Project Insights

In this episode of Project Insights, PMA's Sal Augusto and Trusted Advisor Associate's Noelle Mykolenko discuss what it means to be a trusted advisor with host Amanda Donovan. Both guests have extensive experience in this role, which involves building trust and fostering collaboration to elevate professional relationships. After years of working with clients and training hundreds of professionals, Sal and Noelle have a lot to share about the crucial elements of building trust with a client and how to win it back if you make a mistake. Even if you are not a trusted advisor, these tips will help anyone build better relationships and leadership skills, so don't miss out!

In this Project Insights episode, PMA’s experts Dan Patterson, a global innovator in schedule and risk analytics, and Francisco Cruz, a seasoned project controls and risk management, join Zoe Mervine in an engaging and thought-provoking discussion that dives into how artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing risk management in project controls. They explore how AI tools can identify hidden risks that human experts might overlook. The discussion highlights how AI enhances decision-making, improves risk detection, and ultimately increases the likelihood of project success. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how cutting-edge AI technology is reshaping the future of project risk management.

Co-hosts Zoe Mervine and Brian Sullivan take on the complexities of managing changes and claims in construction projects through talking with PMA's Clark McCormick. With over 28 years of experience in contracts administration, claims management, and owner's project manager (OPM) work across major transportation and education projects, Clark brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion from both a claims consulting and OPM angle. Listen to this episode of Project Insights to hear his advice for preparing owners for the inevitable, improving the claims and change order process, and dealing with common mistakes. If you are an OPM or project owner, you'll want to learn from Clark's facilitation process to help deliver a successful project!

In this episode of Project Insights, hosts Zoe Mervine and Bryan Ritch are joined Eduardo Nazario, PMA Orlando’s Managing Director, to discuss navigating the complexities of pharmaceutical construction and production project management. As someone who has been in the industry for 30 years, Eduardo is able to convey the intricate nature of the pharmaceutical industry, namely efficient planning within the requirements of the FDA and providing experienced staff to carry this out. He also explains how to break into an industry that requires such a high level of past knowledge. Listen to this episode to learn more about the unique challenges of the pharmaceutical industry, Eduardo’s experiences on major projects, and how scheduling innovations are key to staying on top in the industry.

Explore Agile's impact on construction project management with hosts Hatim Elnueri and Zoe Mervine joined by PMA’s Alex Neary. As a senior associate and product manager, Alex is an accomplished project manager in technology and Agile methodology. Agile, unlike the traditional waterfall approach, is an iterative process that enables more frequent adjustments and closer collaboration, making it particularly valuable for complex construction projects. Tune in to hear Alex’s insights on the future of Agile, the cultural shifts needed for its successful integration into the construction industry, and how to determine if Agile is the right fit for your project.

Join the Projects Insights team while they discuss Earned Value Management (EVM) with guests Jerry Klanac and Reniz Moosa! Jerry, a consultant at PMA and university faculty member in construction engineering and management, and Reniz, PMA Chicago Senior Director, both bring significant experience in this performance management method. Throughout the episode, our guests share the background and fundamentals of EVM, tips for checking schedule accuracy, determining quality results while using this method, and other helpful advice. Listen to this episode to learn more about “the fun within project controls” and how to improve your project performance through EVM!

In this episode of Project Insights, hosts Zoe Mervine and Alex Worth kick off Construction Safety Week (May 6 – 10, 2024) by interviewing PMA Detroit’s Reed Johnson. Reed has been involved in construction almost his entire life, now serving as an inspector and project manager on multiple construction projects, giving him a deep understanding of the risks involved for workers. Throughout his discussion, Reed shares stories from the worksite, covering what he views as the biggest risks, mitigating risks, staying on top of safety standards, and what leadership can do to increase safety. Join us to learn more about what PMA’s professionals are doing to make the industry safer and how you can contribute yourself.

To celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 3 – 9, 2024), hosts Zoe Mervine and Bryan Ritch are joined by PMA Northeast director Kathy Gorman, who specializes in scheduling and delay analysis. Over her 35-year career, Kathy has gone from being one in a handful of women on a construction project to being one amongst many – something that she believes makes the industry stronger. Tune in to hear stories about Kathy’s impressive career, from the people and characteristics she contributes to her success, to her advice for anyone who wants to work in construction scheduling and leadership.

Hosts Hatim Elnueri and Zoe Mervine are joined by Wee Orwatthana, PMA senior associate, to discuss long-term projects and planning. As a project controls specialist for pharmaceutical, transportation, and public infrastructure industries, Wee delves into what she sees as pivotal to planning long-term projects, including the greatest uncertainties and crucial aspects to outline and discuss with stakeholders. Wee also leaves listeners with a nod to the software she uses in the process, including PMA Technologies’ NetPoint and Project Summit, which aids with collaboration and impact visualization.
 
Wee has been promoted to Director since this episode was recorded. 

Join us in our discussion with PMA Director John Hill as he reflects on his 42-year project management career. While he is currently a project manager, mainly supporting large-scale electric utilities projects, John began his path thinking he would be a structural engineer. Even after finding his strengths in scheduling, his career still required no shortage of adaptations from him, including new technologies, differing state requirements, industry intricacies, and evolving role expectations. Listen to this episode to hear how John has learned from these challenges and his advice to other project managers.