Partner & Sponsor News March 2014

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SAFRAN GOES GLOBAL...

Norwegian project management software company Safran today announced a new-look global organization to expand its product offering and operations around the world.

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The new global organization will deliver planning and project control solutions for Oil & Gas, Aerospace & Defense, and Engineering & Construction markets in the USA, UK & Europe, Australia and the Middle East.

In addition to opening new offices in Houston and London, Safran has bolstered its management team with experienced industry figures, including:

Lars Petter Eliassen, Group CEO – Director-level Oil & Gas experience from telecoms solutions provider Inelecom Group, and part of the team that took RigNet from startup to the NASDAQ.
Richard Wood, VP International Sales – Substantial Business Development experience from Oracle Primavera.
Glenn Jarrad, Senior Software Developer – Former Technical Director for the revolutionary Pertmaster software, and 5 years senior development experience on Oracle Primavera.
Dean Edmundson, CEO Americas – More than 20 years of software and project management experience, including ARES Project Management and working at a senior level with the initial alliance between Oracle and Primavera.
Jeff Russell, VP US Sales – Former Application Sales Manager for the Oil & Gas and Utilities verticals at Oracle Primavera.

ARE YOU REALLY IN CONTROL OF YOUR PROJECTS?

Whether you run time-critical, capital-intensive, resource-critical, or high-risk R&D projects, Safran software will help you deliver on-time and on-budget.

Safran Project 5 is a comprehensive planning solution designed to keep even the most complex projects under control, offering schedule risk analysis and comprehensive reporting, fully integrated into the software.

Safran Planner makes scheduling smaller projects a breeze, while Safran Web Access allows project members to update status and project stakeholders to view live information, wherever they are in the world, on whatever device they choose.

Talk to us and discover the Safran Difference.

Visit www.safran.com [2], call (+47) 4000 4707 or email info@safran.com [3] to find out more, or to arrange a demonstration.

PMA TECHNOLOGIES... The Upside of Risk...

When most people think about risk assessments or risk management: they think only of avoiding potential risks. Sometimes, risk can also mean issues or problems. But risk management has another important component: opportunity.

A thorough risk assessment will evaluate potential opportunities that can be exploited along with risks which can be avoided.

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Dr David Hillson describes opportunities as positive risks. In his book, “Effective Opportunity Management for Projects: Exploiting Positive Risk,” Dr. Hillson makes the case for full inclusion of positive risks in the process of risk assessment and management.

I could not agree more. History is replete with examples of missed opportunity. From the Beatles’ drummer before Ringo Starr to venture capitalists Battery Ventures, who turned down the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of Facebook, missed opportunities are as painful in retrospect as they can be elusive in foresight.

To minimize the chances of rueful reminiscence, we can choose to actively engage in the collection and management of potential opportunities. In the world of decision support systems, we find remarkable tools to evaluate potential opportunities we think of during the qualitative portion of risk assessment.

Finding opportunities can be a bit tricky, in part because of the way our minds work. In Daniel Kahneman’s book “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” Kahneman discusses the anchoring and priming of the human mind. Through these processes, future thoughts are strongly influenced by the thoughts and environment a person encounters just prior to a cognitive event.

If you come to a meeting primed to think about negative risks, it is less likely you will generate opportunities. Perhaps we should adopt a two session system, whereby risks are evaluated in one session and opportunities are evaluated in the next. Read More... [4]

EcoSys EPC

EcoSys is fast becoming the global standard for enterprise Project Controls software. Our easy-to-use web-based platform, EcoSys EPC, helps organizations worldwide plan and manage project portfolios, control project costs, and improve project performance.

Latest News from EcoSys: CH2M HILL Selects EcoSys EPC for Global Cost Management System [5]

EcoSys EPC has been selected by CH2M HILL’s Center for Project Excellence to serve as the global Cost Management System (CMS) for all client projects. Through its integrated and scalable enterprise project controls software, EcoSys will help CH2M HILL to more effectively manage project costs, earned value, progress measurement, and contract changes.

> Read more [5]

Download New Case Study: AREVA Inc. Improves Project Certainty with EVM Standardization Initiative [6]

In 2011, AREVA successfully implemented EcoSys EPC for controlling one of the company’s largest engineering services projects. As a result, the US project management organization (PMO) selected EcoSys EPC as their enterprise standard for project controls and EVM.

> Download Case Study [6]

TILOS News

TILOS 8: Enhanced data exchange options

TILOS 8 supplies a big new feature set for planning and building infrastructure projects such rail, road, tunnel and pipeline projects. Very often TILOS is used for the linear visualisation of schedules prepared in other project management systems.

The new exchange concept supports to exchange only parts of the project with TILOS. This is controlled by a flexible export filter that allows also to group activities having the same code assignments to generate overview plans from highly detailed schedules. Sample: In a big road project the bridges for crossing streets can be summarized in single activities to be shown on the time distances diagram in order to highlight the interaction with the linear tasks planned in TILOS.

The data changed in TILOS can be uploaded to the Primavera, MS Project or ASTA Powerproject. Within this process it can be clearly defined which fields should be updated and which should not be touched. Links to activities that are not updated are kept.

The Primavera data exchange allows also to exchange the complete WBS structure. As it uses the API, the security in enterprise databases is kept. The exchange module supports to upload a complete resource loaded linear schedule from TILOS into any of the 3 products to deliver the plan in any format required for a tender.

Read more about the new features of version 8:

http://tilos.org/fileadmin/downloads/doc/T8/EN/WhatIsNewInTilos8.pdf [7]

SYNCHRO...

Synchro Software’s upcoming 4D BIM UK Conference is being held 15-16 May 2014, in Birmingham, England.

FREE eTraining:

Just released- NEW Synchro eTraining course, FREE with all new Synchro 4D Scheduler and Synchro Professional licenses.

Current license holders can request free one year subscriptions at marketing@synchroltd.com [8].

This year’s conference will be more interesting than ever. Day one will include outstanding case study presentations by industry leaders who will demonstrate how they use Synchro Professional to improve their project delivery process. Other topics include, Product Updates, a panel discussion on using 4D to challenge the status quo and Synchro’s innovation roadmap.

The 16th will be an entire day of hands on training conducted by the Synchro team; participants can choose either introductory or advanced sessions.

Details and Registration will be on our website shortly. You won’t want to miss this informative two day conference!

The course is powered by Global eTraining and gives users a solid grounding in the use of Synchro’s 4D scheduling and planning tools including: importing, exporting, assigning 3D objects, creating use profiles, model based scheduling, linking, synchronising, and preparing presentations.

Learn Synchro FREE, see very project in detail and achieve measurable improvement in project delivery.

Trial license users also get 10 days access to eTraining during their trial.

[9]	One last amazing FREE offer: no need to spend another penny on 2D scheduling software. Download a license of Synchro Scheduler, with advanced CPM engine at www.synchroltd.com [9].

TENSIX CONSULTING...

The most Effective way To Learn Primavera P6 Professional?

Our on-line, self-paced Primavera P6 Professional Fundamentals Video Training Course is the easiest and fastest way to learn Oracle Primavera P6 Professional.

Through a series of high quality video lessons, exercises and quizzes, you will learn how to use the most common features of Primavera P6 Professional. Here’s why other folks have chosen this class:

If you don’t have Primavera P6 Professional installed, don’t worry. We provide detailed step-by-step instructions on how to download and install Primavera P6 Professional.

To learn more http://www.tensixconsulting.com/video-training-primavera-p6-professional-r8-3/ [10]

ASTA POWERPROJECT NATIONAL USER FORUM, 26^th March, London

All supported users of Asta Powerproject are invited to attend our National User Forum at the British Museum. There is still time to register and come along to hear about news of product developments, network with peers and hear quality keynote presentations stimulating debate on topical issues.

To find out more and register visit http://www.astadev.com/events/asta-national-user-forum-2014/ [11]

Asta Powerproject in the USA

Interest in Asta Powerproject in the USA continues to grow. We will be attending several events during 2014, with the next one being the ENR+Dodge Global Construction Summit in New York in May.

For details see: http://construction.com/events/2014/global-summit/ [12]

We now have a new website focused on the USA at www.astapowerproject.com [13] . For those of you based in the USA you can use this site to keep up-to-date with our event attendance and news stories.

Case study: See how Robertson used Asta Powerproject for successful delivery of award-winning project

Robertson, one of the largest privately owned support services and construction groups in the UK, used Asta Powerproject on their award-winning Aberdeen Emergency Care Centre. The company was proud to receive the gold award in the £40m to £100m new build and refurbishment sector in the last CIOB Construction Manager of the Year Award for this challenging, state-of-the-art, project.

Read the full case study here: http://www.astadev.com/uncategorized/robertson-uses-asta-powerproject-successful-delivery-award-winning-project/ [14]

PROJECT PARTNERS ONDEMAND & RECORDED WEBINARS...

All Project Partners Webinars are offered Free of Charge to approved attendees :)

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Uncover Valuable Insights and Quickly Take Action With Primavera P6 Analytics and BI Publisher

Oracle’s Primavera P6 Analytics is a packaged business intelligence solution that provides valuable insights into your Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management performance so you can uncover trends, discover the root cause of issues, and forecast costs, helping you to drive efficiencies and make better decisions about your projects. This webinar shows how reporting is done in the P6 Analytics user interface, which you can use in your own instance immediately. Register to view the webinar here: http://www.projectp.com/resources/webinars.php [16]

Primavera Unifier for Capital Projects Management

Primavera Unifier provides solutions for capital project and portfolio management, facilities management, and real estate portfolio management. Learn about its intuitive user interface with a powerful, yet easy to use Workflow Engine, which can be tailored to your business to increase adoption, minimize training, and deliver rapid time to value. Whether employing prebuilt templates out of the box or building new configurations from scratch, Primavera Unifier delivers the best combination of ease of use and flexibility— no matter how large or small your deployment. Register to view the webinar here: http://www.projectp.com/resources/webinars.php [16]

Learn About the New Primavera Gateway

The Primavera Gateway was recently introduced by Oracle, and it enables clients to integrate their P6 Platform to any ERP or legacy application. Primavera Gateway is JAVA based, and application-agnostic. Its use of graphical mapping between P6 and third party products enables clients to fully integrate their systems and be able to control their Project Financial information and schedules in an integrated manner, rather than in silos. Register to view the webinar here: http://www.projectp.com/resources/webinars.php [16]

ELEARNING FOR ORACLE PRIMAVERA P6...

Primaskills Pty Ltd is now hosting Primavera P6 eLearning courses.

The courses are the comprehensive P6 video training courses based on the Eastwood Harris books.

Link: http://www.primaskills.com.au/project-management-training/ [17]

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The advantages of Primaskills On-Line Courses are:

All the courses are accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI),
PMI Professional Development Units (PDUs) may be claimed for completing these courses,
The courses are written by an internationally known author who has had a number of years’ experience writing project management training material,
All the courses are supported by a fully detailed and published book available in eBook or printed format,
A P6 hosted training environment is available for people who do not have access to Oracle Primavera P6 software,
Comprehensive workshops at the end of most modules are available to enable students to practise the skills taught in the module,
The courses are available 24x7 allowing students to complete the course at their own pace.

MIDDLE EAST & HONG KONG RAIL PROJECT FOR PLANNING ENGINEERS...

By Richard Poulter Maxim Recruitment

Planning Engineers with rail and heavy civil infrastructure experience are in very high demand both in Hong Kong, Asia and in much of the Middle East as the momentum of rail related projects gathers pace. Let's take a look at the types of rail projects a good planner can expect to have a chance to work on in these regions currently or in the near future!

Rail Projects in The Middle East:

The extension of the Dubai Metro (up to £1Bn) is currently in the feasibility and planning stages. 3 new lines (Blue, Purple and Gold) will complement the existing Red and Green lines currently in operation. The final plan is for 5 lines totalling over 200kms in length with 128 stations fully servicing Dubai by 2025, and the award of the World Expo 2020 to Dubai is now likely to expedite these expansion plans.

The Abu Dhabi Metro is in the latter stages of planning its own (£4.5Bn) Metro system. The system will eventually connect Abu Dhabi airport and all key commercial areas of the city. Tenders will be out Q1, 2014 and Phase 1 of the project is due to be completed by 2017.

Etihad Rail (£7.5Bn) will initially serve as a freight line. Phase 1 is well underway and will connect Ruwais with the Shah gas fields. Completion expected in 2014. Stages 2 & 3 will see the network connect with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Sharjah. Links with Saudi Arabia and Oman are also planned as part of a rail network capable of linking all of the GCC. These phases will also see the network being used for passengers as well as freight.

Qatar Rail Projects:

Qatar’s plans for rail related projects are the most ambitious, totalling £32Bn. The Doha Metro is one of the single largest developments in the Gulf region currently. The system will be a largely underground with 4 lines servicing the greater Doha area, with over ground and elevated lines towards the outskirts of the city. 200km of track and 85 stations, including the main Msheireb Station which will serve as the hub for the whole Qatar Rail Network. Contracts for many of the underground lines have now been awarded and are employing staff (get in touch if interested!!). The awards for the elevated sections of the various lines are due imminently.

The Lusail Light Rail Transit servicing the new city of Lusail has already been started and the project has a value of approximately £1.2Bn. This light rail network will contain a combination of underground and over ground sections with 4 lines (48km in length with 38 stations) planned to service the various districts of the city. Lusail will host one of the iconic Wold Cup 2022 stadiums and eventually a population of 250,000 residents.

If you are a Planning Engineer skilled in Primavera P6 with experience in tender planning, production planning or delay analysis on rail or heavy civil infrastructure projects and are considering working in the UAE or the Middle East region, please submit your CV via the Maxim Recruitment website & advise your availability for an exploratory chat.

Let’s now take a look at Hong Kong and other parts of Asia as a destination offering attractive rail projects and opportunities for construction planning engineers:

Hong Kong

There are nine significant contracts still to be awarded on the SCL (Shatin Central Link) project being built by the Mass Transit Rail Corporation (MTRC) in Hong Kong.

There is a desperate shortage of sector-specific planners, i.e. planners experienced in rail systems, tunnels, underground stations and major terminus projects. Planners with this specialist experience will likely be sourced from UK, Australia, and South East Asia where previous relevant rail project experience has been obtained.

There is also a shortage of local Cantonese speaking planners as the local talent pool has already dried up with the very best talent already gainfully employed on projects. Tender planners with demonstrable skills in bid preparation are highly sought after.

Construction firms relatively new to Hong Kong are tendering for further projects to increase their presence in the market and hence seek planners with strong local industry knowledge. Jockeying with these companies to be awarded contracts are the well-established firms who need to maintain a pipeline of revenue.

Malaysia/Thailand/Vietnam

Major multi-million $$$ rail projects are both planned and underway in Malaysia; (KVMRT – Phases 1&2 and twin tracking projects), double tracking projects throughout Thailand together with the next stages of the Bangkok metro and Vietnam with 6 lines servicing HCMC and 8 lines serving Hanoi.

If you are a Planning Engineer skilled in Primavera P6 with experience in tender planning, production planning or delay analysis on rail or heavy civil infrastructure projects and will consider working in Hong Kong or across South East Asia, please submit your CV via the Maxim Recruitment website.

Please also take a look at the planning section of our current vacancy portfolio http://www.maximrecruitment.com [18]

For further information or an informal chat on Hong Kong / Asia based career openings for planners, please contact:

Donald Leung on donald@maximrecruitment.com [19]

For further information or an informal chat on Dubai, UAE and Middle East career opportunities for Planners, please contact: Richard Poulter on richard@maximrecruitment.com [20]

Construction CPM Conference 2015...

We are well under way for plans for 2015. Conference 2015 will be held in San Diego at the Marriott Marquis Marina from January 12 to 17. Please ping us am email ifyou are interested in leanring more etc. alternatively do please pop over to http://www.constructioncpm.com/ [21] to read more. PP will be doing some exciting stuff at the event, so do watch out for the news.

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That's all folks.

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Thanks:)

PP Administration Team