Optimize the Whole, The Project Reformer’s Project e-Tip of the Week
May 6th, 2004 by HalThis is the third of five project e-Tips on ideas that are reshaping the delivery of projects. As you read through this consider whether you are systematically doing it or do you just know about it.
 The Project Reformer's e-Tip of the Week |
| 026: Optimize the Whole |
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AEC projects are contracted in ways that usually result in optimization at local or subcontract levels. Consulting engineers manage their work to maximixe engineering utilization. Plumbers do what is good for the plumbers. Other performers do the same. Some people say that if we do well with each of the parts, the whole will do well too. That is blatantly not true. And, people on the project know it. Sometimes it takes one group goins slow so that the project can proceed more effectively. However, the incentives are not set up to accomplish that. Optimizing the whole requires on-going attention. Circumstances change. What appears to be good for the whole at one point in the project may not be so at other points. It takes a recurring conversation and assessment among the many project participants to continue to act for the general well-being of the whole project. Try asking just one question at each of your coordination meetings:
Answer the question in the group setting. Be open to adjust scope, fees, and plans accordingly. As the result, you'll do better for you client and the team.
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©2004 Hal Macomber | RPM | e-Tip Archive | PDF | Submit Tip |
Let me know what you learn while you try this out. And send me your proposals for an e-Tip. If I publish it, then I'll send you a Free Prize Inside!
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