of the project life cycle as the project scope is defined, modified and refined. As the level of the scope definition increases, the estimating methods used becomes more definitive and produce estimate with increasingly narrow probabilistic cost distributions2.
Sorowako, October 30th, 2009
Muhammad Asril
1 AACE Certification Prep Course Day 1, Paul D. Giammalvo, Page 37 0f 110
2 Skills & Knowledge of Cost Engineering, Chapter 9 Page 9.1
3 AACE International, Total Cost Management Framework Figure 7.3.1 Page 140
Historically, annual actual capital spending is far away from the capital plan either under or over spending and so many factors identified as the root cause of these variances but one of the major contributions is inaccuracy of capital cost estimate produced through the project life cycle. Subsequently, its lead less credibility of the organization from the owner to manage the capital projects with regard to the annual cost spending and managing the cash flow. I’m pretty sure that the owner is right to complaint such situation. From an owner perspective, if the cost estimate is not accurate, the financial return from the capital investment may not be realized, and compounding this problem is the fact that the other deserving projects may not have been funded.
The current process and methodology of preparing the capital cost estimate is way out the process that I have learned in the ACCE course. The cost estimate methodology still not well established in which process and classification to determine the accuracy of the cost estimate. Cost estimate is generated mostly based on the historical project information, individual skills who accountable to provide the cost estimate on each cycle and combination of assumption, guessing and prediction. There is no system and procedure in place to guide the organization on how to produce an accurate cost estimate on each project management life cycle.
Looking at the life span management1, it’s clearly defined the step of project identification, assessment, and selection up to define the project. Each process has a decision making point during the project life cycle and typically requires cost estimates of increasing accuracy. Estimating is thus an iterative process that is applied in each phase of the project life cycle as the project scope is defined, modified and refined. As the level of the scope definition increases, the estimating methods used becomes more definitive and produce estimate with increasingly narrow probabilistic cost distributions2.
AACE has classified the estimate class according to the level of project definition. Skills & Knowledge, 5th edition, Page 9.3, Table 9.2 clearly define in which process the level of accuracy on each step of the project life cycle and who supposed to be held accountable to prepare it. This process is typically not implemented in the current estimating process. Most of the time the estimate is generated directly by the owner without any feasibility process in between and for sure the capital estimate will then be only a mediocre estimate.
In order to make an improvement then the cost estimate process map has to be established. Process Map3 for Cost Estimating Figure 7.3.1 give a clear direction the steps in the cost estimating and budgeting process. Cost estimate involves the application of techniques that convert quantified technical and programmatic information about an asset or project into finance and resource information.
The following sections briefly describe the steps in the cost estimating & budgeting process:
1. Plan for cost estimating and budgeting
2. Quantity scope content
3. Cost of scope content
4. Price and cost estimate
5. Simulate and optimize the costs
6. Budget costs
7. Analyze cash flow
8. Bidding the cost estimate
9. Review and document the estimate
10. Develop and maintain methods and tools
It’s not an easy to have an accurate cost estimate when we looking at the process and expertise and experiences might need. However, it’s not difficult as well if all of the process established and consistently followed. The accurate cost estimate will be achieved overtime as long as we committed to make a CHANCE and the room now is available to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
The following sections briefly describe the steps in the cost estimating & budgeting process:
1. Plan for cost estimating and budgeting
2. Quantity scope content
3. Cost of scope content
4. Price and cost estimate
5. Simulate and optimize the costs
6. Budget costs
7. Analyze cash flow
8. Bidding the cost estimate
9. Review and document the estimate
10. Develop and maintain methods and tools
It’s not an easy to have an accurate cost estimate when we looking at the process and expertise and experiences might need. However, it’s not difficult as well if all of the process established and consistently followed. The accurate cost estimate will be achieved overtime as long as we committed to make a CHANCE and the room now is available to MAKE IT HAPPEN.
Sorowako, October 30th, 2009
Muhammad Asril
1 AACE Certification Prep Course Day 1, Paul D. Giammalvo, Page 37 0f 110
2 Skills & Knowledge of Cost Engineering, Chapter 9 Page 9.1
3 AACE International, Total Cost Management Framework Figure 7.3.1 Page 140
Overcomming the Challenges_ Blog #2 (From Hycienth)
The motivation to do the AACE course is high on my part and I continue to squeeze out time to at least peruse through the material and various mails from the Transformer team members. I must say the enthusiasm of my team mates is infections and I am happy to be part of this team.It seems every little group task assigned to the team turns out to be a daunting challenge for me. Like the signing of the Team Governance Agreement signature page. I had to contact Chris several times and my company IT before I could append my signature to the document. It was a major achievement for me, yet I know I am far behind schedule on this course. Far behind. Unfortunately, I still have not seen the final Team Governance Agreement itself as I still cannot sign-up to Windows Live Workspace. Klaus says he defined me with my Shell ID. Several tries and I still cannot access it. I think the problem is the server my machine at work runs on.
I have gone through all the various suggestions for a topic for paper from Dr. Paul. Most of them are very interesting but will take more mahours from me (something I don’t have spare of right now) and ….I will like a topic that will add value to my present work as a project planner. Something I will call upon and refer to years from now as I take up new project challenges. Besides, a paper that the data gathering is at arms reach will be a lot easy to write.
Yesterday, Dr. Paul sent out a paper from the FMI/CMAA Tenth Annual Survey of Owners. The paper with the title INFLECTION POINT, Defining the Future of the Worldwide Construction Industry. I quickly made a print out and spent my evening reading through the paper. It made an interesting read and I think I will settle for it as my choice of a topic after getting a few clarifications from Dr. Paul.
In the past two weeks, I have been carrying my copy of Engineering Economy (Thirteenth Edition) to and fro work. My plan has been to peruse it if I get the chance. Sadly, my current schedule has not given me the time to study it coupled with the inertia of not doing some serious academic work in recent times. However, I am determined to overcome the inertia and find the time to do my assignments. I also plan to talk to Chris before the end of next week to help me understand how to handle the mind mapping exercise. He was using an analogy in the field of construction which will help me get a handle on this assignment.
This is actually my second blog. The first blog? I am yet to post it. But it exist. The title is ‘The Unpublished Blog of Hycienth’. Please watch out for it.
Andy Blog#04
Reading Humphreys book in chapter one with title Project Management Using Earned Value give me some learning points how the project should be plan managed in initial stage. As stated in the Humphrey book in first chapters that the addressing the definition of project objectives and the work scope are the first two steps in an effective earned Value project management. Also on page 8 that “Identify and address the problems earlier in the project life and there is a much greater chance to avoiding schedule slips and large cost overrun”.
It sounds problem solving but how will those steps implemented and passed clearly for the project which is very sensitive getting changes input such mine development project in the mine pit active area ?
Looking at mining project characteristic which is influenced by some uncertainty circumstances on nature resources and accuracy reserve data affect the mining plan are often changed whether daily, weekly, monthly up to yearly periods in manner that the ore chemistry is on specification delivered to the process plant to meet yearly production target. Otherwise, these circumstances whether predictable or not , depend on confidence level on the mine plan and reserve data accuracy are going to affect that the scope definition of project plan capital of mining development such mine haul road, environment facilities, dykes where will be plan to develop in the pit area or adjacent of the active mine area pit keep changes. The scope changes might be continued during project implementation depend on how much current mining plan changed will influence the project scope and the design. A process to identify the problems have brought me to include some these uncertainty condition into risk analysis of the project scope. I identify all possible risk conditions might be occurred for successfully project implementation which are event knowns , known -unknowns or unknown-unknown and run into the probability analysis. In fact, the risk analysis are not quantified in the cost estimated on current mine planning or not formulated well to address mining issues in current work practice. AACE training has brought me good leaning on using EVM and TCM into risk analysis to apply in my project as a model to share in the mine planning group.
The next question is how do we deal to implement the risk management into project scope under this change circumstances as well as cost estimated accuracy of the project in manner that the project schedule and budget project is achieved ? In other word, How do we identify and minimize the risk and run into the contingency plan in manner that the scope, schedule and budget are control managed? Perhaps, my Mentor would add some comments or advices to allow me have more idea to work on the project scoping ? believe or not , I have gone through 4 times to sponsor this month to discuss the project scoping while mining plan keep changed but honestly as my overview as mine engineer this is characteristic of mining plan dealing with uncertainty of natural reserves … As stated that mining business is risk investment .
Reading on first chapter of Humphreys book allow me to encourage my project team to involve in method and tools process of project management. As we are going to start with a new projects and it is best time to set up the project management process well in early stage. I share and introduce tools technique step by step on to project planning process whether how develop the project scope, identify risk , develop work break down structure and cost estimated though standard project management process instead of previous working on each customized creation. I motivate the team how important to define technical scope clearly, have a plan to accomplish each project activities, closely monitored each process activities and had optimistic achievable schedule and budget from the time of initiation. I emphasize the team that the successful project has a great need for accurate status information though the project scoping.
It sounds problem solving but how will those steps implemented and passed clearly for the project which is very sensitive getting changes input such mine development project in the mine pit active area ?
Looking at mining project characteristic which is influenced by some uncertainty circumstances on nature resources and accuracy reserve data affect the mining plan are often changed whether daily, weekly, monthly up to yearly periods in manner that the ore chemistry is on specification delivered to the process plant to meet yearly production target. Otherwise, these circumstances whether predictable or not , depend on confidence level on the mine plan and reserve data accuracy are going to affect that the scope definition of project plan capital of mining development such mine haul road, environment facilities, dykes where will be plan to develop in the pit area or adjacent of the active mine area pit keep changes. The scope changes might be continued during project implementation depend on how much current mining plan changed will influence the project scope and the design. A process to identify the problems have brought me to include some these uncertainty condition into risk analysis of the project scope. I identify all possible risk conditions might be occurred for successfully project implementation which are event knowns , known -unknowns or unknown-unknown and run into the probability analysis. In fact, the risk analysis are not quantified in the cost estimated on current mine planning or not formulated well to address mining issues in current work practice. AACE training has brought me good leaning on using EVM and TCM into risk analysis to apply in my project as a model to share in the mine planning group.
The next question is how do we deal to implement the risk management into project scope under this change circumstances as well as cost estimated accuracy of the project in manner that the project schedule and budget project is achieved ? In other word, How do we identify and minimize the risk and run into the contingency plan in manner that the scope, schedule and budget are control managed? Perhaps, my Mentor would add some comments or advices to allow me have more idea to work on the project scoping ? believe or not , I have gone through 4 times to sponsor this month to discuss the project scoping while mining plan keep changed but honestly as my overview as mine engineer this is characteristic of mining plan dealing with uncertainty of natural reserves … As stated that mining business is risk investment .
Reading on first chapter of Humphreys book allow me to encourage my project team to involve in method and tools process of project management. As we are going to start with a new projects and it is best time to set up the project management process well in early stage. I share and introduce tools technique step by step on to project planning process whether how develop the project scope, identify risk , develop work break down structure and cost estimated though standard project management process instead of previous working on each customized creation. I motivate the team how important to define technical scope clearly, have a plan to accomplish each project activities, closely monitored each process activities and had optimistic achievable schedule and budget from the time of initiation. I emphasize the team that the successful project has a great need for accurate status information though the project scoping.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Engineering Economy Analysis Procedure through Design Process
Andy’s Blog (Oct, 18- 24 2009)
My first reading on Engineering Economy book (chapter 1.2 and chapter 1,3), “The Principles and of Engineering Economy through the Design process”, I conclude that the design is not followed the engineering economy analysis procedure which are proven that problem definition is unclear, no development whether alternatives analysis, decision criteria and prospective outcome were generated and result that the selected design is wrong and away from the objectives.
For this purpose, I lead on discussion with the engineer to develop the engineering economy analysis procedure. Here is summarized but it is still in completed report as well as learning process to determine the unit of measurement to analyze and select the preferred alternative ( I wish my “mentor from the hell” would have some suggestions on it and whether the subject above could be strengthen in manner so be good paper topic for CCE ?)
- Problem Definition
- Mining at a new hill at Songko requires civil material resource at post mine area to construct the mining road for next 3 years mine life time.
- Current active civil material resources is located 5 km down to the hill.
- There is potential civil material resource at the Solia post mine area where is located 2 km of the hill that is required for access road development.
- There is an opportunity to rehabilitate
- Development of Investment Alternatives
Option 1 : Maintain current active civil material resources with long haul distance about 7 km
Option 2 : New investment to construct a shortcut road to have access to current mine road at Solia.
Option 3 : New investment to construct a new road to access the
- Development of prospective Outcomes and cash flow for each alternatives
“What are the differences” are the first step need to identify for each alternatives :
| Parameter | Alternative 1 | Alternative 2 | Alternative 3 |
| Haul Distance to Songko | 5 km | 1.5 km | 2.0 km |
| New Road development | None | 700 meter | 300 meter |
| Road development material | None | 300,000 ton | 100,000 ton |
| Investment | None | $600,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual cost Saving | None | N/A (Short haul distance) | N/A(short haul distance) |
| Other Benefit | None | - rehabilitate Solia forward - get civil material to supply Songko while road constructed (cost saving) | - rehabilitate Solia forward - access road is ready shortly to get civil material from Solia |
| Operational Risk | delayed on material supply due to long haul distance | Drill/blast at hard rocks massive and boulders during construction | Easy to construct as short road and soil material |
- Selection of a Decision Criterion
Choose the alternative that give maximizes overall profitability.
- Analysis and Comparison Alternatives
Considering the time value of money by using Equivalent worth method each alternatives (Economy Engineering chapter 6) to analyze and compare the alternatives.
- Selection of the Preferred Alternatives
Choose the alternative that give maximizes overall profitability which is presented the greatest positive equivalent worth.
7. Performance Monitoring and post evaluation of results.
During the project implementation till finished.
Blog #3 from Lau
I was spending time to read through the first 2 chapters of Engineering Economics as preparation for assignment for AACE. I come across the mathematical model of revenue/cost relationship with volume (demand) in Chapter 2 to determine the right volume that generates the maximum profit. The analysis was a straight forward model without considering other complicated factors that affecting the relationship between revenue/cost vs. volume (demand). Even though this is just a straight forward analysis in determining the maximum profit vs. volume, it also helps to determine the breakeven-point between cost and revenue, whereby the more (or less) is being produced will result in higher cost and the company will incur losses.
In today’s business world, the revenue and cost vs. volume could be more complicated as compare to the mathematical model in chapter 2, however the fundamental analysis in this mathematical model does tell us that there are likelihood that we will be suffering losses if we are just blindly pushing for volume without optimizing the level of competences we have to maximize our earnings. This could be a trap that some of us may be falling into. Leveraging on core competences that lying in a company, could help to make a different in turning around the company’s financial situation.
This analysis reminded me an educational game/training process which I have come across while I was in Siemens. That was a proprietor educational game created by Siemens to demonstrate value flow within a company to have a high level understanding of value flow from sales to production to delivery until cash collection (that includes purchasing of raw materials, land and buildings, plant equipment cost, account receivable, cash collection, debts and liability, cash in hand, taxes and interest and etc) that generate company’s EVA (economic value added). The simulation showed that any delay in delivery in any department of the company will cause an impact in EVA of the company and this really happened to us in terms of dealing with project managers whom are dealing with project delivery on the ground. Any delay in the planned deliveries will affect the company value at large. For project managers or project implementation managers who are very much technical inclined, as far as I have come across, would have difficulties to understand this. Of course, there are also other factors along the chain which did not perform in time will also affect the EVA of the company.
The fundamental analysis and simulation of company value flow would be helpful if we are dealing with standard product or system that consists of standard product delivery. What if the delivery has to deal with solution that involves product that coming from various third party suppliers which has different company culture and value systems? And also delivery involves ever changing business demand from customer as well as fierce competition from other suppliers? How will the business leaders and what kind of leadership is fit and suitable to deal with and can react with the ever changing demand of the business world, especially in IT and telecommunications industry?
In today’s business world, the revenue and cost vs. volume could be more complicated as compare to the mathematical model in chapter 2, however the fundamental analysis in this mathematical model does tell us that there are likelihood that we will be suffering losses if we are just blindly pushing for volume without optimizing the level of competences we have to maximize our earnings. This could be a trap that some of us may be falling into. Leveraging on core competences that lying in a company, could help to make a different in turning around the company’s financial situation.
This analysis reminded me an educational game/training process which I have come across while I was in Siemens. That was a proprietor educational game created by Siemens to demonstrate value flow within a company to have a high level understanding of value flow from sales to production to delivery until cash collection (that includes purchasing of raw materials, land and buildings, plant equipment cost, account receivable, cash collection, debts and liability, cash in hand, taxes and interest and etc) that generate company’s EVA (economic value added). The simulation showed that any delay in delivery in any department of the company will cause an impact in EVA of the company and this really happened to us in terms of dealing with project managers whom are dealing with project delivery on the ground. Any delay in the planned deliveries will affect the company value at large. For project managers or project implementation managers who are very much technical inclined, as far as I have come across, would have difficulties to understand this. Of course, there are also other factors along the chain which did not perform in time will also affect the EVA of the company.
The fundamental analysis and simulation of company value flow would be helpful if we are dealing with standard product or system that consists of standard product delivery. What if the delivery has to deal with solution that involves product that coming from various third party suppliers which has different company culture and value systems? And also delivery involves ever changing business demand from customer as well as fierce competition from other suppliers? How will the business leaders and what kind of leadership is fit and suitable to deal with and can react with the ever changing demand of the business world, especially in IT and telecommunications industry?
Communication, part 2 - Thao’s blog #.3
Hi there. Sending you a season’s greeting card from a beautiful Hanoi in autumn. I’m so enjoyed when reading your posts each week. You’re lighting me up with AACE and I have to try to work smarter to catch up with you all. I feel how happy am I to join a class with mates from various backgrounds and experiences. I learn from you day by day. Besides, I get more ideas to develop my communication topic. And this week, I come back the last week topic to answer our Dr. Question. Where’s the changes besides the paragraphs of theories.
Actually, no obvious changes made, hehehe, I have to tell the truth. But changes are made a little from my side in my real-life working team. Firstly, to apply changes in my current team, as for me, a newly forming team with selected people who are good at certain aspects of work but not really good at forming a working team. Communication with us is sometimes broken, and that created double works and misunderstanding each other. Changes needed for my team is to build a common communication tools then we can gather and discuss and finish the common tasks/goals. Then, I made shared folder with an issue log in excel file to update issues and solutions taken from our daily works. And just like an experience sharing case, I showed to my team mates what the advantage of using that file was. After all agreed, we set targets together and we committed to finish it in the same manner and a set timeline. Works were broken down by parts and by each person’s strength. At the end of the week, we’ve got a work done better and faster. We didn’t spend time on going around asking and creating so many communication channels, but just one common channel for the whole team. I can see that we’re getting more in a team now.
For behavior part of the last definition about communication in Webster’s New World Dictionary, I understand that behavior is crucial in our storming and forming stage, while we still need more time to understand each others and find the common ground to play with each others. I went back to the communication session in PMBok, and I take my team members as stakeholders in my communication enhancement project. Even we're in a small team is a small team but the needs, expectations of each team memebers are totally different and team member’s personality is definitely different as well so that it's more important for us to find a common ground to get a consensus for each issue. In addition, my team is still missing a team leader who drives all in the same direction, everyone now seems to try to drive the team in their own way that makes the team works go badly and disorderly. And if there’s misunderstanding in communicating with my team we can get troubles. That’s why I decided to change my original communication from sending long emails to everyone by going to their places to discuss and get common ideas for each issue or forming rules first then I made it officially in emails. That showed clear results. Everyone had their ideas in the team works. And the work result was obviously better than before.
I can see that my team members seem satisfied with the new ways of communication with changes in both communication tools and behavior. And yes, the two small changes applied and gradually show its results in the new days to come with my team.
Nice weekend to you all.
P/S: Dear Dr. PDG, the Ethical/Unethical behavior survey result, I would like to save it for my coming blog posting.
P/S: Transformers: our team now often gets the same BIG tasks and all we have to finish by team efforts to get it finish on time.
Actually, no obvious changes made, hehehe, I have to tell the truth. But changes are made a little from my side in my real-life working team. Firstly, to apply changes in my current team, as for me, a newly forming team with selected people who are good at certain aspects of work but not really good at forming a working team. Communication with us is sometimes broken, and that created double works and misunderstanding each other. Changes needed for my team is to build a common communication tools then we can gather and discuss and finish the common tasks/goals. Then, I made shared folder with an issue log in excel file to update issues and solutions taken from our daily works. And just like an experience sharing case, I showed to my team mates what the advantage of using that file was. After all agreed, we set targets together and we committed to finish it in the same manner and a set timeline. Works were broken down by parts and by each person’s strength. At the end of the week, we’ve got a work done better and faster. We didn’t spend time on going around asking and creating so many communication channels, but just one common channel for the whole team. I can see that we’re getting more in a team now.
For behavior part of the last definition about communication in Webster’s New World Dictionary, I understand that behavior is crucial in our storming and forming stage, while we still need more time to understand each others and find the common ground to play with each others. I went back to the communication session in PMBok, and I take my team members as stakeholders in my communication enhancement project. Even we're in a small team is a small team but the needs, expectations of each team memebers are totally different and team member’s personality is definitely different as well so that it's more important for us to find a common ground to get a consensus for each issue. In addition, my team is still missing a team leader who drives all in the same direction, everyone now seems to try to drive the team in their own way that makes the team works go badly and disorderly. And if there’s misunderstanding in communicating with my team we can get troubles. That’s why I decided to change my original communication from sending long emails to everyone by going to their places to discuss and get common ideas for each issue or forming rules first then I made it officially in emails. That showed clear results. Everyone had their ideas in the team works. And the work result was obviously better than before.
I can see that my team members seem satisfied with the new ways of communication with changes in both communication tools and behavior. And yes, the two small changes applied and gradually show its results in the new days to come with my team.
Nice weekend to you all.
P/S: Dear Dr. PDG, the Ethical/Unethical behavior survey result, I would like to save it for my coming blog posting.
P/S: Transformers: our team now often gets the same BIG tasks and all we have to finish by team efforts to get it finish on time.
Hanoi, 24/10/2009
Thao
Gary's Blog #03
Continue on the pre-sales activities that I was involved in for the past 2 weeks, realizing there is a truth and good Way of Working (WoW) in our organization. In any new opportunity or pre-sales activity, it is a practice, in fact is a mandatory practice to identify 3 key personal from different fields and units to form the initial team to work together, example, for a tender response. Aligning to this practice as Graicunas cited General Sir Ian Hamilton wrote in his book "The Soul and Body of an Army" Arnold, London, 1922 p.229:
"The nearer we approach the supreme head of the whole organization, the more we ought to work towards group of three; the closer we get to the foot of the whole organization, the more we work towards groups of six."
It is from there that the 3 key personnel will build its own competence group to assist him/her to achieve his/her target. Working on tender proposal is always a nightmare. No single tender and same as another, thus solution, timeline, scope of work, costing, risk, etc need to be closely tied to the tender documentation and its Statement of Compliance (SoC). Therefore, it takes a highly motivated team and personnel to spend long hours and effort to produce a good proposal, which is so crucial as it will directly affect the business result; whether the organization can win the tender or not.
So what exactly motivates the team ? In Motivation Theories, it consists of Content motivation theories; Theories that focus on the factors or needs that motivate people. And Process motivation theories; Theories that look at why and how people is motivated.
Some of the known content theories includes:
- Murray's Manifest Needs Theory,
- Mazlow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory,
- McClelland's Learned Needs Theory,
- Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Therory, and others
Looking at the Hierarchy of Needs Theory; it is stated that in a hierarchy of needs, only when the lower order needs are satisfied that higher order need will then become manifest.
Source: Based on A. H. Maslow. 1943. A theory of human motivation.
How this applies to me I think it matches very well. To support myself, my family, I need a job and in this current job role that I'm in now, it is my duty to fulfill my responsibility. Therefore in return of my earning to pay for food, clothes, housing, I am in a way motivated to do my job. And in order to keep my job stable, job security is important, in protection of my position not to be replaced by someone else better and/or "cheaper", I need not only to accomplish my task, but to do it well and more then what it is required. When these base items are not in doubts provided to me, I look higher as stated in the hierarchy; Social Needs. I know that by producing quality results, proving my capability to work mates, I will be appreciated and start receiving love and affection from others as people tends to like to work with team that can perform and process quality results. With this love, I know I have also earn the respect of others as this is something that needs hard work to earn and not given or asked to be given. And last but not least, of all the needs that I gets from the mentioned 4 needs, I gets satisfaction and self-fulfillment out of it.
Many time motivations can push someone to achieve what needs to be achieve, but one will also have decision to make to reach the end of the road, whether to walk the long road or to cut through a shorter path, legally or illegally. Its ethical that we talks about. In this week's SUPPLEMENTAL assignment (http://blogs.bnet.com/mba/?p=1330&tag=nl.e713), regardless of what the situation could be, unethical approach will never be the solution, and as a junior or new position holder, to help fight against any unethical player, one will have to get to the higher authority for approval of the action to be taken. One need to get support from another manager, higher authority even to the highest authority to do the right thing.
"The nearer we approach the supreme head of the whole organization, the more we ought to work towards group of three; the closer we get to the foot of the whole organization, the more we work towards groups of six."
It is from there that the 3 key personnel will build its own competence group to assist him/her to achieve his/her target. Working on tender proposal is always a nightmare. No single tender and same as another, thus solution, timeline, scope of work, costing, risk, etc need to be closely tied to the tender documentation and its Statement of Compliance (SoC). Therefore, it takes a highly motivated team and personnel to spend long hours and effort to produce a good proposal, which is so crucial as it will directly affect the business result; whether the organization can win the tender or not.
So what exactly motivates the team ? In Motivation Theories, it consists of Content motivation theories; Theories that focus on the factors or needs that motivate people. And Process motivation theories; Theories that look at why and how people is motivated.
Some of the known content theories includes:
- Murray's Manifest Needs Theory,
- Mazlow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory,
- McClelland's Learned Needs Theory,
- Herzberg's Motivator-Hygiene Therory, and others
Looking at the Hierarchy of Needs Theory; it is stated that in a hierarchy of needs, only when the lower order needs are satisfied that higher order need will then become manifest.
Source: Based on A. H. Maslow. 1943. A theory of human motivation.
How this applies to me I think it matches very well. To support myself, my family, I need a job and in this current job role that I'm in now, it is my duty to fulfill my responsibility. Therefore in return of my earning to pay for food, clothes, housing, I am in a way motivated to do my job. And in order to keep my job stable, job security is important, in protection of my position not to be replaced by someone else better and/or "cheaper", I need not only to accomplish my task, but to do it well and more then what it is required. When these base items are not in doubts provided to me, I look higher as stated in the hierarchy; Social Needs. I know that by producing quality results, proving my capability to work mates, I will be appreciated and start receiving love and affection from others as people tends to like to work with team that can perform and process quality results. With this love, I know I have also earn the respect of others as this is something that needs hard work to earn and not given or asked to be given. And last but not least, of all the needs that I gets from the mentioned 4 needs, I gets satisfaction and self-fulfillment out of it.
Many time motivations can push someone to achieve what needs to be achieve, but one will also have decision to make to reach the end of the road, whether to walk the long road or to cut through a shorter path, legally or illegally. Its ethical that we talks about. In this week's SUPPLEMENTAL assignment (http://blogs.bnet.com/mba/?p=1330&tag=nl.e713), regardless of what the situation could be, unethical approach will never be the solution, and as a junior or new position holder, to help fight against any unethical player, one will have to get to the higher authority for approval of the action to be taken. One need to get support from another manager, higher authority even to the highest authority to do the right thing.
Chrisma Blog#3, Changing is not come cheap
This is my third blog since take-off from course class in Mahakam Jakarta were also from my journey to perfection and professionalism. It is a tough ride as I was describe last week, it is more like roller coaster ride rather than a smooth journey. Day to days working experiment with obligation to bring good changes into my organization will not as easy as one-two-three, it required a bit of luck, responsible, patient, and courage. Better yet, you have to be in the core competencies that need a change, mine is not focusing on construction. While I am a project construction professional.
Day to days Work
I am still in learning zone for Earn Value Analysis since last week analysis, yet this week I am evaluating current progress by going on site. I do not know where I go wrong, but every time I run Earn Value Analysis the result is always the same. The EAC and ETC always below the Baseline cost and they are always fluctuative. What makes them fluctuate? I am still learning and trying to find reference book for this Earn Value Analysis. As I am planning to achieving my EVP after complishing CCC certificate.
And also if I make the trend analysis graphic for productivity, CPI versus SPI, it only shown the graph will narrow to range of 0.5 to 1.5 if when the contractor get their payment. Again, this is indicate the cost for contractor to paid not shown contractor productivity.
I have to study more deeper in the Earn Value Analysis, as I have been challenge about Earn Value Management is their reliable prediction (Pranay Srivastava March 2008; Earn Value Management) is it true? That is why I am eager to focus on Earn Value as my topic for my paper.
I have presentate my Earn Value Analysis to my contractor as this information more useable to contractor rather than to my position as a client. As an owner perspective, The ETC and EAC still in below range of Baseline cost. So no urgency or worry of project over budget or not, but my concern was only time,that is why I am showing this production chart to the contractor, if they want to earn more they have to product more. I am implementing a below line communication to the contractor, I showed their lost and will gain my profit.
Humphreys book that I read also as my base reference, I am not yet into the topic, as I am right now only reading it due to my project assessment, so I am only read it in parts. But really, this EVM is on my top of the list of my curiosity.
My organization is also concerning the green impact of each project, will this environment effect can be implemented in this EVM? Sure, Green assessment is only a part from WBS cycle of a project, this is should be add more time in design and construction management that I have already doing right now. I am planning to go Singapore on 27 to 29 October 2009 to find more book reference about Green Mark Building by Building and Construction Authorrity Singapore. With this also gain my knowledge when estimating a project budget in the future.
Team Government Agreement
Thanks to Klaus as he trying to speed up and calling for team member to focus on the draft and content before signing and agreeing. It is the most long talk discussion because we doing it in distance. But using reminder in the email is surely a good one. As computer nowadays is our tools for work, you will always facing those monitors more often rather than you facing you spouse, right? Hahaha....
Farid also has helping me to get back in track for formal document which one that I have to use for formal agreement contract. It makes me realize and start to open my organization contract agreement from pervious projects. And when using a google docs as the sharing platform in order to get the real-time sharing capability it is able us to input our autograph without handling to the collection desk, I did it unintentionally, heheh, see how luck is playing in this game, as I was mention in above.
And working closely with Hycienth to sign this agreement and assist him how to make an autograph with only chatting, and he thrills when he can over it. I was amaze, how todays technology already eliminate border line, space and distance. As he is already become offical to our member, so team, I need you all to support him. We can only work with him using GTalk.
Thank you to all TRANSFORMER team member as our project plan has been approved from our client. It is a small step to Mars, but we will get there eventually, TOGETHER, I can assure you that. No one left behind.
Come on, we have to start working immediately and chasing our late progress. Use outsource? Hmmm... one of the solution, I have to find a deligent unversity student who wants to upgarde their skill for my outsource.
TRANSFORMER, ready to transform
Chris,
Focusing topic = Earn Value Management, which one?... still learning
Day to days Work
I am still in learning zone for Earn Value Analysis since last week analysis, yet this week I am evaluating current progress by going on site. I do not know where I go wrong, but every time I run Earn Value Analysis the result is always the same. The EAC and ETC always below the Baseline cost and they are always fluctuative. What makes them fluctuate? I am still learning and trying to find reference book for this Earn Value Analysis. As I am planning to achieving my EVP after complishing CCC certificate.
And also if I make the trend analysis graphic for productivity, CPI versus SPI, it only shown the graph will narrow to range of 0.5 to 1.5 if when the contractor get their payment. Again, this is indicate the cost for contractor to paid not shown contractor productivity.
I have to study more deeper in the Earn Value Analysis, as I have been challenge about Earn Value Management is their reliable prediction (Pranay Srivastava March 2008; Earn Value Management) is it true? That is why I am eager to focus on Earn Value as my topic for my paper.
I have presentate my Earn Value Analysis to my contractor as this information more useable to contractor rather than to my position as a client. As an owner perspective, The ETC and EAC still in below range of Baseline cost. So no urgency or worry of project over budget or not, but my concern was only time,that is why I am showing this production chart to the contractor, if they want to earn more they have to product more. I am implementing a below line communication to the contractor, I showed their lost and will gain my profit.
Humphreys book that I read also as my base reference, I am not yet into the topic, as I am right now only reading it due to my project assessment, so I am only read it in parts. But really, this EVM is on my top of the list of my curiosity.
My organization is also concerning the green impact of each project, will this environment effect can be implemented in this EVM? Sure, Green assessment is only a part from WBS cycle of a project, this is should be add more time in design and construction management that I have already doing right now. I am planning to go Singapore on 27 to 29 October 2009 to find more book reference about Green Mark Building by Building and Construction Authorrity Singapore. With this also gain my knowledge when estimating a project budget in the future.
Team Government Agreement
Thanks to Klaus as he trying to speed up and calling for team member to focus on the draft and content before signing and agreeing. It is the most long talk discussion because we doing it in distance. But using reminder in the email is surely a good one. As computer nowadays is our tools for work, you will always facing those monitors more often rather than you facing you spouse, right? Hahaha....
Farid also has helping me to get back in track for formal document which one that I have to use for formal agreement contract. It makes me realize and start to open my organization contract agreement from pervious projects. And when using a google docs as the sharing platform in order to get the real-time sharing capability it is able us to input our autograph without handling to the collection desk, I did it unintentionally, heheh, see how luck is playing in this game, as I was mention in above.
And working closely with Hycienth to sign this agreement and assist him how to make an autograph with only chatting, and he thrills when he can over it. I was amaze, how todays technology already eliminate border line, space and distance. As he is already become offical to our member, so team, I need you all to support him. We can only work with him using GTalk.
Thank you to all TRANSFORMER team member as our project plan has been approved from our client. It is a small step to Mars, but we will get there eventually, TOGETHER, I can assure you that. No one left behind.
Come on, we have to start working immediately and chasing our late progress. Use outsource? Hmmm... one of the solution, I have to find a deligent unversity student who wants to upgarde their skill for my outsource.
TRANSFORMER, ready to transform
Chris,
Focusing topic = Earn Value Management, which one?... still learning
Reflections and learning, week 3 [Klaus]
As it seems the strong voice, aka kick-butt method with clear goals, targets and timelines starts showing effect – both at the AACE certification program as well as our office environment.
Coupled with the refreshing (and very much necessary) break last week I am now starting to reapply and reinforce the learning best practices of proper project management and leadership as addressed and discussed in the relevant literature as well as our Jakarta workshop in my day-to-day work.
Reflecting on this week’s learning I can identify that one of the major struggles in any kind of (project) management position (at least from my humble perspective) is to find the proper balance between a goal/target oriented team management, allowing each individual to develop, manage and live their own detailed plans and by that keeping them self-motivated and “agile”, and a far too laissez-faire management style not providing sufficient direction, leading to too many individual focal points in the organization/team.
Taking the analogy to my earlier blog entry, I see the challenge very much in keeping the free radicals active without reducing their momentum when trying to align them to work in the same direction; Still making sure that all those radicals have the same focal point.
Looking into and reflecting on the supplemental assignment of the week I see a major challenge not only in the right understanding of ethics in the different cultures across the Globe but also in the fact that nobody really likes to bite the hand that feeds you, especially in those larger cooperation where the customer is not always the clearly visible force behind the decisions or in other words where the superior, who is asking you (like in those examples given) to commit unethical acts, is deciding on your future in the cooperation – talking about “group think” in a different interpretation. Coupled with the current economic situation in the Global market this is becoming a very tricky subject.
Taking example #1 further in the analyses and considering the fact that, purely fictive assumption, for the sake of argument, and without knowing any further details on the case, those Senior Executives are asking for the distorted view due to an anticipated negative market/investor reaction putting at stake the future of the whole company and as such everybody’s employment in the company.
The larger a cooperation grows the more complex the social structure and interaction between individuals become. Also and especially in this kind of environment, you certainly need those strong voices at the top as well to make sure that ideas and ideals are properly followed and implemented.
BR/Klaus
Preparing for a week in flood and hurricane-shaken Manila
Nui - 3rd blog
1. What I learn from the project
Project Stakeholder Analysis
This week I would like to analyze what I have seen from our project team member, Thang is my case now. We have learnt from the 1st day class about project stakeholder analysis, we have to analyze who is our beneficiaries, negative beneficiaries, implementers, decision makers and financiers of our project.
Then we need to determine who has key information, who has interest in the project, who has influence over the project, who will be impacted by the project execution and who will be impacted by the asset’s operation.
So what I saw and analyze from this case is that
His situation is that he has assigned to take care 3 important projects in his job and he also dedicates to be the question project manager in AACE 2009 Certification program. He knows this is will be very much overload for him during next 6 months. He has to make the tough decision on this!
From my stakeholder analysis, Viettel’s customers and his boss are the negative beneficiaries of AACE project. And they are very much impacted by the project execution because this course will require 10 hours/week during next 6 months, at this moment he has to concentrate (more priority) on Viettel’s projects. Vitettel’s customers and his boss would expect him to lead the project to achieve the goal within time plan and budget. Because it is important to customer of launching new technology, 3G, in their commercial network and in the same time the company also get 3G reference network base in Vietnam which will be competitive advantage to business.
Secondly, as he is question project manager, project team members are the implementers who serve his project to be successful. Project team member, we have the key information, interest and influence over his question project. Project team member also expect him to lead question project to achieve goal within time plan and budget.
From above analysis, If I were him, I also decide to refuse on paper and mapping project and postpone the exam. In order to reduce some workload but still commit to question project and Viettel projects.
I understand him, Life must go on but we should manage it.
2. Apply what I learn to the job
Unethical Behavior in the Workplace
Reference from http://www.gooddigg.com/ENGLISH/unethical-behavior-in-the-workplace/
Project Stakeholder Analysis
This week I would like to analyze what I have seen from our project team member, Thang is my case now. We have learnt from the 1st day class about project stakeholder analysis, we have to analyze who is our beneficiaries, negative beneficiaries, implementers, decision makers and financiers of our project.
Then we need to determine who has key information, who has interest in the project, who has influence over the project, who will be impacted by the project execution and who will be impacted by the asset’s operation.
So what I saw and analyze from this case is that
His situation is that he has assigned to take care 3 important projects in his job and he also dedicates to be the question project manager in AACE 2009 Certification program. He knows this is will be very much overload for him during next 6 months. He has to make the tough decision on this!
From my stakeholder analysis, Viettel’s customers and his boss are the negative beneficiaries of AACE project. And they are very much impacted by the project execution because this course will require 10 hours/week during next 6 months, at this moment he has to concentrate (more priority) on Viettel’s projects. Vitettel’s customers and his boss would expect him to lead the project to achieve the goal within time plan and budget. Because it is important to customer of launching new technology, 3G, in their commercial network and in the same time the company also get 3G reference network base in Vietnam which will be competitive advantage to business.
Secondly, as he is question project manager, project team members are the implementers who serve his project to be successful. Project team member, we have the key information, interest and influence over his question project. Project team member also expect him to lead question project to achieve goal within time plan and budget.
From above analysis, If I were him, I also decide to refuse on paper and mapping project and postpone the exam. In order to reduce some workload but still commit to question project and Viettel projects.
I understand him, Life must go on but we should manage it.
2. Apply what I learn to the job
Unethical Behavior in the Workplace
Reference from http://www.gooddigg.com/ENGLISH/unethical-behavior-in-the-workplace/
- The most obvious reason may be simply for their own interests, greed
- Pressure by his employer to Report incorrect information,
- Fear of losing their job
- Conflict of interest If the accountant has money or a significant stake in the company, he or she may not prepare the perfect individual certain financial companies' statements.
- Failure of an accountant for a detailed examination of the detailed analysis in the preparation and review of financial information
From my point of view, I think everyone works in the project has ever faced this situation before but he/she will do it or not depend on has he/she take it in consideration. It also happened to me in last few months, I had been asked from my senior project controller to revise some project financial figure in order to get better project performance. We had revised it because our own interest/KPI and we think it will have good image on our performance about good monitoring and controlling.
From reference article above and supplemental assignment, educate me on unethical manner and encourage me to behave ethically. I have to act professionally and take it to business way of working. Thank you for this, Dr. Paul.
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