Kabilan BalakrishnanPM Specialist| FAHAD SAUD AL-HARBI GENERAL CONTRACTING ESTABLISHMToronto, Ontario, Canada
PMI is focusing more attention on agile methodologies and principles to be implemented into project management world. I am more curious on implementing those principles and methodologies into day to day construction industry as the construction industry is widely using waterfall techniques.
Can these agile methodologies be implemented to minimal scope of construction industry? in what way? and how? Saving Changes...
Mohamad FararjehProject Management - Electrical Engineer| San Francisco Bar Area Rapid Transit (BART)Santa Clara, Ca, United States
Sep 15, 2017 5:39 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
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Just one comment. while it does not matter in the context of this topic, Lean and Agile are not the same. But in this case, you can apply Lean. I have used it when it was not named Lean. It was Toyota TPS. Lean was the name the MIT gave it time after. In fact, when you are talking about things like construction, Lean could be more useful than Agile.
Sergio,
I used Lean in construction projects, and you are correct, they are not the same. I wrote about Lean concepts in my linkedin
I read your article when you posted it into linkedin. It is a great article and if I am not wrong I said that when I commented it. I remembered it because a lot of people talk about agile, lean and other "buzzwords" but few people like you have real practical experience in the field. Thank you very much.
Saving Changes...
Mohamad FararjehProject Management - Electrical Engineer| San Francisco Bar Area Rapid Transit (BART)Santa Clara, Ca, United States
Sep 15, 2017 5:39 AM
Replying to Sergio Luis Conte
...
Just one comment. while it does not matter in the context of this topic, Lean and Agile are not the same. But in this case, you can apply Lean. I have used it when it was not named Lean. It was Toyota TPS. Lean was the name the MIT gave it time after. In fact, when you are talking about things like construction, Lean could be more useful than Agile.
Sergion is correct, Lean and Agile are not the same. I used Lean in construction projects.
I wrote about Lean concepts on my linkedin account.
Mohamad FararjehProject Management - Electrical Engineer| San Francisco Bar Area Rapid Transit (BART)Santa Clara, Ca, United States
Applying Agile depends largely on the project owner. In construction, the project owner has something in mind and they want to stick with, unless corrections are required, typically due to design errors. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Sep 15, 2017 8:06 AM
Replying to Peter Ambrosy
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Sergio, you are right - Lean and Agile is not same. As I am not a native english speaker, my wording in my earlier reply is not fully correct. What I meant is that Agile is a subset of Lean, as shown in the graphic on page 11 - Agile Practise Guide.
You can apply Scrum and/or DSDM. But both are methods only. Agile is practice. So, the key question is: why I need apply Agile to a construction project? That is the key on the basic assumption that you clear understand what Agile is. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Sep 15, 2017 8:06 AM
Replying to Peter Ambrosy
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Sergio, you are right - Lean and Agile is not same. As I am not a native english speaker, my wording in my earlier reply is not fully correct. What I meant is that Agile is a subset of Lean, as shown in the graphic on page 11 - Agile Practise Guide.
Peter, I am not a native english speaker too so, please sorry if my previous comment was understanded as a concern or something like that.At the end it does not matter except the organization is searching for something specific as its core strategy. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Sep 15, 2017 1:29 PM
Replying to Mohamad Fararjeh
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Sergio,
I used Lean in construction projects, and you are correct, they are not the same. I wrote about Lean concepts in my linkedin
I read your article when you posted it into linkedin. It is a great article and if I am not wrong I said that when I commented it. I remembered it because a lot of people talk about agile, lean and other "buzzwords" but few people like you have real practical experience in the field. Thank you very much. Saving Changes...
MARK A ANNUNZIATA, SrVP/EXPERT CONSULTANCY TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY| ROMAN STRUCTURES, INC WELLINGTON FLDammam, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
Mr. K-
It is thought provoking and unusual for me to read your question and the responses. I am amazed at the input from professionals with little or no construction management or execution experience. The theoretical, esoteric discussions do not translate to the field as priorities-----
As a recently minted PMP (I have only had some less demanding work hours with my new role during August) I would offer the following suggestions for your consideration:
1) in our world, 3 subjects not covered by PMI are our first priority\, and always will be, as PM's..
First is SAFETY of the jobsite ( big responsibility when you are ultimately responsible for the well being of 3000 plus unskilled workers in a very dangerous environment).
Second would be Contract skills-including Reading, Understanding, Your Contract with the Client, and knowing the Contract Laws of your region.
Third, would be Controlling Change Orders in a manner that is acceptable to your Senior Management and the Clients.
These will always be our #1 focus.
Additionally-
2) Using your EVM reporting on a WEEKLY basis in an Effective Manner to report and Control your Project.
3) Influencing and controlling your Procurement Department would be next on the priority list for a Project Manager.
4) HR management is also a priority. Have you Recruited and Hired for your firm? Have you cultivated and mentored SME's? Have you formed Teams to Execute the work? Have you terminated staff members for non-performance? These are absolute skills for PM's.
5) My point is: Lean or Agile? Work with your QC and Project Controls Staff to help them improve the processes- but only after you have mastered the priorities!
Good Luck!
M Saving Changes...
Kabilan BalakrishnanPM Specialist| FAHAD SAUD AL-HARBI GENERAL CONTRACTING ESTABLISHMToronto, Ontario, Canada
Thanks all.. I look forward for a detailed presentation on how to apply agile principles to the construction industry for a mega project in detail. I can definitely provide my contribution to that. Saving Changes...
