Project: 7 red lines all perfectly perpendicular to one another, some green and some transparent...i

This hilarious video-clip captures the essence of some of the mis-communications and frustrations of coming up with project definition, scope and deliverables. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKorP55Aqvg&feature=share

Doing anything well depends on a clear understanding of the needs by all parties, defining a scope of work precisely and accurately, and outlining a realistic plan of action with measurable milestones with feedback for corrective action.

So, what are the elements of an effective proposal?

A. Objectives.

B. Problem definition

C. Scope of work with Deliverables

D. Deliverables schedule

E. Duration (or term) of the work

F. Pricing.

If A-to-E are precisely written out, with no ambiguity or conflict, accurate pricing naturally follows.

For larger and more complex projects, a “Stage-Gate” process is effective. Stage-Gate is a fancier (and pricier!) way of saying, “step-by-step using common sense”.

A Front End Loaded (FEL) methodology is a widely-used stage-gate process.

FEL steps are:

FEL1 (Business Assessment)

FEL2: (Alternatives Selection / Conceptual Design)

FEL3: (Scope Definition / Basic Engineering)

FEL4: ( Engineering, Procurement & Construction Management, aka EPCM)

FEL5: (Commissioning, followed by Operations & Maintenance)

Projects can be developed and financed under several business models. Projects are commonly built under a full-wrap EPC (Engineering-Procurement-Construction/Commissioning) or a partial-wrap EPCM (Engineering-Procurement-Construction Management) model.

As always, success depends on clear thinking and open exchange of information.

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