Planning Counters Project Disruptions, PHCC Class Told
CLASS PHOTO: Participants in the PHCC Educational Foundation’s recent Essentials of Project Management class took time out for a photo session during the four-day event in Broomfield, Colorado. (Courtesy of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association)
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — Every offering of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation’s popular Essentials of Project Management class seems to develop a theme.
For the four-day class held recently at the Viega Seminar Center in Broomfield, Colorado, that theme centered on disruptions in the industry.
Leading the class of 23 attendees through highly interactive discussions was Purdue University professor emeritus Kirk Alter.
Attendees examined several examples of what happens when everyday construction disruptions cause delays or extra costs. Planning remains the best way to head off these disruptions, a press release from PHCC said.
“For every dollar you spend in pre-construction planning, you will recover an additional four to six dollars in productivity. That time before the job starts represents your best opportunity to make the project successful,” said Alter.
“During the Covid supply-chain disruptions, some companies took the opportunity to hike their materials pricing for contractors far beyond what their inputs costs would merit. Watch for the same with tariffs — you will be getting notices about price increases from your suppliers,” Alter added. “Your job as a project manager and leader in your company is to know how to find the real input costs and negotiate on those price increases to protect your company.”
The class also discussed artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on energy demands for the country.
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“A project manager’s job is to ask good questions and manage with numbers,” said Alter. “If you know that we are not going to have enough energy available to run all the data centers required for AI, what should you be doing right now? Find those opportunities to build what is going to be in demand so that you and your company are in good shape, regardless of whatever disruptions we may see to the economy.”
Viega has provided classrooms and logistical support for this PHCC program at its Broomfield, Colorado, and Nashua, New Hampshire, Seminar Center locations since 2016.
“Viega was delighted to host PHCC’s project management class, providing space for industry thought leaders to share their knowledge with contractors from across the country,” said Michele Passaretti, manager of associations and events at Viega. “We pride ourselves on our commitment to training and education, and opening our doors to this group is just one of the ways we can give back to our community while supporting continued education for the industry.”
The PHCC Educational Foundation will be conducting a two-day workshop, Creating Super Foremen, at the Viega Seminar Center in Broomfield on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, with Alter again providing instruction. Click here for more information.
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