Mastering The Skill Of Secure and Consistent Project Delivery – Ep 045

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Consistent Project Delivery

In this episode, I talk with Karen Ditz, PMP, commercial manager, and Phil Tunnah, P.E., operations director, from Stanley Consultants about the importance of consistent project delivery and adapting program management strategies to meet various client needs.

***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:

Consistent Project Delivery

Consistent Project Delivery

Consistent Project Delivery

Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Karen and Philip:

  • How important is it to maintain consistent project delivery practices, and what impact does this have on an organization’s project success?
  • How important is it to maintain consistent practices across all projects to ensure the team understands the scope, schedule, and budget?
  • In consulting, how does program management help address client needs like growth, compliance, and infrastructure challenges?
  • Are there any other client business drivers or program management challenges you’d like to discuss?
  • How can project managers customize their approach to meet specific client needs while maintaining consistency, especially in larger projects with multiple stakeholders?
  • How does empathy for clients’ and stakeholders’ challenges influence your approach as a project manager?
  • What strategies do you use to connect with clients and build relationships early on in projects?
  • What approaches to program management does Stanley use, and what program strategies promote operational and project delivery efficiencies?
  • What final advice would you offer engineering professionals aiming to transition into project management?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Mastering The Skill Of Secure and Consistent Project Delivery:

  • Maintaining consistent project delivery practices is vital for an organization’s project success, as it ensures coordination, accountability, and informed decision-making across all teams. This consistency leads to smoother operations and better outcomes, regardless of the project’s size.
  • Consistent practices across all projects are crucial for ensuring that the team fully understands the scope, schedule, and budget. This approach streamlines operations, enhances communication, and ensures that projects are completed successfully and efficiently.
  • In consulting, program management addresses growth, compliance, and infrastructure challenges by efficiently coordinating projects. This ensures aligned costs, schedules, and practices, leading to effective solutions.
  • Projects within the portfolio are efficiently delivered within the program’s framework, addressing any client business drivers and program management challenges.
  • Project managers can tailor their approach by incorporating empathy and data-driven insights to understand and address specific client needs.
  • Empathy for clients’ and stakeholders’ challenges drives the project manager’s approach, emphasizing understanding and addressing their needs. This approach enhances communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement, contributing to successful project outcomes.
  • Connecting with clients and building relationships early in projects involves prioritizing open communication and active stakeholder engagement.
  • Stanley focuses on thorough planning and clear objectives from the start of projects, using strategies like “well begun is half done” and “start with the end in mind.” They prioritize organizational alignment, process adaptation, and transparent systems to improve operational and project delivery efficiency.
  • For engineers moving into project management, focus on flexibility, communication skills, and patience. Recognize team strengths, keep learning, and document rigorously for better problem-solving throughout projects.

More Details in This Episode…

About Karen Ditz, PMP

Stanley ConsultantsKaren Ditz is a commercial manager at Stanley Consultants, where she excels in program management and project delivery. She brings a wealth of experience in developing processes and procedures for large-scale programs, focusing on the evaluation and deployment of effective project delivery systems and tools. Karen’s extensive background encompasses strategic planning, business operations, asset management, and project management, specifically tailored to the needs of utilities, developers, and diverse clients.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Geography from The University of Edinburgh, which complements her broad operational expertise. Karen is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a testament to her skill and dedication in the field of project management. Her strategic oversight and innovative approach significantly enhance client service and operational efficiency at Stanley Consultants.

About Phil Tunnah, P.E.

Stanley ConsultantsPhil Tunnah is a seasoned operations director at Stanley Consultants, leveraging a robust background in business administration and civil engineering. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Colorado State University, focusing on Business Administration and Management, and a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil Engineering from the University of Leeds. With expertise honed in dynamic and technical environments, Phil leads with a strategic approach to enhance operational efficiencies and drive project success at Stanley Consultants. His educational foundation and professional acumen position him as a key player in managing and optimizing the firm’s operations.

Sources/References:

Stanley Consultants
Southern Water
Thames Water
Connect with Karen Ditz, PMP, on LinkedIn
Connect with Phil Tunnah, P.E., on LinkedIn

This Episode Is Brought to You by Stanley Consultants

Stanley ConsultantsImproving Lives Since 1913. Stanley Consultants has been helping clients solve essential and complex energy and infrastructure challenges for over 110 years, completing more than 50,000 engagements in 120 countries and all 50 states and U.S. territories. Values-based and purpose-driven, Stanley is an employee-owned company of engineers, scientists, technologists, innovators, and client-service experts who are recognized for their commitment and passion to making a difference. For more information on Stanley Consultants, please visit https://www.stanleyconsultants.com.

We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on mastering the skill of secure and consistent project delivery.

Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.

To your success,

Anthony Fasano, P.E., LEED AP
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success

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