If You Want to Reduce Project Risks, Reduce the Number of Variables

There are two extremes when it comes to project control. One is to accept that the chosen delivery method has many inherent risks and variables. The task is then to try to mitigate and manage these risks as effectively as possible. Project delivery becomes a continuous problem solving and crisis management exercise.

At the other extreme you can put more emphasis on the delivery method to reduce the number of risks and variables that have to be managed. Generally, this means doing most of the problem solving up-front so that project delivery follows a neat, sequential and predictable pathway.

The first approach is typical of traditional construction projects. It’s more or less accepted that the weather, labour supply and unforeseen technical hitches will throw up problems for project managers to solve on the fly.

The second approach is characteristic of a modern construction project with a high Pre-Manufactured Value (PMV). These are projects designed in a 3D BIM environment and delivered using advanced manufacturing processes.

Traditional projects rely on approaches to management such as ‘Waterfall’ or ‘Agile’ that aim to manage uncertainty and unplanned events. New manufacturing-based methods are based on greater certainty and open the way to apply Lean principles.

Replicating Designs and Processes

Another advantage of the pre-manufactured approach is that design elements, and all of the manufacturing and assembly processes that follow, can be easily replicated from project to project.

Moving from traditional to modern construction methods means changing the project planning and delivery methodology – not just the technology. Experience of delivering projects using offsite products matters!

Osborne’s InForm product for education is designed to eliminate as many project risks and variables as possible. The PMV of each project is at least 55% and often significantly higher.

The components used include: SIPs for walls (which often come with pre-installed windows, doors and cladding), roof cassettes, staircases and floor slabs. Production of each element is timed with precision so they are delivered to the site at exactly the right time. This eliminates the risk of materials being damaged through incorrect onsite storage, which leads to waste and further delays.

The standardised design elements also simplify the delivery of future projects – eliminating risks from project delivery. Meanwhile, consistent product quality ensures the performance of the completed buildings.

For more information about Osborne’s InForm product for education contact Caroline Compton-James ([email protected]) or visit our resource centre.