Value Improving Practices Workshop
IPA research has demonstrated that Value Improving Practices (VIPs) are linked to improved project outcomes. The VIPs Workshop will provide those who attend with an increased understanding of what these practices are and how to implement them to gain the most benefit in capital effectiveness.
VIPs are out-of-the-ordinary practices used to improve project performance, and they are primarily used during the Front-End Loading (FEL) of a project. VIPs are formal, documented practices involving a repeatable work process with measurable results. They are not cost-reduction exercises or project readiness reviews. Many practices used in executing projects have potential to add value, such as peer reviews and lessons learned. However, only practices with a demonstrated, statistically reliable connection between use and better outcomes are labeled as VIPs. The VIPs to be discussed in the workshop are shown in the figure below.
Benefits
The VIPs Workshop provides participants with a better understanding of what VIPs are, how to select the practices that add the most value in a specific circumstance, and when and how to use these practices. The workshop will help organizations to establish a VIPs selection process as part of their project work process.
Participants in the VIPs Workshop will be provided with a detailed description of each of the VIPs and guidelines for using these practices. In addition, the workshop will provide examples of each of the practices.
Institute workshops are facilitated by experienced IPA staff. Facilitators have analyzed many projects and have worked with project professionals to improve the results of their projects. IPA has conducted more than 120 workshops for major oil and chemical companies.
Workshop Content
The focus of the workshop is to establish a VIPs implementation process within the organization’s project work process. Many workshops begin with an assessment of the current use of VIPs. An analysis can then be done on the gap between optimal implementation of VIPs and the current use. This then becomes the basis of establishing the improvement program.
Each workshop is customized to meet the specific needs of a given organization. Workshops are a combination of presentation of key learnings and interactive sessions for participants to apply information to their own organization. Topics covered for each VIP include the following:
Defining VIPs: Through its research, IPA has identified a set of practices that have been demonstrated to add value to capital projects. Each of these practices will be defined in detail. The value that each practice can add to project outcomes will also be presented.
How and When to Execute VIPs: Practices can only add value if they are used at the appropriate project stage and are implemented effectively. In this section of the workshop, we discuss when in the project cycle each VIP must be used to gain the maximum value from the activity. This section discusses why the timing is important and presents methods on how to use each VIP to gain the most advantage from the activity. Workshop participants will then have the opportunity to adapt this information to their situation to establish their criteria for VIPs selection.
Methodology for Selecting VIPs: VIPs selection is important. This module discusses the process for selecting VIPs to be used on a project. The selection process discussion includes how to determine the applicability of each VIP. This module also discusses how to ensure alignment of the business and project objectives and VIPs selection. Participants will receive Guidelines to Plan and Schedule VIPs.
Building a System to Measure VIPs Use and Effectiveness: Incremental value is added to a project when VIPs are used appropriately. Proper documentation of VIPs use is key to supporting their perceived value. A system for measuring benefits shows the value of these practices. Practices for implementing a documentation and measurement system for the organization will be discussed.
Target Audience
The workshop should include representatives from technical functions including engineering, construction, procurement, operations, and process development. Some representation from other functions, such as business, is needed to ensure that any process established is aligned with business needs. Each function must be represented by people who have an in-depth knowledge of the process and by leaders who are empowered to implement change.
To ensure interaction among participants, the optimal workshop size is between 15 to 20 participants.
Workshop Location
The VIPs Workshop can be conducted either at a company’s facility or at a nearby conference center. We strongly recommend an off-site location to allow participants to focus on the workshop activities.
Holding a Workshop
For more information about VIPs Workshops or to hold a workshop, contact our offices at 703-729-8300 or via e-mail IPAInstitute@IPAGlobal.com.