Engineering Management Institute

TEPM - The Engineering Project Management Podcast

TEPM 10: How to Effectively Manage Offshore Wind Projects

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Offshore Wind ProjectsIn this episode, I talk to Alejandro Jimenez Gomez, the Head of Project Development for Global Offshore Wind projects at UL Solutions, about how he manages offshore wind projects, and what some of the current and future risks are for this industry.

Engineering Quotes:

Offshore Wind Projects

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Alejandro:

  • Can you briefly explain what offshore wind projects entail?
  • What are some of the current risks in the offshore wind industry?
  • What are some of the challenges you have faced as a PM in the industry?
  • What recommendations do you have for someone working on projects similar to yours to build and grow their careers?
  • What do you think the future holds for the offshore wind industry?
  • How can engineers become more involved in offshore wind projects?
  • Are there any other points that you would like to make regarding project management in the offshore wind industry?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Effectively Manage Offshore Wind Projects:

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TEPM 9: How Project Managers Can Add Value to Projects

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Add Value to ProjectsIn this episode, I talk to Scott West P.E., PMP, LEED AP BD+C, ASHRAE BCxP, BEAP & BEMP, a mechanical engineer from HFA in Fort Worth, TX, about how a project manager can add value to projects, and how his MBA has helped him in his career.

Engineering Quotes:

Add Value to Projects

Add Value to Projects

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Scott:

  • How are project management skills used in the building design and construction industry today?
  • How has agile project management influenced the building industry?
  • How does project scaling influence the preparation of a project?
  • How do you approach project scoping and proposals?
  • What are your thoughts on project execution and adding value for owners?
  • What are some of the lessons you have learned as a PM?
  • What are some of the challenges you faced in the energy/sustainability world, and how did you overcome those challenges?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Project Managers Can Add Value to Projects:

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TEPM 008: How to Manage Client Expectations in Your Engineering Projects

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client expectationsIn this episode, I talk to Richard (Rich) Negri, MSCE, P.E., the owner and principal engineer of Geoterra Engineering & Construction Consultants, about engineering in the residential real estate industry, and how to manage client expectations in your engineering projects.

Engineering Quotes:

client expectations

client expectations

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Richard:

  • What do you do daily at Geoterra Engineering & Construction Consultants?
  • What does engineering in the residential real estate industry entail?
  • What are some of the things you do to deliver projects on time and within budget?
  • How do you manage client expectations, and what role does communication play here?
  • How do you ensure effective project communication among the different team members?
  • Are there any tools or software you use to assist with this?
  • Are there any other points you would like to make regarding project management?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Manage Client Expectations in Your Engineering Projects:

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TEPM 007: The Importance of Building Relationships With Your Clients

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building relationshipsIn this episode, I talk to Chris Perry, Senior Vice President and Program Director at Woolpert, about the importance of building relationships with your clients and how you can provide value to their projects.

Engineering Quotes:

building relationships

building relationships

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Chris:

  • Why is client relationship important in project management?
  • How can project managers provide a high level of service to their clients in today’s challenging times?
  • How do you communicate with your clients to show them you are not only thinking about today, but also the future?
  • What is one thing that project managers can do to help their clients be “smarter” earlier?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Importance of Building Relationships With Your Clients:

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TEPM 006: Project Management Tips: How to Be Your Genuine Self in Project Management

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Genuine SelfIn this episode, I talk to Mallory Wilde, P.E., a transportation-focused civil engineer from Parametrix, about how you can bring your genuine self to project management by being open and honest with your team and clients.

Engineering Quotes:

Genuine Self

Genuine Self

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Mallory:

  • What was your experience like in becoming a project manager?
  • What would you say is the biggest key to success in project management?
  • How do you ensure a project stays within scope, schedule, and budget?
  • How often do you meet with your internal team, and why are team meetings important in project management?
  • Are there any techniques you use for approaching difficult conversations with clients?
  • How do you communicate openly and honestly with your team, and why is it so important for the success of a project?
  • How do you know when to say no at work and how can one do it politely and effectively as a project manager?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Be Your Genuine Self in Project Management:

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TEPM 5: How to Hold Your Project Managers Accountable (And Why It Matters)

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Project ManagersIn this episode, I talk about how you can hold your project managers accountable and why it matters by providing you with three specific steps you can start implementing right away.

Engineering Quotes:

Project Managers

Project Managers

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Hold Your Project Managers Accountable:

The reason that holding project managers (PMs) accountable is important is that your project managers are the cash flow engine of your firm. They dictate how profitable your projects are. If they are not performing at a high level, the ship may be sinking, so to speak, in terms of your company financially. And unfortunately, oftentimes what happens is if your PMs are not accountable, their projects aren’t going to do well financially, although they may do well enough that you won’t notice it fast enough to rectify this problem.

Your PMs must be held accountable regularly. That being said, let’s look at how you hold your PMs accountable. Here are three specific steps that you could take to do this:

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TEPM 004: The Critical Role That Effective Communication Plays in Project Management

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Effective CommunicationIn this episode, I talk to JC Hungerford, PE, a civil engineer and Water Division Manager at Parametrix, about how effective communication with your project teams and clients can help you ensure you deliver projects on time and within budget.

Engineering Quotes:

Effective Communication

Effective Communication

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask JC:

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TEPM 003: Project Management Tips for Engineers: How to Become a Well-Rounded Project Manager

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project managementIn this episode, I talk to Gary Hamilton, P.E., CEng, PMP, LEED AP, CxA, EDAC, FASHE, Senior Vice President, and USA Healthcare Director at WSP, about project management in designing healthcare facilities, and how someone with a strong technical background can transition into a management role.

Engineering Quotes:

project management Gary Hamilton

project management Anthony Fasano

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Gary:

  • What does a healthcare director do, and what are some of the responsibilities of a healthcare director?
  • How does someone with a strong technical background transition into a management role?
  • What does your role in resource management entails?
  • How do you motivate and engage your team when working on projects?
  • Why is leadership development important in healthcare, and what type of leadership you need?
  • What are some of the things you do to deliver projects on time and within budget?
  • Also, How do you ensure the soon-to-be or new PMs are getting the training they need?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Project Management Tips for Engineers:

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TEPM 2: How to Develop a Winning Project Management Philosophy in Your Company

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Project Management PhilosophyIn this episode, I talk to Ryan Welke, AIA, Project Management Group Leader at ISG, about ISG’s project management philosophy and why project managers are the most important professionals in consulting firms.

Engineering Quotes:

Project Management Philosophy

Project Management Philosophy

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Ryan:

  • What is the ISG’s philosophy around project management?
  • Is the ISG project manager group responsible for supporting the success of your people and the projects?
  • Do you use software to manage project tasks, and what does that process look like at ISG?
  • How has remote work affected the project managers’ ability to manage projects and collaborate with team members?
  • Do you have any advice for project managers for effective project communication?
  • How do you ensure the soon-to-be or new PMs are getting the training they need?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Develop a Winning Project Management Philosophy:

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TEPM 01: The Project Management Triangle: Scope, Schedule, and Budget

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Project Management Triangle - Michael A. LozanoffIn this episode, I talk to Mike Lozanoff, P.E., one of EMI’s project management instructors, about project scope, schedule, and budget, three tools that make up the Project Management Triangle, so you can manage a project successfully.

Engineering Quotes:

Project Management Triangle - Tweet for Mike Lozanoff

Project Management Triangle - Tweet for Anthony Fasano

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Mike:

  • How would you describe the project scope?
  • Why is project scope so important in being able to successfully manage a project?
  • How do you recommend a project manager create the project schedule and update it regularly?
  • How do you recommend a project manager monitor their project budgets?
  • Talk about the interrelationship between scope, schedule, and budget and why these three components of project management are so critical, especially for younger, or newer PMs to learn about as early as possible in their careers?
  • If you were mentoring younger or beginner project managers, how would you guide them on managing the relationship between scope, schedule, and budget?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Project Management Triangle: