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What are your top risk in Construction projects?

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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
In your experience what are the risks encounter in construction projects. I have quite a few but, I sure don't have a complete list.

It can go from the small one to major risk.

Often construction people say the risks are all in the digging part, there is a few there. And many more after.

One often overlook is possible fungus in and out of dry wall.

Let'S gather those you have identified or encounter in your projects.
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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
May 24, 2017 1:03 PM
Replying to Susan Reilly
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My list is similar

1. Not just errors in estimation but omissions of activities in the project.

2. The contract bidding climate. In a tight economy or where the project has a highly competitive bidding there is a risk of bidders who will file unfair competition complaints that can both delay progress and if the project has to be re-bid higher project costs.
I Like "Contract bidding climate" that is real, both external and internal. Many things stand behind that economical context, opening new market....
Thanks
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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
May 24, 2017 1:43 PM
Replying to Julia Cunningham
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Accidents.
I agree with Susan on bidding climate.
Coordination issues between trades / engineering disciplines (both, together, and often in conflict.
Yes coordination between trades many experience in that!
Thanks
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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
May 27, 2017 12:53 PM
Replying to ANEMU SIVARAMAKRISHNA
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One more addition is half knowledge people in leadership role..
Incomplete knowledge or understanding of management, a good one, Thanks.
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Dileep Sankar Project Engineer| Mechon Trading and Contracting Doha, Qatar
Live cables, which are not recorded in the site plans, makes it horrible for a site engineer. But the latest detection technologies have made that risk minimal.

Then, there are risks in achieving the schedule, if your project requires large scale transportation and logistics affecting timely & sequential material delivery, which occurs with many steel construction projects. I mean those projects where equipment and machinery are transported on-road for thousands of miles including different and risky terrains.

Lack of awareness of safe procedures is yet another major risk, but can be controlled through proper induction and training, however the chances cannot be completely eliminated.
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1 reply by Vincent Guerard
Sep 28, 2017 7:33 PM
Vincent Guerard
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Great example.
I have seen it even in case of documented cable where the sub didn't check plan!
Thanks
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MARK A ANNUNZIATA, Sr VP/EXPERT CONSULTANCY TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY| ROMAN STRUCTURES, INC WELLINGTON FL Dammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
WOW!
That response is very thorough of Vincent.
Let me make a suggestion, and let's deviate from the PMP Framework and get to the reality of Our Business- The successful Execution of the Construction Process. I could list the Risks here in every category, but I would rather call your attention to the Primary Focus of Risks on all Major Construction Projects- SAFETY- and specifically the avoidance of serious injuries and deaths on your Project.
Clients call me to rescue Projects in trouble- Usually related to schedule performance. Getting to the root cause and turning the Project around is relatively straightforward.
The toughest part is to create a culture of Safety on the Project, and to strictly enforce that priority. I deal with 3rd world un/semi skilled work forces (no names) whose cultures do not emphasize Safety.I have very strict rules and procedures to enforce my Safety goals to reduce those inherent risks. You should be focusing on these as well.
Ask yourself this question- Will my Project be considered successful if my EVM's are on the mark- but we "lose" some people in the pursuit of those goals?
I can tell you my answer (and the answer for the USACE and Aramco clients); The answer is NO!
The Primary/Overriding Risk on all Constructions Projects will be the Safety Culture which can only be highlighted as a top priority by the PM.
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1 reply by Vincent Guerard
Sep 28, 2017 7:36 PM
Vincent Guerard
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Soo true
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Tim Podesta Director of PM/PMO| Former BP- now Independent Penn, Bucks, United Kingdom
I support the view that addressing safety risk is a priority for projects, both in project execution and in the operating asset.

Regarding other project risks in Vincent's question, a proper site survey is one of the most critical as site conditions which are unforeseen can have a significant impact on projects,
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1 reply by Vincent Guerard
Sep 28, 2017 7:37 PM
Vincent Guerard
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Yes site survey should be done, it doesn't reveal everything but is so important
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Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
Sep 23, 2017 10:43 AM
Replying to Dileep Sankar
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Live cables, which are not recorded in the site plans, makes it horrible for a site engineer. But the latest detection technologies have made that risk minimal.

Then, there are risks in achieving the schedule, if your project requires large scale transportation and logistics affecting timely & sequential material delivery, which occurs with many steel construction projects. I mean those projects where equipment and machinery are transported on-road for thousands of miles including different and risky terrains.

Lack of awareness of safe procedures is yet another major risk, but can be controlled through proper induction and training, however the chances cannot be completely eliminated.
Great example.
I have seen it even in case of documented cable where the sub didn't check plan!
Thanks
avatar
Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
Sep 28, 2017 7:07 AM
Replying to MARK A ANNUNZIATA, Sr
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WOW!
That response is very thorough of Vincent.
Let me make a suggestion, and let's deviate from the PMP Framework and get to the reality of Our Business- The successful Execution of the Construction Process. I could list the Risks here in every category, but I would rather call your attention to the Primary Focus of Risks on all Major Construction Projects- SAFETY- and specifically the avoidance of serious injuries and deaths on your Project.
Clients call me to rescue Projects in trouble- Usually related to schedule performance. Getting to the root cause and turning the Project around is relatively straightforward.
The toughest part is to create a culture of Safety on the Project, and to strictly enforce that priority. I deal with 3rd world un/semi skilled work forces (no names) whose cultures do not emphasize Safety.I have very strict rules and procedures to enforce my Safety goals to reduce those inherent risks. You should be focusing on these as well.
Ask yourself this question- Will my Project be considered successful if my EVM's are on the mark- but we "lose" some people in the pursuit of those goals?
I can tell you my answer (and the answer for the USACE and Aramco clients); The answer is NO!
The Primary/Overriding Risk on all Constructions Projects will be the Safety Culture which can only be highlighted as a top priority by the PM.
Soo true
avatar
Vincent Guerard Coach - Trainer - Speaker - Advisor| Freelance Mont-Royal, Quebec, Canada
Sep 28, 2017 2:49 PM
Replying to Tim Podesta
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I support the view that addressing safety risk is a priority for projects, both in project execution and in the operating asset.

Regarding other project risks in Vincent's question, a proper site survey is one of the most critical as site conditions which are unforeseen can have a significant impact on projects,
Yes site survey should be done, it doesn't reveal everything but is so important
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Stephanie Willis Project Specialist / Data Analyst| US Tech Solutions Lawrence, Ks, United States
I'd say when a contractor underbids a project, and/or subcontracts work to inexperienced businesses, that presents a host of risks, including (and especially) quality, cost and schedule. I'm not in construction but 2 decades ago, I worked for a couple of general contractors. I imagine it is an issue more in the residential space or small business space but nonetheless, it exists. The reason I hopped on this thread is because in my current company, we install/fiber optic cable, and thus deal with construction projects on a daily basis.
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1 reply by MARK A ANNUNZIATA, Sr
Jun 18, 2019 8:22 AM
MARK A ANNUNZIATA, Sr
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Stephanie-
You are absolutely correct. On my LinkedIn page, I have written some articles describing my experiences attempting to mentor a recent "Precon" Department. They mistakenly assumed that cutting deals with unqualified Vendors for the cheapest price actually produced savings for the Project Budget.
This attitude puts unskilled and low performing Subcontractors on the Project, causing extensive problems for the Execution Team and the Project Manager.
I recently witnessed 2 Major Multi-family Projects stalled due to Senior Management's inability to improve its Vendor pipeline. The 24 Month Projects were entering their 60th month. The PM's of these Projects are very upset!
You are very perceptive!

From the Trenches!
M
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