The Anonymous Widower

Good Project Management At Heathrow

It may be something that doesn’t affect many of us, but airport runways need to be rebuilt every so often.

This report on the BBC this morning about resurfacing the Southern Runway at Heathrow, shows how good project management helps difficult jobs to be done, with the least disturbance to anyone.

I liked the bit about using models to educate the workforce before the project was started.

Let’s hope the rest of the project goes as well as the eighty metres they did in the night of the report.

June 12, 2013 - Posted by | Transport/Travel | , ,

2 Comments »

  1. Your comment about using models is one I have tried to install in nearly every project I have worked on. Many years ago the construction site at Kishorn employed a model maker who would make the work for the next day and invite in all of the foremen the evening before and point out all of the problems. This was far better than any CAD system on a computer especially when trying to fit an difficult shaped pipe as you could physically try every method and work out the lifting before hand. This method worked like a dream and saved on time and money yet modern project managers will not use the method as they would rather sit in front of a PC and waste money. Bring back the model makers and save money!

    Comment by George Bell | June 12, 2013 | Reply

    • I think it is true to say that anything that works well and isn’t stupidly against health and safety, should be tried.

      Some of the stuff being done on Crossrail, like using the tunnel spoil to create nature reserves on the Essex coast, are wacky ideas, that probably make the project easier, as barges on the river, don’t annoy the residents, like hundreds of trucks on the street. Often the locals protesting are the biggest source of delay for urban projects!

      Comment by AnonW | June 12, 2013 | Reply


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