BIM for Construction Owners - Part 2 of 2

How Can Owners Gain Value from BIM and Reduce Their Risk?

In this podcast, we provide insights on the questions “How can Owners gain value from BIM and reduce their risk?” and offer advice to Owners just getting started with BIM

As part of the narrative, Sam Neider provides two examples on a 1.2 million sq. ft. project where he has been engaged to provide BIM integration services. In this example, the owner was new to BIM and brought Sam on board in the middle of DDs. One of the key concepts discussed is the use of tools that supported both the process and the existing team.

Sam will also share how a “design-coordination-assist” strategy was used to help the owner gain the most value from the BIM process.

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BIM for Construction Owners - Part 1 of 2

Understanding BIM to Minimize Risk and Maximize Benefits for the Project Owner

Building Information Modeling promises a broad range of benefits to facility owners managing complex projects. However, it also presents owners with new risks that could potentially nullify the benefits, or even hurt the project, if not addressed.

This podcast series (2) will provide insights into some of the concepts that owners need to understand before pursuing BIM on their projects, and things to consider when selecting a team to support this process.

Some of the key takeaways include:

1. Understanding the new risks that BIM presents to owners
2. Understanding the real benefits of BIM
3. How does BIM potentially increase an owner's risk?
4. How can owners gain the value from BIM and use it to reduce their risk?
5. Suggestions for Owners just getting started with BIM

Enabling Cost Controls for the Largest Public Works Project in the History of Minnesota - Part 2

Part 2 of 2 in this series, this podcast talks how the Metcouncil has enabled efficient and effective cost controls to have more control over contingency, change orders, project reporting, and audits.

Enabling Cost Controls for the Largest Public Works Project in the History of Minnesota

This podcast will focus on the Metropolitan Council’s approach to Project Controls in the delivery of the Central Corridor Light Rail Transit (CCLRT) project. The CCLRT project is an 11-mile corridor currently under construction with revenue service planned for 2014. We will explore best practices, strategies and lessons learned in establishing the Project Controls organization, developing systematic business processes, and employing technology to manage and mitigate risks.

The Project Controls unit, a seamless integration of agency and AECOM staff, was established early in the project. Key aspects of the Project Controls unit will be explored, including: organizational structure, resources, skill sets and responsibilities.

Change is inevitable; however, managing change through effective business processes has kept the CCLRT project on time and on budget. The Central Corridor Project Office (CCPO) established an initial baseline definition to measure changes against. As the project advanced, the baseline definition was refined through the evaluation of design alternatives and resolution of technical issues. Configuration management will be discussed as an effective means of controlling project scope creep.

The CCPO leveraged technology from e-Builder to support the Project Controls unit. In addition to scheduling and estimating software, the CCPO implemented e-Builder, a web-based capital project management system, to support collaboration and streamline business processes. The paper will review CCPO’s early challenges, successes after implementation and lessons learned.

Enabling Effective Cost Controls - 2 of 2

Part 2 of 2 - This podcast focuses on cost controls and features a discussion with Mr. John Kavouris, Director of Construction at Columbia College Chicago. During the presentation Mr. Kavouris speaks about the challenges involved in managing construction of new facilities and renovations of historic buildings at the college.

Enabling Efficient Capital Project Cost Controls - Part 1 of 2

Part 1 of 2, this podcast focuses on cost controls through a discussion with Mr. John Kavouris, Director of Construction at Columbia College Chicago. During the presentation Mr. Kavouris speaks about the challenges involved in managing construction of new facilities and renovations of historic buildings at the college.

The Impact of Today's Economic Trends on Tomorrow's Project Forecasting - Part 4

Part 4 of 4. In this podcast, the last in this series, we answer the questions:

• How much impact can local and regional capabilities for labor skills, manpower and material availability have on project budget forecasting?
• How do you understand local and regional capabilities better for labor skills, manpower and material availability?
• Is there really a China effect on material costs? Please explain the impact of global demand on the US.