I have been involved since the setup of Project Controls within National Grid(circ 2012). I have learnt considerable amount about the challanges of introducing EVM and why it is not just the introduction of P6, peoples behaviours have a big part to play!
I have learnt that data is at the heart of making anything become reality and for that matter a key requirement in being efficient. Know your data and you are half way there.
I come from an Engineering background starting my career as an Electical Applications Engineer and designer for Alstom Power Projects before moving to National Grid to become a transmission system modeller.
My engineer mind never swithces off, I look at the EVM method and ask myself how can that be done better, just like our customers the project engineer they what more intelligence on why to support their decision making. I see there being many opportunities particularly in the areas that provide analysis below the key reporting ratios, that give a forward looking view.
I understand that everything is driven by cost but sometimes it useful to see why that is; I am working closely with our key customers - Development & Project engineers & commercial to come up with a generic schedule which aids giving improved intellengence through the life of the project.
These P6 schedules are also been used to comeup with a workable method of studying schedule risk. Recognising that risk is the bedrock of any plan I am working on considering how the two can be brought together to enable an effective month on month assessment, that links the risk register back to specific outcome activities in the P6 schedule, and applying standard mitigation activities as options that lessen or remove the risks raised.
Yes I am keeping myself busy but always open to new opportunities that support and further the above!