The Engineering Project Management Podcast Anthony Fasano, PE

In this episode, I talk with Pam Hurley, Ph.D., president and founder of Hurley Write, Inc.. about the critical role of effective writing, common writing pitfalls that impact performance, and strategies for project managers to better productivity and improve documentation efficiency.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Pam:



What is a readability study?

How do readability studies directly impact the success of engineering projects?

What are the most common problems you encounter in readability studies?

What strategies do you recommend for project managers to improve their writing skills without detracting from their core duties?

How do you teach effective writing to engineers who are usually more focused on quantitative skills?

How can project managers audit their communication skills to be more effective and solve project issues?

How do you help engineering teams maintain high writing standards throughout their projects?

What final advice do you have for anyone looking to improve their writing skills?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Writing Your Way to Better Productivity as a Project Manager:





Many people think readability is just about grammar, but it's really about how readers understand information. Studies show that reading habits have changed, with more skimming and less thorough reading.

Readability studies help engineers create clear documents, making it easier for team members to find and use important information quickly, which improves project success.

The most common problems in readability studies are project managers rewriting documents themselves and not providing constructive feedback. This approach prevents team members from improving their writing skills and hinders overall project communication.

Project managers should give constructive feedback instead of rewriting documents and view writing as problem-solving to help their teams improve. This approach enhances team skills without adding to the managers' workload.

To teach effective writing to engineers, focus on presenting writing as a problem-solving skill that complements their quantitative expertise. Emphasize how clear communication enhances their ability to convey complex ideas and better productivity in their work.

Project managers can audit their communication skills by gathering feedback from team members and stakeholders on clarity and effectiveness. This helps them improve how they convey project goals, address issues, and promote open dialogue for better productivity and successful project outcomes.

Supporting engineering teams in maintaining high writing standards involves analyzing their documents for common issues and providing tailored workshops, resources, and ongoing coaching for continuous improvement in communication skills throughout projects.

To improve writing skills, focus on planning your writing by spending more time outlining and organizing your thoughts before you start. Also, practice regularly to build proficiency and confidence, even with simple daily writing exercises, which will lead to steady improvement over time.



More Details in This Episode…



About Pam Hurley, Ph.D.

Pam Hurley, Ph.D., leads Hurley Write Inc., a certified women-owned small business renowned for its tailored professional writing training. Her teaching approach, described as energetic and direct, has empowered countless clients to revolutionize their writing strategies. With a background in academia, Pam's introduction to readability studies during graduate school sparked a revelation, ultimately shaping her students' writing proficiency and confidence.

In this episode, I talk with Lane Kawaoka, P.E., founder and author of “The Wealth Elevator,” about effective financial strategies for engineers. We also explore how to apply project management principles to real estate by delegating property tasks and conducting in-depth financial analyses.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Lane:



Could you tell us about your books and what inspired you to write them, especially focusing on your latest book, "The Wealth Elevator"?

How can engineers and AEC industry professionals, starting with limited financial knowledge or support, achieve a level of wealth like yours?

How has your engineering and construction management background shaped your approach to project management in real estate development?

How did you apply project management principles to identify the multi-unit property market in Houston?

How do you prepare for a market downturn, whether it's imminent or already underway?

How can engineers use their project management skills effectively in today's economy, particularly in real estate investment?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Best Financial Strategies for Engineers in Real Estate:





“The Wealth Elevator” is a guide to financial success through real estate investments, offering personalized strategies based on your financial situation. It helps you understand where you are financially and how to make smart investment decisions that can lead to long-term wealth.

Engineers and AEC industry professionals can build wealth by investing in real estate in markets with strong rental value ratios. Using tools like the 1% rule to evaluate properties and choosing locations with favorable landlord laws can help maximize cash flow and financial growth, even with limited financial knowledge or support.

Lane's engineering and construction management background strongly influences his approach to real estate project management. He prioritizes efficient decision-making, minimizes bureaucracy, and focuses on swift execution to optimize financial outcomes and project success.

Project management principles are applied to target the multi-unit property market in Houston through thorough market research and data analysis. This approach involves evaluating rental demand and property performance metrics to identify profitable investment opportunities and drive successful real estate ventures in Houston.

To prepare for a market downturn, investors should adjust key metrics like vacancy rates and economic occupancy in their financial models to simulate challenging scenarios. By stress-testing investments this way, they can identify vulnerabilities and ensure their properties remain resilient during economic fluctuations, minimizing financial risks.

Engineers can apply their project management skills effectively in real estate investment by conducting thorough feasibility studies and optimizing property performance through data-driven decision-making. By leveraging their technical expertise and structured approach to planning and risk management, engineers can enhance project outcomes and maximize returns in the real estate sector.



More Details in This Episode…



About Lane Kawaoka, P.E.:

Lane Kawaoka has been investing for over a decade and now controls 10,000+ units ($2.1B+ AUM) with over $45M of distributions to investors. Lane is responsible for finding investment opportunities, analysis, and marketing. He obtained a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and an M.S. in Civil Engineering and Construction Management from the University of Washington. In addition to an analytical engineering background, Lane has real-world experience working as a project manager for ove...

In this episode, I talk with Amanda Retta, P.E., Civil Engineer IV at Tetra Tech, about the crucial role of effective communication in successful civil engineering projects, and how you can communicate effectively with all project stakeholders, both internal and external.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Amanda:



How has effective communication on civil projects impacted your projects and personal experience?

As an engineer working on projects, what are some key considerations you need to be aware of?

Can you share an example from one of your projects where asking the right questions positively influenced the project's outcome?

Would you prefer to have one focused meeting each week to discuss multiple topics, or receive numerous individual messages throughout the week?

How do you handle assumptions in communication to avoid misunderstandings and ensure clarity in your conversations?

How do you adjust your communication to engage effectively with different personalities in your team or with internal and external contacts?

Have you encountered different communication types or styles in your work, and how do you navigate them to keep your projects on track?

How important is it to follow up and follow through on your projects?

Do you have any last advice or key takeaways from your experience as a project manager for those just starting in the field?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About the Role of Communication in Successful Civil Engineering Projects:





Good communication is essential for project managers overseeing diverse engineering teams in multiple locations like Michigan, Delaware, Kentucky, and Florida. Using tools like Microsoft Teams helps keep everyone informed about project updates and design changes. The project manager's main task is to gather and share information efficiently among these teams.

Good project communication means encouraging technical workers to ask questions instead of assuming things, which can cause problems. Managers should prioritize sharing important information promptly to prevent delays and ensure project teams have accurate details for their tasks. Proactive communication practices are key to keeping projects on track and avoiding misunderstandings.

Regular project check-ins and peer reviews are essential to avoid tunnel vision and oversight, especially for young engineers focused on specific projects. Consistent workflows and routine design meetings streamline communication, reducing the risk of missed details or unnecessary rework. With these regular check-ins, better information sharing, and project alignment are promoted, ultimately improving project efficiency and quality.

In engineering, assumptions can be tricky, especially for less experienced engineers. While some based on available information are necessary, incorrect ones can lead to setbacks. Mentoring younger engineers involves balancing their initiative with providing guidance based on experience. Managers must be patient and repeat key principles, recognizing what's simple for them may be challenging for others. Learning to make informed assumptions comes with experience in engineering.

Adapting communication to different generations is crucial for career success. Understanding preferences for directness or emotiveness helps build effective relationships. Being flexible and adjusting your approach promotes rapport and professional growth, mastering phone calls, email etiquette, and tailored messaging for collaboration.

In project management, understanding and communicating effectively with detail-oriented, data-driven team members is crucial. The project manager's role involves aligning their analytical ...

In this episode, I talk with Michael Watry, P.E., vice president and co-founder at Foresight Planning & Engineering Services, about the impact of effective project scheduling on communication and stakeholder management. Michael explains how project controls contribute to decision-making and the identification of deviations from the planned schedule. He also discusses the calculation of key performance indicators and the integration of project management software.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Michael:



How does creating an efficient project schedule enhance communication and stakeholder management?

Why is effective project scheduling crucial for maintaining stability and success?

How does project control influence decision-making in project leadership, especially within engineering projects?

How can project controls assist in the early detection of deviations from the planned schedule and forecasting potential issues affecting the actual schedule?

How are the key performance indicators identified, and do you typically calculate them?

What are your predictions for the future of integrating artificial intelligence into project management software, and who do you think will lead this revolutionary development?

Can you explain what project controls are and how project managers can effectively handle stakeholders?

How can project managers effectively align stakeholders' expectations with the project timeline?

What final advice would you give to engineers aspiring to enter project management, improve their project management skills, or pursue project controls?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Create an Efficient Project Schedule for Better Communication:





Efficient project scheduling creates a clear plan for tasks, reducing disagreements among stakeholders. This clarity improves communication and collaboration, leading to better stakeholder management and project success.

Effective project scheduling is crucial for maintaining stability and success because it balances all aspects of the project. Like stabilizing a stool with even legs, scheduling prevents any one aspect from dominating, reducing risks and delays, and optimizing resources for project stability and success.

Project control impacts decision-making in engineering projects by providing tools like Gantt charts. Leaders decide whether to act on forecasts or address past consequences, balancing risk management and estimation. This ensures alignment with objectives and optimizes resources for success.

Project controls like cost performance indices (CPI) and schedule performance indices (SPI) help detect deviations from the planned schedule early on. If CPI or SPI drop below 100%, it indicates potential issues with schedule or budget. By monitoring these indicators, project managers can forecast problems and take proactive steps to address them, ensuring the project stays on track.

Key performance indicators (KPIs), like cost performance indices (CPI) and schedule performance indices (SPI), are identified based on project goals. Typically, they're calculated using formulas involving earned value, planned value, and actual cost. You can calculate them manually or with software tools like Excel. The choice depends on the project's needs and complexity.

In the future, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into project management software will revolutionize efficiency. Major companies like Oracle, Microsoft, and Procore will lead this development, along with smaller startups. AI will automate tasks, analyze data, and boost productivity for project teams.

Project controls are about preparing project data for decisions,

In this episode, I talk with Robert K. Otani, P.E., LEED AP, about the importance of scope, schedule, and budget in project management, and the challenges and future of integrating AI in Project Management. He also provides great insights on the potential use cases of AI in project management and the need for data analytics as a first step.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Robert:



How has your engineering background influenced your approach to project management?

How did your training at Parsons help you, and what important lessons did you learn there?

What are the key steps and strategies you prioritize when integrating AI into project management?

What specific AI tools or technologies have been effective in enhancing project management outcomes?

What are the main challenges of integrating AI into project management, and do larger firms typically create proprietary software or rely on third-party solutions?

In the early stages of planning for AI integration in the AEC industry, where do you think it will have the biggest impact on project management?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How to Successfully Integrate AI in Project Management:





Robert's project management is deeply shaped by his engineering background, particularly in civil and structural engineering, with a focus on water systems. This influences his prioritization of thorough analysis and collaboration to achieve successful outcomes.

Training at Parsons teaches the importance of balancing scope, schedule, and budget in project management. Any misalignment in these areas can lead to complications. This principle guides effective project management, promoting adaptability and proactive problem-solving.

AI in project management brings new opportunities, but data limitations are a hurdle. Accessing the needed data for predictive models is tough despite available technology. For example, forecasting project profitability lacks necessary data due to ERP system limitations. Identifying crucial data is vital for better project outcome prediction.

The industry lacks specific AI tools for project management, hindering progress. Efforts to clean and prepare data are underway, but effective AI implementation requires more information. While data analytics is a first step, further progress needs more time and data for model training.

Integrating AI into project management faces challenges such as customization to company needs and defining success metrics. While larger firms like Salesforce offer AI solutions like Einstein, smaller companies are still considering AI integration. However, industry leaders are establishing engineering AI teams to customize project management tools, indicating a move toward proprietary software within larger firms.

In the AEC industry's initial AI integration, the major impact on project management will likely be predictive analysis. This means forecasting finances and spotting potential staffing, client, and scheduling issues. AI can help managers plan better, reduce risks, and boost project efficiency.



More Details in This Episode…



About Robert K. Otani, P.E., LEED AP

Robert K. Otani, P.E., LEED AP is chief technology officer at Thornton-Tomasetti, Inc., a 1,700-plus person multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm, and he founded the CORE studio, an applications development, advanced computational modeling, and R&D group at his firm. He has extensive structural design and project management experience involving commercial, infrastructure, institutional, cultural, and residential structures on projects totaling over $3 billion of construction. His professional and academic interests focus on inf...

In this episode, I talk with Sean Brune, P.E., Department Manager of Project Management at Stanley Consultants, about how to ensure project efficiency and budget control in projects. He also provides great advice for engineers looking to transition into project management.



***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***

Engineering Quotes:







Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Sean:



How do consulting engineering firms assist utility clients in maintaining project efficiency and budgets?

Could you please explain the reasons behind the lack of regulation and price speculation in many unregulated companies?

What are the typical challenges or pitfalls you encounter in the utility industry?

What would you say is the average duration of the permitting process for the projects you've worked on?

What sets Stanley apart in terms of its approach, and how does this contribute value to your clients?

Have you observed any innovative project management strategies or initiatives that have positively influenced project efficiency and success?

For engineers aiming to transition into project management, what essential foundational skills do you believe are crucial for a successful shift?

Can a project manager effectively lead and delegate without strong communication skills?

How can a project manager build trust and understanding for open communication and collaboration among team members?

What advice would you give to those aspiring to become successful project managers?



Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About Successful Ways to Ensure Project Efficiency and Budget Control:





Stanley's unique project management expertise in the utility industry ensures projects stay on budget. Their specialized managers work together, combining proactive risk management and constant communication to optimize budget allocation across the board. They're a key partner for utilities aiming to meet their budget goals.

Utilities are mostly regulated monopolies for stability, but there's a push for a free market in some places like Texas. Past issues during a winter storm showed the downsides, causing power problems and high bills. Efforts to prevent such problems are ongoing, but the regulated monopoly model is crucial for consistency. Balancing market freedom with regulation is essential.

Large projects face challenges in land acquisition and permitting, dealing with diverse landowners and unpredictable timelines. Environmental concerns, like wildlife seasons in places like Colorado, complicate scheduling. Proactive planning and team expertise are crucial to navigate these challenges effectively and avoid fines. Adjusting plans as new information emerges is vital for successful project management.

Getting permits, especially for stormwater, is a mixed experience. State approvals are usually quicker, but local municipalities or specific counties can take up to a year. It depends on the jurisdiction and its requirements, making it unpredictable and challenging to plan for. Adaptability is key in navigating these varying approval times.

Stanley employs a tailored project delivery model (PDM) for their design engineering projects, consisting of four stages: pursuit, planning, execution, and closeout. This streamlined approach ensures efficient project management, offering clear insights for budget and timeline control. The PDM's adaptability facilitates quick decision-making, enhancing overall project success and monitoring.

At Stanley, the tools embedded in the PDMA are a game-changer for project management. From dynamic spreadsheets to online applications and the upcoming integration of Power BI, these tools empower project managers to make informed decisions efficiently.