CALL FOR PAPERS FOR 2019

A majority of Sessions are reserved for CPM and Project Management Theory, Software Tutorials and Demonstrations, and other invited Speakers. A limited number of Sessions are available for Consultants to teach innovative means and methods and for software vendors to demonstrate new or improved products. A limited number of Project Showcase Sessions are also available. Members of the construction community are invited to submit abstracts describing how YOUR project delivery was improved by superior CPM scheduling and project controls. To apply for these available sessions, please prepare an Abstract (of 50 words or less to explain your topic to our attendees reading this page) and email to info@constructioncpm.com with subject "ABSTRACT".

ABSTRACTS FOR 2019

For an Overview of 2019 Sessions, click here
for past conferences click here

Monday, 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM -- 75 minute session -- main auditorium

MON00 - Welcome by Fred Plotnick -- and Opening Keynote Session by
Alexia Nalewaik, CCP FAACE, President of AACE


Monday, 9:45 AM to 11:00 AM -- 75 minute session

MON11 - What’s new with Oracle
A lot can happen in a year. Oracle has been busy improving all of the solutions within its widening platform for project success. Get an introduction to all of the products within our construction and engineering portfolio. Review the key highlights from new releases of Primavera P6, Unifier, Analytics, Textura, Prime and mobile apps
Presented by Frank Malangone | Senior Director, Product & Industry Strategy, Oracle

MON12 - Deltek Acumen Release 8.2: How to Check Reliability
CPM schedules are excellent at providing a completion forecast based on the planned duration and sequence of work. However, they fall short in accounting for external risk events – those discrete events that have an impact on a project execution teams' ability to execute the plan. This presentation focuses on the second step towards improving project maturity: identifying and reducing project risk exposure through project risk analysis. Learn best practices when running a schedule or cost risk analysis and hear how Deltek Acumen Risk and Risk book combine the accuracy of Monte-Carlo risk analysis with a straightforward, team-oriented user experience to simplify this process. Presented by Tom Polen

MON13 - Introduction to Phoenix Project Planner
Phoenix Project Manager is a project-focused CPM scheduling tool for the construction, energy and architecture/engineering markets.
In this session, Jay Poulsen, President of Phoenix Project Management, will discuss the use of Phoenix Project Manager to create and maintain project schedules, and how to migrate your current scheduling efforts from Primavera or other enterprise platforms to Phoenix. Mr. Poulsen will also discuss the future development direction of Phoenix Project Manager.
For more information: Phoenix Project Manager.

MON14 - Tips, Tricks and Best Practices for Microsoft Project
Microsoft Project really CAN be used as a true scheduling tool that is also able to provide analysis capabilities. Setting up your project correctly from the start and knowing some tips and tricks for using Microsoft Project are the key. Learn how to drive the backward pass in Microsoft Project to reflect a true total slack (float) whether it is positive or negative. In this session, Bridget Fleming, PMP, PMI-SP, MCP, and chair of the PMI Practice Standard for Scheduling – Third Edition team, will focus on best practices for working with Microsoft Project in initial project setup, the planning stage as well as during project execution. Presented by Bridget Fleming, PMP, PMI-SP, MCP of PPM

MON15 - Introduction to Synchro Pro
Planning, scheduling and controls are a key component of successful construction project delivery. The decades long industry standard CPM Gantt Chart method challenges even the most experienced constructors. 4D is a medium which brings real time visibility to the process, enabling all team members to see, review and validate the approach virtually, before construction on site ever begins and throughout every day of the project. Errors, conflicts and unforeseen problems become visible- reducing the need for costly late stage change orders and rework, improving communication and cooperation, improving safety and boosting efficiency. Come hear Mazen Faloughi, Senior 4D Consultant, and Amir Hamaoui, Platform Manager for Construction, of Bentley

MON16 - How AI (Artificial Intelligence) is Powering Next Generation CPM Scheduling
CPM scheduling has been the backbone for planning and forecasting large CAPEX projects for the past 50 years. While a tried and trusted technique, it really hasn’t evolved much – until now. With the advent of what is commonly termed Artificial Intelligence (AI), CPM planning is undergoing a transformation. Gone are the days of starting with a blank sheet of paper and having to figure out the plan for yourself. With AI, planners and schedulers can now take more of a guided and validated approach to building a plan. Building on prior experience, trends and productivity rates, AI can make informed suggestions as to what the duration, sequence and cost of work should be. While AI is a massive step forward in planning, it is important not to forget the value of the human factor (human intelligence). Achieving this balance is also discussed. Presented by Paul Self of InEight


Monday, 11:10 AM to 12:25 PM -- 75 minute session

MON21 - Schedule Development Using P6 Professional Download to 1st Report
This session will lead attendees from download of Primavera P6 software from Oracle's website to delivery of the first report to management of the Contractor and the Owner. This session is taught by two veteran users of P6™, Hannah Schumacher, Scheduling Manager, Sundt Construction Inc. www.sundt.com and Charlie Jackson, Vice President of Project Life Span, LLC.

Many Contract Documents are now requiring the use of the latest version of Primavera software (P6™) due to its enterprise capabilities and its use of latest technologies including the capabilities to interact other software applications; therefore it is important for the Scheduler to understand how to use this software most efficiently in their battle to complete their projects in a timely manner.

Primavera’s latest release of P6™ contains many features that can assist in developing schedules quickly and efficiently. However, a new or in-experienced user would be overwhelmed in the struggle to prepare the schedule using P6™ and these advanced features without proper training or “Basic Training”.
This session will focus on the presenters’ experiences and their lessons learned regarding the effective use of P6 ™ in the schedule development process as they apply to the Planning and Scheduling development processes. The Scheduler should be able to apply the implementation and execution “Lessons Learned” outlined in this presentation to develop schedules quickly and efficiently using P6™.

MON22 - Deltek Acumen Fuse Release 8.2: How to Choose Metrics
The first step towards improving project success is building a structurally sound and reliable schedule. This presentation will walk through the diagnostics available to assess schedule quality and present initiatives you can implement for avoiding the pitfalls common to the practice of project scheduling. Hear how Deltek Acumen Fuse, a schedule diagnostics tool that integrates directly with all major scheduling tools, helps validate project and portfolio schedule quality and provides unparalleled insight through detailed project analysis. See the industry-proven standards and user-defined metrics in Fuse that help establish the high-quality schedule required for project success. Presented by Tom Polen

MON23 - Introduction to Elecosoft Powerproject Schedule Tool for Planners
See how Elecosoft Powerproject makes scheduling easier and more cost effective. Find out why Elecosoft Powerproject (aka Asta) is being adopted throughout the US by construction companies of all sizes. Hear how firms like Saunders Construction, Encore Electric and PCS have improved performance, gained widespread use and reduced training costs by turning to Elecosoft Powerproject. All, while also saving on license costs. Elecosoft Powerproject is the only construction-specific scheduling software offered with concurrent licensing which allows multiple users on a team to share one license. We’ll show you how innovative features like Elecosoft Powerproject’s unique “drag & drop” functionality make scheduling faster and more enjoyable. Come see how easy Elecosoft Powerproject is to learn and use, how it’s powerful features were built with you in mind, and how it performs more reliably than other scheduling options everyday…all over the world. Presented by Megan DePoty

MON24 - Really Understanding MSP
Love it or hate it, Microsoft Project (MSP) CPM scheduling software is here to stay. Many construction contracts are now mandating its use. Most people using MSP on construction projects find that MSP is fine for planning the work but very difficult to use when maintaining the status and accurately forecasting project completion.
The good news is that you can ‘make’ MSP properly reflect complicated status including out-of-sequence progress resembling Retained Logic. The Great News is that in this fourth-generation presentation, we finally made understanding easy. This advanced presentation will explain how to best use MSP in place of P6 or other more status-oriented scheduling software.
Presented by Ron Winter, PSP, author of Schedule Analyzer Software.

MON25 - Improving Scheduling Outcomes for Linear Projects Using Time Location Charting
A visual method of representing construction schedules known as “Time Location” charts offers benefits beyond traditional CPM ouputs for Linear Infrastructure projects (such as tunnels, railways, roadways and pipelines) by incorporating the physical location of schedule activities along the physical, linear alignment of a project. Time Location charts allow communication of a project schedule, in a manner that would not be possible with traditional CPM schedule outputs. Typically, such charts on a single page allow identification and analysis of production rates, sequencing and conflicts of work, resourcing and physical access constraints and schedule comparisons. This presentation will provide an overview of Time Location Charting and demonstrate a practical application, using existing traditional CPM schedules, that overcomes issues faced in other existing methods. Presented by Santosh Bhat of linear Project Software

MON26 - Comparing Software - Our Shop Needs Folks Trained in 3 or More
In the current environment there are numerous platforms used to create Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules. Among these are: Primavera P6, Open Plan, Asta, MS Project and a host of others lesser known programs. While these platforms are each capable of useful in creating a viable CPM schedule, each does so with a degree of uniqueness. With regard to their usefulness in a claims situation, the disparities are even more pronounced. This presentation shows the similarities, differences, advantages and disadvantages of using these platforms. Presented by Bruce Betz of Envison


Monday, 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM -- Lunch


Monday, 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM -- 75 minute session

MON31 - Schedule Updating Using P6 Professional NTP to 1st Update Report
This session will lead attendees in the proper use of Oracle Primavera P6 EPPM from Notice-to-Proceed (or acceptance of the initial baseline schedule) to delivery of the first update report to management of the Contractor and the Owner. This session is taught by two veteran users of P6™, Hannah Schumacher, Sundt Construction Inc. www.sundt.com and Charlie Jackson, Vice President of Project Life Span, LLC.

Many Contract Documents are now requiring the use of the latest version of Primavera software (P6™) due to its enterprise capabilities and its use of latest technologies including the capabilities to interact other software applications; therefore it is important for the Scheduler to understand how to use this software most efficiently in their battle to complete their projects in a timely manner.

Primavera’s latest release of P6™ contains many features that can assist in developing schedules quickly and efficiently. However, a new or in-experienced user would be overwhelmed in the struggle to prepare the schedule using P6™ and these advanced features without proper training or “Basic Training”.
This session will focus on the presenters’ experiences and their lessons learned regarding the effective use of P6 ™ in the schedule development process as they apply to the Planning and Scheduling development processes. The Scheduler should be able to apply the implementation and execution “Lessons Learned” outlined in this presentation to develop schedules quickly and efficiently using P6™.

MON32 - Open Plan Release 8.2: Out of the Box to 1st Report
This session will lead attendees from download of Open Plan software from Deltek's website, or from the link provided in the back of of the text CPM in Construction Management, 8th Edition, to delivery of the first update report to management of the Contractor and the Owner. Presented by Rob Edwards

MON33 - PennDOT chooses Asta - Update on Implementation
Presented by Kristen A. Swan, Construction Services Schedule Manager, PA Department of Transportation

MON34 - Reviewing, Inspecting, and Reporting CPM Logic in Microsoft Project Schedules
Complex sequencing logic can be difficult to review, inspect, or report in Microsoft Project, especially when constraints, variable calendars, and resource leveling complicate the Slack/Float calculations. BPC Logic Filter is an add-in that works inside Microsoft Project to provide logical information for both the planner and the reviewer of a complex schedule. The tool provides pre-formatted reports of the Driving and Driven Paths for any task, the Project Longest Path, Multiple Float Paths, Driving Path Drag, and the Resource Constrained Critical Path (for a leveled schedule). The program also includes a Project Logic Checker and a Task Logic Inspector. The first helps to isolate widespread schedule issues like non-unique names, summary task links, dangling logic, and out-of-sequence progress. The second displays detailed information about task relationships while allowing the user to navigate forward and backward through the schedule network based on relationships (including resource-driving relationships) alone.
Presented by Thomas Boyle, PE, PMP, PSP

MON35 - Beyond CPM: Tools and Techniques for schedule optimization
This presentation will discuss: Methods and tools that may help to improve the schedule calculated using CPM, What is required for creating adequate resource loaded project model, Resource constrained scheduling challenges, Resource constrained schedule analysis, and Resource constrained scheduling capabilities of popular software tools. Presented by Vladimir Liberzon of Spider Project Team

MON36 - Actual Intelligence & Importance of Field Coordination on Productivity
Engineering & Construction jobsites are where the true margin/success of projects is either won or lost. While there are no singular magic bullets to resolve construction productivity, the blocking and tackling basics of construction coordination & field execution matter. Field teams need simple, easy to use solutions that have proven track records of saving teams time. The Field needs quick, accurate, up to date information that digitally connects the field office to the front office. Actual Intelligence starts with placing the tasks of the project "in the pocket" of those who matter most.
Presented by Garrett Harley of Fieldwire


Monday, 3:35 PM to 4:50 PM -- 75 minute session

MON41 - What's Wrong With P6?
Oracle P6 is a leading software solution for planning and scheduling. However, there are many in the construction industry who feel that improvements focused upon the special needs of construction would make our jobs easier. Come to this session, led by a panel of power users from the construction field to the courtroom to the system adminstrator who will discuss their concerns and suggestions. Sufficient time will be provided to collect additional audience input. Featuring:
Jeff Milo of Brasfield and Gorrie on Concerns of the Contractors
Bruce Betz of Envision on Concerns of the Owners
Chris Carson of Arcadis on Concerns of the Courts
Ron Winter of Schedule Analyzer on Concerns of Each relating to the DataBase

MON42 - Deltek Acumen 8.2: Predicting Faster Project Timelines & Recovering Delays
The constraints of time, cost, and scope – and the uncertainty and risk that accompany them – create a management tightrope for even the best of project teams. An unachievable timeline or an unexpected delay can easily tip your balance, forcing your project to come in late and over budget. Far too often projects are delivered later than planned because of unforeseen delays during execution or because of a less-than optimal plan to begin with. Join us as Deltek’s resident schedule quality guru demonstrates how you can predict faster project timelines and recover delays with the help of Deltek Acumen Risk & 360. Presented by Tom Polen

MON43 - Introduction to Micro Planner X-Pert v3.5.1
For 35 years Micro Planning International (MPI) has provided full service project management to clients worldwide. MICROPLANNER X-Pert has been the project management software which others are judged. A high performance package making planning and management easy for both novice and power users alike. X-PERT for Windows is a Critical Path Logic network based product for either ADM and /or PDM format, and provides a host of project planning and scheduling features, Resource Scheduling, Earned Value Performance, Gantt and Project Cost Controls, all easier to use than many packages.
Presented by Raphael M Dua MACS PCP, General Manager Micro Planning International Asia Pacific Pty Ltd.

MON44 - Moving Beyond CPM to GPM
Get an excellent overview of NetPoint focusing on the basics of building a NetPoint plan efficiently as well as tips and tricks gleaned from thousands of hours of use in the field. You will have the chance to explore new features and more advanced functions including NetRisk™. Presented by Tim Mather of PMA NetPoint

MON45 - Getting it Right - Integrating Data in TILOS to Manage and Control an Optimized Plan
TILOS is the distance based planning tool used globally for alignment based projects. It connects the geography and constructability issues of a project with the schedule (what is built, when and where), and allows the users to view the entire construction execution scope. TILOS integrates the necessary data and constraints for engineering, surveying, environmental, regulatory, and construction into a comprehensive plan. This enables identification of areas where work rates are substantially reduced and additional crews are required to complete the scope to be executed on time. The number of crews and equipment requirements can be determined based on terrain or similar constraints. Crew numbers and equipment mobilization can be minimized through understanding the work rates and location requirements. The goal is to develop an optimized plan with the resources required to complete the scope in the time required or sooner to control project costs.
This session will illustrate with examples, how to achieve an optimized detailed plan that reduces the time in the field, mitigates weather delays and delivers the scope in an effective manner.
Presented by Lorne Duncan of Petroglyph Projects USA

MON46 - Using Artificial Intelligence To Schedule Smarter
Artificial intelligence (AI) has created quite a bit of buzz around the construction industry, but is it delivering real value yet and can it help the scheduling process? Rene Morkos, CEO of ALICE Technologies, will provide real world examples of how AI is helping firms standardize their construction process, while also optimizing the way they build, and delivering significant schedule duration and labor cost savings, while also freeing up schedulers and planners from unnecessary busywork.


Tuesday, 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM -- 75 minute session -- main auditorium

TUE00 - Tuesday Keynote by PLOTNICK
Intersection of CPM, Engineering and Law

Tuesday, 9:45 AM to 11:00 AM -- 75 minute session

TUE11 - Litigation Track Keynote
I am hiring an expert for a delay and disruption case. Why should I choose you?
by Shay Kulkarni of Sullivan Hill

TUE12 - Governing for Success
Delivering successful projects consistently requires more than good project controls. The performing organisation needed to be structured to deliver success by ensuring best practices are developed and used. This session will look at the symbiotic relationship between effective project controls and good governance based on the framework outlined in ISO 21505. Presented by Patrick Weaver PMP, FCIOB, FAICD – Mosaic Project Services

TUE13 - Reporting Out-of-Sequence Progress
Out-of-sequence progress appears in nearly all schedule updates. Surprisingly, the properties and nature of the different types has not been defined, until now. Understanding of the different types of out-of-sequence progress is an absolute necessity if you want to fully understand disruption. Just how often out-of-sequence progress occurs during construction is not well known. This is not something that can be statistically modeled in a laboratory setting. Two industry studies are presented on how frequently such conditions actually occur and how well it is reported across the various CPM software platforms using real-world construction schedules. You may be surprised in the results!
Presented by Ron Winter, PSP, author of Schedule Analyzer Software.

TUE14 - Forensic Delay Analysis Technology – Reducing Your Dependency on Delay Consultants
Delay is the most feared word in all of construction. It results in overruns, inefficiencies, disputes and is the centerpiece of a multi-billion-dollar construction claims industry. This session will demonstrate how cutting edge schedule analysis technology is being used to settle delay disputes at a fraction of the time and cost of hiring consultants and lawyers. Presented by Michael Pink, SmartPM Technologies, Inc.

TUE15 - Taking Control of Construction Scheduling: P6 Implemented Statewide
Case study on how a transportation agency took control of $1B in yearly construction contracts statewide. Come hear about how the enterprise system is set up, what it does, how it was implemented, how it is really used, how we encouraged usage by agency employees, contractors and consultants, high-level reporting, training programs, how we maintain quality schedules, daily operations and lessons learned.
Presented by Frank Perricelli and Matthew Freih of AECOM

TUE16 - Evaluating a Schedule’s Longest Path Quality with Acumen Risk
Schedule duration uncertainty is a given and is a key factor to the success of a project schedule. This session will demonstrate a method using risk analysis techniques to determine and improve schedule quality and consistency of your project’s baseline or remaining to complete longest path. Typical Schedule Risk Analysis methods tend to focus on Risk Events (events that may have low probability of occurring, but will have a major impact to the schedule if the event occurs). Experience has shown that in the absence of the risk events the largest source of schedule duration overruns occur because of having a large number of multiple longest paths due to Duration Uncertainty and Risk Factors. This is not to ignore the importance of analyzing the impact of Risk Event; rather having a network with a substantial consistent longest path adds value to the impact of the Risk Events. Acumen Fuse and Rick provides a simply and useful tool to determining the quality of a schedule network’s longest path with respect to Duration Uncertainty and Risk Factors. Presented by David Long, APTIM Federal Services.


Tuesday, 11:10 AM to 12:25 PM -- 75 minute session

TUE21 - Latest on AACE 29RP-03
by Chris Carson, FRICS, FAACE, FGPC, PSP, CEP, DRMP, CCM, PMP

TUE22 - How Project Failure Threatens the Board Room
And - Some Prevention Strategies - An Australian Perspective
Project governance in the Construction and other industries should not be confused with Project Management. For the past few years since 2016 it has been notable that using the word ‘governance’ has become very fashionable in the Construction arena. Where projects have failed to deliver, it is invariably put down to a lack of Governance. Unfortunately, it’s also very often misused to describe processes and activities that are management, not governance.
However, Construction governance failures can lead to the construction of a downgraded specification of infrastructure, poor quality construction, and excessively high prices for work as well as being late. There is some evidence from both other sectors and the construction sector itself that improved transparency, especially when combined with proper planning, scheduling and project controls oversight, can improve development outcomes through its impact on the delivery of the project. Presented by Raphael M. Düa, FAICD, FGPC(PC), FAPE, MACS, PCP, CP, IP³, Grad DISC CEO and Owner Micro Planning International Pty Ltd.

TUE23 - Analyzing Out-of-Sequence Progress
Now that you know which activities were performed out-of-sequence, what can you do about this? The first issue is correcting the out-of-sequence logic; should you do it and how? Fred has something to say about this. The second is to analyze the occurrences for individual events of disruption. Lastly, brand-new analysis techniques are presented for viewing the condition as a whole across the entire project using profiles. A profile of when out-of-sequence activities occurred can prove to be insightful as it graphically illustrates project-wide disruption. Disruption due to dilution of management, crowding, or interference is more likely on days that have more active out-of-sequence activities occurring than those where all activities are proceeding as planned. See examples of this new technique displayed with actual examples.
Presented by Ron Winter, PSP, author of Schedule Analyzer Software.

TUE24 - Procore Construction Management - The Future of Construction Technology
With the rise in new construction technology, many companies are faced with using multiple programs to manage their project information which ultimately leads to information siloes. Having a true understanding of company and project health is very difficult in this environment as information often slips through the cracks.
Until now, there were no means to find one single source of truth, one platform for all project data from numerous construction software programs. Alongside our core products, Procore has built a platform which currently connects over 120 construction softwares and growing. We understand the industry's desire for best in class technology, and we've partnered with companies like Turner, Mortenson, Skanska, Robins and Morton, and Suffolk to open our platform to other innovators. Companies can now cohesively use the technology they love with Procore, while maintaining a single source of truth for project and overall company health.
Presented by Kayley Schwankl of Procore

TUE25 - A Realistic Look at Float Consumption
Float is an integral part of CPM scheduling. Without it, project teams would have difficulty identifying the activities requiring attention, or in predicting the significance of a delay or disruption. But mathematically determined float does not cleanly translate to the urgency of completing an operation in the real world.
Nowhere is this lack of definition starker than in the concept of float consumption, or the reduction in float of non-critical activities caused by a delay or disruption. In real-world CPM networks, resource limitations are often expressed through changeable Resource-Driven Logic. These ‘soft’ relationships can be modified to mitigate delays, but this dynamic greatly complicates Float Consumption theory.
Presented by Greg Hall, PSP, of Keiwit

TUE26 - Cut through Cloud Fog with New CPM Scheduling Trends
With over 19 years of Cloud-based hosting of scheduling software we figured it was time to conduct a meta-analysis of our experience with scheduling technology in the Cloud. Bulk results revealed many common scheduling trends, but what got our engines revving were the anomalies showing new-found creativity. Today, the LOADSPRING CLOUD PLATFORM has over 3 million schedules containing over 2 billion activities – impressive right? This presentation shares a few of the creative anomalies that were discovered including demonstrations. Creativity ranged from unique approaches used to engage non-Schedulers with scheduling software to how one organization uses artificial intelligence to provide answers on project performance to Owners. We sought out and found the type of innovation that may soon inject disruptive change to the CPM scheduling process Presented by Warren Krueger of LoadSpring


Tuesday, 12:30 PM to 1:50 PM -- Lunch


Tuesday, 2:00 PM to 3:15 PM -- 75 minute session

TUE31 - Constructive Acceleration
How Damages Can Be Recovered Around the Globe
Presented by Jim Zack

TUE32 - WHY SHOULD I DO THAT? WHY SHOULDN’T I DO THAT?
Last year’s discussion was so lively we decided to do it again! This interactive discussion will focus on the advantages and disadvantages of using various techniques in current construction scheduling practice based on the practical realities of most construction projects. Using “real life” video examples and hypothetical situations, several topics will be explored including
• How should a weather calendar be developed and presented in the schedule?
• Whether the schedule should be cost loaded and, if so, how?
• Whether the P6 progress override feature should be used, and in what circumstances?
• Whether and how should redundant logic be used?
• Whether the schedule should be resource loaded?
• When to resource balance crew loads vs using soft logic?
• When and how to use constraints?
• Whether there is any circumstance to use a negative lag?
• Whether to use of finish-to-start relationships with lags?
Presented by Charles V. Choyce, Jr., MRICS, PSP, CM-LEAN, PMP, CFCC, Managing Director, and Robert Lamb, PSP, LEED AP BD+C, CM-LEAN, Senior Managing Consultant, of BRG, and Benjamin Crosby, Director, Virtual Design and Cosntruction, W.G. Yates Construction Co.

TUE33 - Risky Project
Project Risk Analysis and Risk Management Software Tutorial

RiskyProject is integrated project risk management and risk analysis software. RiskyProject facilitates all steps of project risk management process: risk identification, analysis, mitigation and response planning, and risk communication. RiskyProject performs both qualitative and quantitative risk analysis. It performs schedule and cost risk analysis using Monte Carlo simulations. RiskyProject’s risk register includes all information about risks. These risks can be assigned to project schedule and used in risk analysis. Lev Virine will present this How To tutorial on Risky Project.

TUE34 - Integrated Cost/ Schedule Risk Analysis using Monte Carlo Simulation of a CPM Model
Schedule risk has typically been ignored in assessments of cost risk in relation to complex construction projects—only recently have the tools been available to include a full analysis of the impact of schedule uncertainty on the uncertainty in cost. This presentation will provide an updated look at the integrated analysis of both schedule and cost risk to estimate the appropriate level of cost and schedule contingency reserve on projects, and will also address the prioritization of the risks to cost (some of which are also risks to schedule), so that risk mitigation may be conducted in a cost-effective way. Presented by Mike Nosbisch and David Hulette.

TUE35 - Program Manager Causes Paradigm Shift
This SYNCHRO User presentation will provide an overview of the planning, scheduling and tracking of this complex wastewater treatment plant project which has used Synchro PRO and SWP since 2014. The presentation will compare and contrast the process pre-SYNCHRO PRO and will highlight how 4D changed and impacted the process. What happened, who participated, how were options identified and analysed. We will focus on the concrete scheduling for the Disinfection Contact Basin which presented a major challenge only identified by using SYNCHRO and will show how a reliable and innovative solution was found. This is an eye opening example of the power of 4D which will inspire attendees with new ideas to implement on their own projects of any type. Presented by Serelle Corn, AIA, and Jeff Campbell, PSP, Director of Virtual Planning, Project Controls Cubed

TUE36 - Top Ten Issues that Confuse Schedulers
Lessons learned from dispute resolution and project failure reveal that technical scheduling issues are often not well understood and lead to prolonged project durations and lowered client satisfaction. Many of these issues are confusing to the construction management team, and just as often, confusing to the schedulers on the project. The author has compiled his top ten list of technical scheduling issues and concepts that most often result in confusion and an inability to quickly resolve or to mitigate in order to bring the project back to on-time completion. This session will provide some clarity to often-confused concepts and recommend time- tested steps that can be used in a collaborative environment for project success. Presented by Chris Carson, FRICS, FAACE, FGPC, PSP, CEP, DRMP, CCM, PMP


Tuesday, 3:35 PM to 4:50 PM -- 75 minute session

TUE41 - Assault Against Arbitration
The contract may say Arbitration - but more Courts are saying "Not so Fast." Come to this session to join the discussion upon the effect the ongoing assault against arbitration nationwide has on arbitration provisions contained in construction-related contracts.
by Martha Curtis of Sher Garner Cahill Richter Klein & Hilbert, LLC

TUE42 - Schedule Stability
Schedule stability analysis is necessary to trust a CPM project schedule. Single schedule snapshot analysis is insufficient. Metrics collected from at least a few schedules, but preferably more, are assembled, graphed, and analyzed. Schedule quality is also evaluated forensically using similar analysis. Some analysis applications can automate this complex task. Presented by Diego Sanmiquel of Built On Vision

TUE43 - Wondering if you need to upgrade your risk tool? Here’s why!
You may be using one of the quantitative risk analysis tools that has been around for a while. Your current tool may or may not be receiving steady enhancements. Either way, any enhancements will be built upon the original architecture. Whereas, designing a solution from scratch provides the opportunity to radically re-think ease-of-use, performance and ultimately the achievable risk maturity level. That’s exactly what the former leaders of Pertmaster did - Russell Johnson (CTO), Sarim Khan (CEO) and Fred Dahlberg (Lead Developer) took the opportunity to achieve meaningful improvements in ease-of-use, performance and how to consolidate cost and schedule risk models when they designed Safran Risk. The result is the only commercially available solution capable of supporting David Hulett’s “Level 5, risk maturity level”. Presented by Fred Dahlberg, Lead Developer for Safran Risk and Mark Franklin, Vice President Safran

TUE44 - Connecting high fidelity cost models with CPM schedules
Creating cost models that account for the dimension of time – and react naturally to the inevitable schedule changes – is no longer a daunting task. Today’s cost engineers are producing defensible, benchmarked estimates, budgets, and forecasts that can withstand the highest degree of scrutiny, and answer the toughest “what if?” questions. Presented by Brad Barth, Chief Product Officer, InEight

TUE45 - Get to the Truth in Your Schedules More Easily and Quickly with Steelray Application Suite
Project schedules represent a very large data set – activities, assignments, actuals, changes, etc. The task of making sense of this data set is both difficult and time consuming. In this session, Brian Leach will show how to understand your schedules more easily and quickly using Steelray’s suite of tools.

TUE46 - Re-defining Critical
A Panel Discussion hosted by the AACEi Planning & Scheduling Subcommittee
Open to all attendees - come see how AACE solicits input from planning & scheduling professionals


Wednesday, 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM

WED01 - Keynote Session - Mock Trial 2019
-- 160 minute double session
Judge Marshall's court is again in session for this year's Mock Trial presentation. So top off your cup of coffee, be seated, and enjoy the show! Judge Marshall will teach the LAW. Two attorneys will be providing examples of trial techniques, setting traps for unwary experts. Two experts will be providing examples of bad and good behaviour. One fact witness with actual knowledge will entertain as he provides the facts of the case to Judge Marshall and the jury (you!)

WED02 - Admin Tips & Tricks for P6, CM and BI Publisher
Presented by DRMcNatty

WED03 - Oracle Document Control - A collaborative approach
Learn how Oracle Construction & Engineering Global Business Unit (formerly Primavera) is enabling companies to think differently about how they approach document control and drive project wide collaboration combating the biggest project challenges and realizing proven benefits. Presented by Ryan Craaybeek of Oracle

WED04 - Why and What Schedulers Need to Know About EVMS
Theory and practical advice, presented by Humphreys & Associates.

WED05 - Introduction to ScheduleReader
ScheduleReader dynamically presents project data from schedule files, which users can easily filter, organize and share with project stakeholders. Designed to modernize scheduling efforts, it saves valuable time spent on sharing data as PDF or paper, thus improving team’s productivity and projects efficiency. Presented by Bojan Ivanovski of ScheduleReader.

WED06 - AN OVERVIEW OF PROJECT PLANNING APPROACH AND CHALLENGES FACED BY PLANNING PROFESSIONALS IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR
Project planning and scheduling not alone confines the professional only to manage the schedule, but to analyse the consequences arising out constraints in the form of resources, policy, productivity, space and information. The holistic approach discussed in the study with the inputs from planning professionals across the world emphasis the need for data driven project controls and key stakeholders continued engagement and communication at all levels. The study discuss about the possible extent of data usefulness in mitigating the unforeseen and challenges faced by planning professionals in their approach in planning and scheduling of the projects. Presented by Sandeep Chinnobaiah


Wednesday, 9:25 AM to 10:40 AM

WED12 - Why an ENR Top 20 Contractor switched to Asta Powerproject
Mortenson Construction switched to Powerproject for all our Wind Energy projects. This session will demonstrate the unique features of Powerproject that make it more nimble, more accurate, and easier to use than other scheduling tools. Topics will include schedule organization, easy resequencing of work, resource loading, mobile app for progress reporting, Line of Balance view, and others. Presented by Tim Johnson and Amy Bretzke of Mortenson Construction.

WED13 - Real-time collaboration overview and insights
GenieBelt is a software for mobile and desktop that provides real-time communication from site to office. Progress can be monitored versus the project schedule, activity completion can be audited, and any delays or problems are easily spotted in real time so that the right decisions can be made without delay. Dashboards and reports provide clear information in as much detail as wanted and integrations with existing systems ensure optimal use of project data. Presented by Rusty Hamilton of GenieBelt.

WED14 - Evaluating and Implementing an Automated EVMS
Earned Value is a fairly simple concept. Having a reliable, defensible system that can track thousands of activities, integrate cost, and provide a consistent reporting package is difficult to implement. American Electric Power (AEP) investigated and evaluated various options for providing a system that was capable of handling this task. Presented by Charles Blankenbiller of American Electric Power.

WED15 - Risk Simulation Problems and Advantages for Reliable Project Control
Risk simulation using tools like Monte Carlo creates an illusion of accurate forecasts. But very often the results are wrong and misleading for many reasons. In this presentation we will discuss the common problems of risk simulation, and proven project control methodology based on risk analysis and simulation. Presented by Vladimir Liberzon and Victoria Shavyrina

WED16 - Anatomy of a Murder: How to Spot a DOA Schedule and Resurrect It
There are many people in our industry that believe scheduling is a dark art, practiced by wizards who use the unfathomable tools of the trade to magically produce results favorable to their clients, even though the opposing side uses the same input and tools to get a conflicting result favorable to their client. The goal of this presentation is to use the collected wisdom of prior schedule sages coupled with some modern tools to convince our industry that scheduling is indeed a science. We will use several accepted scholarly publications to establish 20 traits of a reliable schedule. We will demonstrate a tool that uses these traits to give an objective score to a schedule, and provides a roadmap to correcting the deficiencies. We will show how graphic planning method (GPM) de-mystifies the schedule software black box to bring light to drive out the dark art practitioners. And we will explain how it is not the schedule that is the culprit, but instead the interpretation of facts, that yields such widely divergent results. Presented by Bruce Stephan of PMA Consultants.


Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 12:15 PM

WED21 - Paid Testimony and Your Professional License
Presented by Keith J. Bergeron of Deutsch Kerrigan

WED22 - Oracle Vision and Roadmap
Discover the exciting new industry trends and technologies that are transforming Oracle Construction and Engineering's planning and scheduling offerings. Understand what’s ahead for Oracle Prime, P6, Textura, and Aconex as we share our scheduling roadmap. By attending this session, you will:
• Witness the introduction of Prime Pro, our next generation desktop scheduling solution built on modern technology with new innovative features, such as Schedule Health Check, Scenarios, and more powerful Baselines.
• Learn how to distribute quantities, hours, and costs over time with Aconex Connected Cost.
• See how Oracle combines both CPM and Lean scheduling methodologies to more reliably deliver projects on time and under budget.
Attend this session, and take advantage of the scheduling innovations being delivered by Oracle to improve your projects’ performance.
Presented by Mark Jenkins, Director, Product Strategy, Oracle Construction and Engineering

WED23 - Schedule Requirement for Federal Projects
Scheduling requirements for Federal Government Construction projects are well laid out in Section 01 32 01.00 10 of the Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS), are often confusing and misunderstood, but are based on sound scheduling practices for construction projects. This session will provide, a view of these scheduling requirements based on the four key objective of an acceptable construction schedule, as seen by a Government Project Team. The UFSG is a joint guideline specification by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (HQ AFCEC) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Meeting the scheduling structure requirements of Section 01 32 01.00 10 can be a source of much misunderstanding and frustration on the part of a Project Team and the Scheduler in achieving an acceptable proposal schedule and/or an approved baseline after award. Presented by David Long, APTIM Federal Services.

WED24 - Cost Estimating and Budget Forecasting in P6
The art of cost estimating has evolved in many ways through the years, considering the estimate is always the beginning of a project. Several software applications have their strengths when it comes to providing estimates for projects. Most industries have separated the scheduling department from the cost estimating department. Since these processes have been grandfathered as a standard, several disconnects occur by the time a project schedule is created. Primavera P6 may help in reducing these disconnect if a company process considers this fact.
Most estimates we encounter have been developed in Excel, or programs that may directly integrate into P6. If an organization is not ready to adopt this level of estimating and scheduling integration, we can look at Primavera P6 as a tool to incorporate a centralized process for Cost Estimating with the eventual intention to become a real scheduled project.As the project goes through the approval process with “Planned” Project Status, baseline cost estimates are stored where we can than utilize the costs as a bottom up estimate to forecast where our spend is going to hit. This is due to the costs being assigned at the activity level. As the activities shift through subsequent updates, the budgeted costs will automatically shift pending the correct activity settings. Reporting output can then be standardized to allow budget forecasting reports to be generated with a click of a button.
In this presentation, Mr. Costantino will provide a comprehensive step by step process to further enhance a scheduler’s ability to fully cost load and resource load a project schedule by means of Cost Estimating and the useful output reports when managing projects or portfolios.

WED25 - Risk Track - Monte Carlo Schedule Risk Analysis
This presentation includes step by step process of quantitative risk analysis with risk events using Monte Carlo simulations. We start with risk identification and recording using a risk register. Next is assigning risks to tasks and resources with certain probability and impact. Then relationships between risks are identified. This relationship is graphically presented using event chain diagrams. Uncertainties defined by statistical distributions represented unidentified events or “nose”. Monte Carlo simulation helps to generate a risk adjusted project schedule as well as rank events and event chains. Mitigation and response planning is conducted for the critical risk events and chains. Additional Monte Carlo simulations determine efficiency and cost of mitigation efforts. The process repeated multiple times during project execution based on actual task duration and cost. Presented by Lev Virine of Risky Project.

WED26 - THE GREAT DEBATE - Are We Done Yet?
This AACE Presentation features a panel of Owner representatives and Contractor scheduling managers, discussing, and comparing their interests, goals, actions, and scheduling options during project closeout. Our debate will include such topics as substantial & final completion, partial or beneficial occupancy, a Contractor’s right to finish early, commissioning & closeout, change management, the punch list, and liquidated damages. Emceed by John Orr & Jeff Milo.


Wednesday, 12:15 PM to 1:45 PM -- Lunch


Wednesday, 1:45 PM to 3:00 PM

WED31 - Ethics and the Expert
A Panel Discussion Led by Judge Marshall

WED32 - Elecosoft Roadmap/TownHall
Asta Powerproject & More

WED33 - Schedule Simulation – The Lego Experience
4D scheduling is not easy, and the multitude of other project requirements can be difficult to meet. If the project team is given a 4D schedule they might not be aware of how to use it, and many of the people who create 4D schedules do not have experience in using them. During this session, Lego Blocks will be used to simulate a 4D experience and to demonstrate the benefits of an active 4D process over traditional scheduling. The participants will have to maintain quality, schedule and scope while building their structure. Please bring your laptop, so you can actually use the models to build. After the session, participants will have a better understanding of how 4D, BIM and Lean are incorporated into traditional practices, how they can improve project performance, why it can be difficult for teams to adopt new practices, and what can be done to improve our VDC practices. All this, while playing with Legos!!
Presented by Ben Crosby.

WED34 - Integrated Cost/Schedule Analytics for Program Stakeholders
See how Empower provides program stakeholders with the precise information they need to quickly: 1) identify program cost/schedule drivers, 2) review trends, 3) evaluate data quality, and 4) evaluate the reasonableness of estimates-at-completion in an integrated easy-to-use browser-based tool.Empower is compatible with leading earned value engines and scheduling tools.

WED35 - Making Ships – Managing Complex Construction Projects Alongside SAP PS
Many businesses have selected SAP as their ERP solution and SAP PS (Project System) is the embedded and natural solution for managing projects. SAP PS is very powerful and connects project data to efficiently drive a range of business functions including finance and procurement. However, for the modern project controls professional it is lacking some essential capabilities when it comes optimising complex projects. Functions such as detailed project reporting, resource levelling, what-if analysis and risk analysis. Using a separate modern project management system creates two versions of the truth and synchronisation problems. Navantia, one of the world’s largest aerospace and defence companies turned to Safran to deliver a better solution. The solution was seamlessly integrating SAP PS to Safran Project via a SAP-certified integrator. Attend this session to learn how Navantia is improving cost and schedule predictability with improved efficiency. Mark Franklin, Vice President Safran (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-franklin-0b99862/), has been closely working with Navantia to turn around their project controls performance. Mark will present Navantia’s case study recently presented to SAP’s user group.


Wednesday, 3:15 PM to 5:30 PM

Following the last class ending 3:15 PM Attendees may join our optional
Harbor Tour and Seal Watching Aboard Flagship Cruises
Taxi transit to Flagship Dock 3:15 PM - Boarding 4:00 PM - Cruise 4:15 - 5:15 PM - Evening on Own 5:30 PM to ...

Post Conference Harbor Cruise
includes transit to Flagship dock and one hour cruise
Wednesday - pickup at Sheraton at 315pm, boarding at 4pm, cruise 415-515pm, depart dock to enjoy evening
$25 per person
name of guest
email of guest

-- page under construction -- speakers please provide updated Abstracts for this web page and conference booklet - limit 50 words
- we will insert your supplied hyperlinks - program subject to change without notice

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING OUR CONSTRUCTION CPM CONFERENCE 2019

/