Session 1 – During this session, we will discuss the foundational pieces of best-in-class contractors that allow organizations to grow profitably while deploying the proper tools to minimize the risk associated with growth. Attendees will learn the basics of strategy development, business development, leadership development, business process re-engineering, project execution, prefabrication, and technology strategy providing a holistic view of the elements of “best in class” contractors. The role of both the field leader and project manager will be clearly outlined in addition to the influence the operations team has on the overall success of the organization. During this session, we will discuss:

• Discuss the definition of strategy in setting the future path of an organization

• Outline effective structure by depicting current organizational structure contrasted with tomorrow’s needs for success of strategy

• Clarify the need for strong, defined systems and processes along with employee engagement principles to allow staff to learn and grow appropriately in order to fill both the current and future needs of the organization.

Session 1 – With the future bringing more of the same accelerated challenges of schedule compression, pricing pressure, and manpower shortages, the industry will be forced to innovate at a heightened clip. Most contractors are trying to solve these massive industry issues with tactical solutions, and everyone is basically trying the same approach they have used for years. The reality is a new business model that is evolving to address these challenges with strategic, long- term solutions. Best in class electrical contractors are utilizing value stream mapping to visualize work systems (prefabrication, IT, financial systems, etc.) and identify the gaps, overlaps and roadblocks in how customer requests/orders are completed. We will use case studies of US based contractors including pictures and detailed descriptions of what they have done, why, and the substantial bottom line results they are enjoying. Learning Objectives:

• Learn to identify internal and external customers

• Define what your customers value

• Understand the fundamentals to developing a value stream map

• Identify how a gap analysis is used to highlight process improvements

Session 2 – The driving project success module is a highly interactive session geared towards field leadership. Participants are immediately placed in the positions they find themselves every day – tasked to build a project without all the tools or information they need to get the project done. During the workshop, attendees learn about the importance of productivity, motivation, coaching, leadership, planning and technology to drive project performance. A full-scale BIM model of the project is utilized to demonstrate just how drastically technology and prefabrication are going to change the industry. This module sets the stage for the remaining content of the program by introducing all the concepts taught in the program. During this session, we will discuss:

• Industry trends and changes

• Field management obstacles and opportunities

• Understand how planning and communication impact productivity

• Understand how productivity is measured

• Evaluate impact of rework on productivity and project performance

• Evaluate impact of BIM on project performance through improved planning and communication

Session 2 – Ugly projects can happen. This session will help you identify warning signs, preventative measures as well as rescue tips to minimize loss and increase successful completion without burning bridges. Contract negotiations, good project schedules, quantity of RFIs and CORs, executive involvement and collaboration with other trades will also be discussed. Learning Objectives:

• Identifying a project heading south

• Investigating the why

• Course correcting for a profitable outcome

• When and how to take legal action

Session 3 – This session will examine the value and positive impact of a well-planned project and explore the different types of plans that could be developed. Planning does not end when the project starts, and we will discuss how to lead planning from the beginning of the project all the way until the customer accepts the finished project.

Session 3 – Cash flow is one of the most important issues facing contractors today. As the market continues to stay strong, companies are faced with starting new projects, hiring staff, and investing in assets to support the business. More companies go bankrupt due to cash flow issues than due to profitability. Many things can and should be done to improve cash management practices. We will explore a range of tools and techniques, from simple to complex, which allow firms to manage and control cash flow. Examples include contractual negotiation strategies, pricing and bidding practices, development of cost and resource-loaded schedules that tie to billing activities in the schedule of values, use of 12-week cash flow forecasts, project closeout procedures, and managing the billings and collection cycle. An interactive cash flow simulation provides hands-on experience that enhances the learning outcomes. Learning Objectives: • Learn the importance of cash management practices • Increase profits with billings and collections • Apply tools and techniques that optimize cash flow • Maximize cash flow with process standardization • Create transparency and accountability with measurement

Session 4 –This is not the glory topic, but it may be the most important aspect of a project managers role when it comes to mitigating risk and protecting the company. We will review the pitfalls and lessons that every PM must be watching on their contract and tell a few stories to illustrate the importance of thorough contract administration.

Session 4 – 

Every organization strives for greatness.  That greatness comes from the level of engagement and performance of the people within the company.  Team enablement and challenging the status quo is not about “being nice” or “being comfortable.”  Rather, it is creating a culture where input is encouraged and recognized.  It is an environment where people are unafraid to ask for assistance or admit making mistakes.  It is a space where ideas can be challenged constructively in the desire to pursue continuous improvement. 

During this session, we will:

• Discuss the benefits of team culture
• List the behaviors to avoid that will sabotage team enablement
• Outline the questions to ask to determine whether this is a problem for your organization
• Describe strategies for improving leadership practices to create the right environment for engagement