Schrödinger’s Programme

Schrödinger is best known for a thought experiment in which a hypothetical cat could be considered both dead and alive within a box with a radioactive isotope as its fate is linked to a random subatomic event which may or may not occur. I like to use the Schrödinger analogy on projects where a programme…

Who is the Programme For?

This might sound like a stupid question but oddly seems to be a contentious discussion point depending on who I’m talking to. I’ve heard: “We don’t even look at that mate” “We only do a programme because the contract says to” and “What’s the point, it’s all going to change tomorrow anyway”. These are the…

Tools of the Trade – Planning Software

On most occasions planning software will be dictated within the contract. If it isn’t then your free to choose which software is used for the project. Despite being able to use multiple planning software I certainly have my own preference but understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each software is important. It’s also important to…

Are You Efficient?

Most things in the modern world will either come with an efficiency rating or a way of reading efficiency, whether that is mpg in your car or energy usage on a smart meter. There are so many ways to measure efficiencies but how often do we take a step back and measure how efficient site…

Links

Links drive the programme, collectively they are know as Logic. Without links, planning software would not know the relationships between activities and the scheduling calculations would be useless. Accurate and correct logic links within a programme are therefore paramount to its robustness. Links can be placed on activities for a number of reasons for example…

Rubbish In = Rubbish Out

Information is powerful. Misinformation is Dangerous. If were talking about project controls then the metrics we use to measure the project need to be reliable and accurate. I’ve seen many large schemes have metrics which are easily manipulated to meet the targets which have been set. Which is more important, meeting the target or reporting…

Why produce a programme?

Regardless of your contract type a programme will be a requirement. Some forms of contract base more onus on the programme than others with NEC being probably the most programme centred contract types. If the contract didn’t require a programme would you change anything about your planning practices? If so then maybe your missing the…