Partnering the Larger Complex Project and Program
The risks on complex, large-scale construction projects are great, but so are the rewards. In addition to carrying a high-level of risk, other challenges project teams face during large projects include:
- increased public scrutiny,
- multiple stakeholders,
- longer duration,
- and the involvement of larger, more complex organizations.
To address these complications and keep the project on-track, VCG has created a truly innovative multi-level teaming process called “Derivative Partnering,” which provides the framework to engage and align the project team, as well as multiple stakeholders and third parties.
Greater Risk
Large-scale construction projects bear greater risk in all domains—financial, political, social and personal. A major threat to all stakeholders is the cost of a project delay or stopping construction altogether. With increased risk, comes pressure to defend/transfer risk; a time-consuming activity to say the least. A World Class teamwork environment breaks down the walls of individual companies and brings them together, creating a single-team built upon trust, where productivity and meeting the project’s end-goals reign paramount and risk fades away.
Increased Visibility
The larger, complex job—especially in the public sector—is invariably under constant public and media scrutiny. With greater visibility, can come pressure to defer decisions or push them off on another party. Indecision can also delay or stop a project. Our Partnering methodology helps ensure that a plan is put in place to communicate effectively with the various team members, as well as the public throughout all stages of a project. This collaborative approach effectively addresses the needs of the team and the community, creating a safe environment to make quick and appropriate decisions without the worry of putting an individual team member’s or a company’s reputation at risk.
More and More Vocal Stakeholders
Large projects not only involve the owner, architect, engineers, general contractor, subcontractors and other project team members, but they also include multiple agencies, community groups, inspectors, end-users—many of whom are vocal constituents. On large projects, the team needs to develop strategies to effectively engage with these various entities who often have different agendas, while keeping the job moving forward. When implemented correctly, World Class teaming breaks down silos, capitalizes on the resources and capabilities of all team members and pulls these disparate organizations together to focus on and achieve common goals.
Longer Durations
The bigger the project, the longer its duration. Lengthy project schedules create unique challenges for the project team, manifesting itself in several ways. These include challenges with scheduling and coordination and keeping the team focused on the end-game throughout the entire project. Additionally, these jobs can involve discrete phases of construction involving different players, which is compounded by project personnel turnover. Navigating constant change like this is where the value of World Class teamwork really shines, by creating flexibility and long-term positive relationships focused on the project’s ultimate success. Lengthy projects using a high-performance teaming approach also create a greater opportunity to build confidence and establish trust through previous accomplishments, enabling the team to take on and meet greater challenges.
