Project control problems, anticipating

Maintenance costs account for a large fraction of the total operating expenditure (opex) of a project. Because of the bath tub curve mentioned above, maintenance costs typically increase as the facilities age just when the production and hence revenues enter into decline. The measurement and control of opex often becomes a key issue during the producing lifetime of the field as discussed in Section 14.0. However, the problem should be anticipated when writing the FDP. 

Successful installation, or roll-out, of your PSM systems requires sound planning and effective execution. No matter how diligent you have been, or how receptive and well-managed your company may be, no system as complex as PSM can work perfectly the first time. As every project manager knows, it s impossible to anticipate every outcome or contingency—especially when human behavior is involved. Pilot testing a new system provides the opportunity to identify weaknesses under controlled conditions this in turn enables you to fix problems before the system becomes fully operational. Once these problems are corrected, the pilot test produces a template for installation that can be replicated elsewhere. 

When a problem is indicated by the control systems, Project Managers will need to bring all their skills into play in rapidly analysing the situation and making a decision on the corrective action to be taken. A good Project Manager will maintain an intimate contact with all aspects of the project and be able to anticipate problems and take avoiding action before they arise. 

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