Too Many Plans!!!

Complex projects often need multiple programmes to break down the level of detail to the correct audience. This is a necessary part of the plan, you can have the best plan in the world but its worthless if it cant be read and understood. There’s a key definition that I need to make in order…

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…

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…

Delusional Programme

A delusional programme is one that looks right but doesn’t operate like a programme should. A pretty broad statement so I will explain what I mean. Once a programme is produced it should be able to react to change that is put into it. If the initial programme was built and linked correctly in the…