POWER GEN INTERNATIONAL 2005 PROJECT INDEPENDENT SELF ASSESSMENTS WESTON 4 PROJECT

摘要

When Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPSC) began the planning phase of their Weston 4 (W4) coal project, they clearly stated their desire to build a "World Class Plant". Although that concept was clear to all involved, the maturation of what the words "World Class" mean has been a long journey. Part of that maturing definition grew to involve building a plant that will operate effectively in their marketplace for 40-50 years that would allow for efficient maintainability that allowed for ease of operation and a minimum level of staff over its lifetime. Simple concepts in theory, very complex issues to put into action. One strategy surfaced immediately. The project's development, design and construction teams must use all means available to identify and execute every action possible that supported the evolving World Class definition. With the usual teambuilding and project kickoff sessions already at work the project leadership needed a new toolkit that addressed both the correction of past problems at the team member level, but more importantly, effective planning to avoid problems on future stages of the project, hence the birth of the Independent Self Assessment (ISA) process. The ISA implementations on the W4 project have proven to be of tremendous value. They have also been extremely challenging activities. The ISA process takes significant resources to plan, perform, and provide for corrective actions. These activities occur in parallel and in balance with the same project team members involved in every day design, procurement, and construction activities. The corrective actions ultimately lead to more efficient, transparent processes and also have served to be excellent development opportunities for project team members. Examples of significant improvements on Weston 4 as a result of the ISAs performed to date include improved project communication, a more effective permit compliance process, improved schedule management, and an improved focus on Information Management, Safety, Cost Control, Change Management, and Human Resource Management. The WPSC developed ISA toolkit is believed to be an industry best practice designed to ensure successful attainment of the W4 project objectives. As the W4 project continues full construction execution and further ISAs are performed by and for the project team, further research will document where continued improvement in the construction program can be achieved. The true answer will only be known over the operating life of Weston 4 as it operates successfully and leads the "World Class" category.