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Chastain-Skillman, Inc. (CSI) has created a proven management system that results in our projects consistently coming in on time and under budget. Our system is comprised of nine key techniques:
- Establish the project organizational structure
We start by outlining a functionally-based project organizational structure. This provides the client with a single primary point of contact to facilitate clear and effective communication. It also establishes clear roles, responsibilities, authority, accountability, and communication channels within our team.
The CSI Project Manager will match skill levels and billing rates of assigned personnel to technical requirements and budgets, enabling progress consistent with expectations.
- Require a commitment on every assignment
The CSI Project Manager will obtain a specific commitment to meeting the technical, schedule, and budget parameters from each assigned employee.
- Create a realistic schedule
While the goal is to complete the project in a timely manner, schedules need to reflect the time needed for necessary tasks such as research, and site access.
- Determine interim milestones
CSI establishes interim milestones for each task to be used as checkpoints to verify that technical progress and spending are in line with expectations, which allows us to detect variances early.
- Monitor budget and schedule
We rigorously monitor and control technical progress, budgets, and schedules. Most firms have accounting systems that track and report only financial data. We utilize a project oversight system that not only tracks financial data, but also correlates technical progress and completion of schedule milestones with spending. This system enables us to have a full understanding of project performance.
- Encourage two-way communication
CSI promotes an environment characterized by proactive communication. This assists with early detection and effective resolution of potential issues. We provide a monthly progress report that concisely addresses five topics: accomplishments completed during this reporting period; activities planned for the next reporting period; schedule status; budget status; and issues that require input from the client or others to facilitate continued progress.
- Perform prompt and appropriate corrective action
If a potential variance from plan is detected, we implement prompt corrective action to minimize the likelihood for a delay and reduce potential impacts.
- Provide follow-up to corrective action.
Regular and periodic follow-up is used to monitor the results of corrective actions, confirm they are effective, and allow for further timely adjustment, if needed.
Getting it right requires a strong project manager, an experienced team, and a good working relationship between the client and CSI. Our team considers itself an extension of the client’s staff and will strive to meet our joint goal: quality projects, on schedule and under budget.
Our project team consists of a Principal-in-Charge, Project Manager, and a team of surveyors with individual specialties. The Principal-in-Charge will be responsible for contractual issues, adherence to quality control standards, and provision of overall direction to the project team. He will also serve as your primary point of contact. The Project Manager will provide day-to-day consultation, as requested, assuring that the proper personnel with the appropriate technical expertise are assigned to the project tasks based on experience, and will adhere to schedules and budgets.
The success of a good working relationship depends heavily upon a continuing level of communication between the Client’s Project Manager and our Principal-in-Charge. Excellent communication creates a positive experience for all parties. We have structured the project team to maximize communication, ensuring an open channel of communication between all parties involved in every project. Initially, a series of meetings will be held to establish the Client’s needs and requirements on a project. An early understanding of the issues reduces the chances of misunderstandings and delays later in the project. Throughout the project, communication would continue through the following:
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Weekly telephone briefings
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Monthly project status reports
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Progress meetings, as requested
Each event is designed to ensure that all parties are involved, are aware of the project status, and have an understanding of each individual’s role and responsibility.
The Chastain-Skillman, Inc. survey project management team has been in place for over ten years. The consistency of the same team members contributes to our successfully completing 98% of our projects on time and under budget, which explains our high client satisfaction.
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