Consider Stretching Projects Out Doing work in stages can save both money and overtaxing staff

摘要

EVERYONE UNDERSTOOD the criticality of this project.The leaking,abused caustic tank required replacement.Tank inspectors had given us no more than five years and the tank has sprung two leaks since inspection.Yet,something as mundane as a tank replacement rarely gets priority over sexier projects especially when it involves a lot of money(over $2 million if we went with every option proposed).Indeed,despite the clear need,someone at the plant suggested we let an engineering firm do a study.I’d already spent months in scope development,so this seemed to be throwing money away.Instead,I suggested a staged project.We’d proceed in steps: first,develop the tank design,then build the pad and,finally,install the equipment and pipeline.Construction would extend over several months.We’d use consultants but only in tactical,targeted ways.I think a major reason for over-runs is because work is rushed and unplanned.With a staged project,you stop work when an obstacle appears and don’t restart until you’ve found a good solution.