Webinars Archives

Shutdown & Turnaround Success: Are You Set Up for a Smooth Transition?

March 13, 2025/in Webinars/by Jess Beltran

Planned shutdowns and turnarounds are critical milestones in industrial operations. When executed well, they optimize performance, minimize downtime, and ensure long-term reliability. But without proper planning, they can lead to unnecessary delays, cost overruns, and operational inefficiencies.

The key question is:

Data-Is your team truly prepared for the next shutdown, or are there gaps in planning that could cause setbacks? Driven PMOs: Not Your Average Office

That’s exactly what Deborah DeGezelle and Mike Davidson explored in the CII Hidden Gems III: Shutdown & Turnaround Success webinar. Drawing from Construction Industry Institute (CII) Research Team 242, they shared valuable insights and tools to help teams enhance readiness, improve coordination, and execute shutdowns with confidence.

The Challenge: Why Some Shutdowns Struggle to Stay on Track

Shutdowns and turnarounds are fast-paced, high-pressure events with many moving parts. While they’re necessary for asset integrity and performance, they come with common challenges:

• Tight schedules – Every extra day offline impacts production and revenue.
• Scope expansion – Unplanned work can strain resources.
• Stakeholder coordination – Multiple teams must align on execution plans.
• Readiness gaps – If teams aren’t fully prepared, inefficiencies arise.
• Lack of data-driven decision-making – Without structured planning tools, teams often rely on assumptions rather than measurable insights.

Key Data on Shutdown Performance

• 60% of shutdowns and turnarounds experience cost or schedule deviations.
• Projects with structured planning tools achieve greater predictability and cost efficiency.
• Organizations using CII’s STAR (Shutdown Turnaround Alignment Review) tool report improved coordination and risk management.

A Proactive Approach: The STAR Tool

One of the most valuable takeaways from the webinar was the STAR Tool (Shutdown Turnaround Alignment Review)—a structured readiness assessment that helps teams proactively identify potential gaps and align on key priorities.

How the STAR Tool Strengthens STO Planning

Evaluates readiness across key areas, including permitting, procurement, commissioning, and startup.
Identifies potential challenges before they impact execution.
Generates action items to enhance preparation and efficiency.
Facilitates alignment between operations, maintenance, and project teams.
Supports data-driven decision-making for more predictable outcomes.

Mike Davidson shared real-world insights from his work with Ontario Power Generation (OPG), where structured planning tools like STAR and PDRI helped transform shutdown execution from reactive to proactive, resulting in improved schedule adherence and cost control.

Key Takeaway

Successful turnarounds don’t just happen—they are built through structured planning and proactive collaboration.

Hidden Gems to Take Home

Tools that Wow: From the BIPP (Best Productivity Practice Implementation Index) to the PDRI (Project Definition Rating Index), CII’s treasure chest is filled with tools to make your life easier and your projects smarter.

The Case for Continuous Improvement: Lessons learned aren’t just an end-of-project afterthought. With tools like the STAR (Shutdown Turnaround Alignment Review), you’re equipped for real-time course corrections.

People Make the Difference: A strong portfolio manager is your ace. RT303 even maps out the skills and authority they need, down to a job description. Now that’s planning.

Strategies for a More Effective Shutdown & Turnaround

Start Early. The best turnarounds begin long before execution day.
Leverage Proven Tools. STAR, PDRI, and PCI provide data-driven insights for better planning.
Align Stakeholders. Coordination between operations, maintenance, construction, and procurement is key.
Manage Scope Effectively. A structured approach helps control changes and minimize surprises.
Take a Risk-Based Approach. Identifying risks early leads to better contingency planning.

Bonus Tip

The STAR Tool helps teams assess readiness objectively—providing a clear picture of where preparation stands and where additional focus is needed.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

While every shutdown is unique, there are common challenges that can be mitigated with the right approach:

Ensure readiness is assessed objectively. A structured evaluation helps prevent overly optimistic assumptions.
Engage key stakeholders in planning. Cross-functional alignment ensures all aspects are accounted for.
Take action on identified gaps. Planning is most effective when followed by clear execution strategies.

The STAR Tool isn’t about finding problems—it’s about creating solutions. By using structured assessments, teams can proactively address concerns and enhance efficiency.

Why Partner with PTAG?

Many organizations recognize the importance of structured shutdown planning but struggle with implementation. That’s where PTAG comes in. Our team of shutdown and turnaround experts brings deep industry experience, proven methodologies, and hands-on support to help organizations:

Integrate CII Best Practices – We help implement research-backed strategies to improve shutdown performance.
Optimize Execution Plans – From front-end planning to post-turnaround reviews, we guide teams through every phase.
Enhance Stakeholder Alignment – Our facilitation services ensure seamless coordination across all disciplines.
Improve Cost & Schedule Predictability – With data-driven decision-making and structured assessments, we help reduce risk and enhance efficiency.
Leverage Industry-Leading Tools – We provide expertise in deploying STAR, PDRI, and other critical planning tools.

Our approach isn’t just about avoiding problems—it’s about helping your team execute shutdowns and turnarounds with confidence, efficiency, and long-term success.

How Prepared is Your Team?

If you’re looking to strengthen your shutdown and turnaround processes, PTAG can help integrate best practices for better results.

Reach out to us to learn more about how we can support your team in achieving a more efficient, cost-effective, and predictable turnaround.

Stay tuned for future Hidden Gems webinars, where industry-leading insights for project success will be shared.

Let’s make your next shutdown a success story.

Enhancing Project Delivery Through Structured Execution and Complexity Management

February 7, 2025/in Best Practice, Construction Management, Project Management, Webinars/by Jess Beltran

Effective project execution is critical to achieving business objectives, yet many organizations struggle with delays, cost overruns, and misaligned teams. The challenge lies not only in managing scope, schedules, and budgets but also in navigating complex stakeholder environments, regulatory requirements, and evolving market conditions.

PTAG’s Complexity Model and Project Handbook provides a structured, repeatable approach to project execution that enables organizations to improve efficiency, mitigate risks, and deliver consistent results. By applying proven methodologies tailored to the unique challenges of each project, organizations can enhance performance, optimize resources, and ensure alignment across all phases of project execution.

Understanding the Core Challenges in Project Execution

Many projects fail to meet their objectives due to a combination of internal and external challenges. PTAG has identified five key factors that commonly impact project success:

Lack of Strategic Alignment: Misalignment between business objectives, project teams, and execution strategies leads to inefficiencies and costly delays.

Ineffective Stakeholder Communication: Poor coordination across departments and unclear roles create disconnects that hinder decision-making and progress.

Resource Planning Gaps: Shortages in skilled labor, supply chain disruptions, and inadequate contingency planning result in execution inefficiencies.

Unrealistic Schedules and Budgets: Overly aggressive timelines and underestimated costs increase the likelihood of overruns and rework.

Regulatory and Risk Management Challenges: Non-compliance, safety risks, and unforeseen project complexities can introduce significant financial and operational risks.

Addressing these challenges requires a structured approach that ensures clear governance, proactive risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration.

PTAG’s 10-Step Approach to Optimized Project Delivery

PTAG’s structured execution model is built around 10 key steps designed to streamline project management, improve decision-making, and enhance predictability.

1️⃣ Assess Market and Business Cycles – Evaluate external factors that may influence project viability and execution.

2️⃣ Define Success Criteria – Establish clear, measurable KPIs to align all stakeholders.

3️⃣ Evaluate Project Complexity – Categorize projects based on their complexity to apply the appropriate level of governance.

4️⃣ Develop a Detailed Execution Plan – Define key activities across engineering, procurement, and construction to ensure alignment.

5️⃣ Leverage Best Practices and Lessons Learned – Apply insights from past projects to drive efficiency and risk reduction.

6️⃣ Optimize Value Engineering – Identify cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or performance.

7️⃣ Strengthen Risk Management – Implement a proactive risk management framework to mitigate potential disruptions.

8️⃣ Ensure Integrated Project Management – Foster collaboration between engineering, procurement, and construction teams.

9️⃣ Enhance Stakeholder Communication – Establish structured communication channels to improve transparency and decision-making.

🔟 Align the Project Team – Ensure all team members are working toward shared objectives with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.

This methodology enables organizations to take a structured, data-driven approach to project execution, reducing uncertainty and improving overall performance.

PTAG’s Complexity Model and Project Handbook: A Tailored Approach to Execution

One of the most common challenges in project management is applying a one-size-fits-all approach to projects with vastly different levels of complexity. PTAG’s Complexity Model and Project Handbook solves this issue by:

✅ Classifying projects by complexity levels (C1 to C4) to ensure appropriate governance and oversight.

✅ Providing tailored execution strategies that match project complexity and risk profile.

✅ Integrating with project management systems for seamless implementation and adoption.

The Project Handbook is a practical, 60-70 page guide that provides a streamlined framework for execution, linking directly to best practices, tools, and methodologies. It eliminates ambiguity, ensures alignment across project teams, and drives standardization in execution.

Proven Impact: Driving Efficiency and Reducing Costs

Organizations that implement PTAG’s Complexity Model and Project Handbook experience measurable improvements in project performance:

📉 5-15% reduction in project costs through optimized resource allocation and risk management.

⏳ 3-10% acceleration in project schedules by improving coordination and execution efficiency.

📈 Stronger team alignment and stakeholder engagement through structured communication and governance.

🚀 Increased predictability in project outcomes by applying a standardized, repeatable execution approach.

By eliminating inefficiencies, reducing uncertainty, and improving decision-making, organizations can significantly enhance project success rates.

Achieve Greater Project Success with PTAG

Effective project execution requires a disciplined approach, clear governance, and alignment across teams. PTAG’s Complexity Model and Project Handbook provide a structured, proven framework for navigating the complexities of project delivery while optimizing performance and reducing risks.

If your organization is looking to improve project outcomes, reduce costs, and accelerate execution timelines, PTAG can help. Contact us today to explore how our structured execution approach can be tailored to your organization’s needs.

How Can a Performance Culture Boost Results? Hidden Gems, Unlocked!

January 17, 2025/in Webinars/by Jess Beltran

Performance culture: the buzzword you’ve probably heard tossed around boardrooms, coffee breaks, and maybe even motivational TED Talks. But here’s the twist – it’s not just jargon; it’s the secret sauce behind organizational success. In the second installment of the CII Hidden Gems Series, Deborah DeGezelle and Mike Davidson took us on a journey through the what, why, and how of cultivating a performance culture that actually delivers results. Here’s the scoop.

Data-Driven PMOs: Not Your Average Office

First up, let’s talk PMOs. That’s Project Management Office for those still deciphering corporate acronyms. A data-driven PMO is like a well-oiled engine that keeps your organization moving. Forget gut feelings and intuition – we’re talking metrics that matter: meaningful, relevant, and targeted to align with strategic goals. Think of it as the GPS guiding your projects through traffic, potholes, and surprise detours.

The key takeaway? Metrics aren’t just numbers; they’re your performance north star. And when resources are tight (aren’t they always?), focusing on impactful metrics is non-negotiable.

Portfolio Management Playbook: Not Just for Sports Fans

Imagine you’re coaching an NFL team. You’ve got your playbook with 75 passing plays, 15 running plays, and one goal: win. Now, swap touchdowns for strategic alignment, and you’ve got the RT303 research team’s playbook for portfolio management.

This gem from CII highlights six core practices to streamline your portfolio, including resource management, risk mitigation, and the pièce de résistance: scalable governance. (Translation: not every project needs the same level of oversight. Save the red tape for where it’s really needed.)

Key message: Treat your portfolio like a team sport. Train your A-Team, develop your B-Team, and make sure everyone’s running the right plays.

Capital Effectiveness vs. Efficiency: Why Not Both?

RT394 introduced us to a concept that might sound like corporate zen: balancing capital effectiveness (doing the right things) with capital efficiency (doing things right). Think Netflix vs. Blockbuster. Netflix stayed nimble, adapting to streaming trends while Blockbuster bet big on brick-and-mortar. Spoiler: one’s still around, and it’s not the popcorn-scented aisles.

The RT394 framework’s interactive tool is a lifesaver for businesses juggling these priorities. With intuitive navigation and practical steps, it bridges the gap between corporate strategy and on-the-ground execution. Efficiency is great, but not when you’re running in the wrong direction.

Hidden Gems to Take Home

Tools that Wow: From the BIPP (Best Productivity Practice Implementation Index) to the PDRI (Project Definition Rating Index), CII’s treasure chest is filled with tools to make your life easier and your projects smarter.

The Case for Continuous Improvement: Lessons learned aren’t just an end-of-project afterthought. With tools like the STAR (Shutdown Turnaround Alignment Review), you’re equipped for real-time course corrections.

People Make the Difference: A strong portfolio manager is your ace. RT303 even maps out the skills and authority they need, down to a job description. Now that’s planning.

Why This Matters (For You)

Whether you’re steering a small project or overseeing an empire, the principles from these hidden gems are universal. Align strategy with execution, focus on data, and never underestimate the power of a well-prepped team. And hey, next time you’re stuck in an elevator with the CEO, you’ll have more to say than “nice weather we’re having.”

What’s Next?

The CII Hidden Gems Series continues in March with “Planning for Start-Up.” If you’ve ever wondered why most organizations flub this critical phase, stay tuned. Until then, remember: a performance culture isn’t just about working hard; it’s about working smart, with purpose, and (most importantly) with results.

Missed the Webinar?

Don’t worry! You can catch the full recording of “How Can a Performance Culture Boost Results?” and see all the insights, examples, and practical tools discussed by Deborah DeGezelle and Mike Davidson.

Click here to watch the video now.

Game on.

Unlocking Success with PTAG’s CII Hidden Gems Series: Episode 1 – The Implementation Journey

November 27, 2024/in Webinars/by Jess Beltran

The inaugural episode of PTAG’s CII Hidden Gems Series webinar, “The Implementation Journey,” led by Mike Davidson and Deborah DeGezelle, provided an enlightening roadmap for organizations seeking to harness the Construction Industry Institute’s (CII) best practices. If you missed the live session, here’s a recap of the key takeaways and insights that can transform your organization’s approach to project implementation and governance.

Exploring the “Hidden Gems” of CII?

CII has amassed a treasure trove of over 400 publications, 100+ tools, and 17 validated best practices. Yet, as Deborah aptly pointed out, some of these invaluable resources often go unnoticed amidst the hustle of day-to-day operations. The Hidden Gems series seeks to spotlight these underutilized tools, ensuring companies extract maximum value from their CII membership.

Why the Implementation Journey Matters

The central focus of the webinar was on embedding best practices within an organization’s DNA. Drawing on real-world examples, the session delved into the challenges and triumphs of implementation, emphasizing:

The critical role of a Project Management Office (PMO) in promoting consistency and driving project excellence.

The value of tailoring tools like the Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) to fit organizational needs while maintaining their integrity.

How structured governance models, supported by top-tier training and facilitation, create a sustainable framework for success.

Case Study Spotlight: Ontario Power Generation (OPG)

OPG’s journey served as a centerpiece of the discussion. Under Mike Davidson’s leadership, the organization implemented a PMO from the ground up, evolving it into an enterprise-wide entity recognized as a benchmark for excellence. Key steps included:

Building the PMO: Starting small with a clear vision, OPG scaled its PMO to support diverse teams with tools for front-end planning, risk management, and project alignment.

Championing Best Practices: Embedding CII tools, such as PDRI, into their governance processes ensured buy-in at all levels.

Continuous Improvement: Regular benchmarking and feedback loops enabled OPG to refine its practices, securing their position as a finalist for PMO of the Year.

Insights For Discussion

Leadership Buy-In is Non-Negotiable
Change begins at the top. A committed leadership team ensures alignment, secures resources, and fosters a culture open to adopting industry best practices.

Customization for Impact
While CII tools are robust, tailoring them to an organization’s terminology, processes, and governance enhances adoption and effectiveness.

Start Small, Scale Smart
By focusing on a single, high-impact tool like PDRI, organizations can prove value quickly, building momentum for broader adoption.

Training & Facilitation Drive Success
Well-trained facilitators ensure that tools are applied correctly, fostering alignment among diverse stakeholders and producing actionable results.

Looking Ahead: The Hidden Gems Series

This episode is just the beginning. The series will explore various aspects of implementation, such as leveraging CII’s data warehouse for benchmarking, advancing collaborative contracting techniques, and more.

Register here for our next Hidden Gems session:

Your Next Steps

Revisit your organization’s approach to project management. Are there untapped opportunities to address pain points with proven methodologies and tools? PTAG can help you identify and implement solutions that deliver measurable results.

Engage your teams in professional development and awareness training. PTAG ensures the effective application of industry-leading tools, unlocking the full potential of best practices.

Whether or not your organization is a CII member, PTAG provides access to the value of CII resources. If you’re not a member and are considering joining, reach out to us—we can help you assess whether membership is the right fit for your organization.

Join PTAG in the next episode of the Hidden Gems Series to uncover additional strategies for transforming your project delivery approach.

PTAG’s Hidden Gems Series emphasizes that success in capital project execution doesn’t come from just following best practices but from embedding them as a way of doing business. Begin your implementation journey today and unlock the full potential of CII’s resources.

Want To Learn More

Visit our webinar series page or contact PTAG to discover how we can support your organization’s project success journey.

Foresight and PTAG Webinar recap : Accelerate your major construction project delivery with AI – April 25, 2024

May 2, 2024/in Best Practice, Digital Transformation, Project Controls, Webinars/by Elnaz Khaleghi

During this webinar hosted by Tom Smedley (Foresight) and Patrick Dubreuil (PTAG), participants explored how AI, machine learning, and natural language processing can revolutionize construction project management. The session, focused on addressing common challenges like delays and cost overruns, was held on April 25, 2024, drawing a diverse audience of industry professionals eager to leverage technology for better outcomes.

PTAG leverages AI tools by blending it with our deep expertise in project controls and project management, ensuring a secure project context-centric approach to handling project complexities. By integrating the benefits of AI with the contextual expertise the PTAG team brings, enhances decision-making through predictive analytics and performance insights. This combination leads to improved project delivery by enhancing schedule adherence and optimizing resource allocation. By focusing on client-specific needs and outcomes, PTAG ensures that tools like Foresight not only support but also drive superior project performance and efficiency. This strategic combination underscores PTAG’s commitment to innovation and excellence in project management.

This is the recap video recording of the webinar, which was originally recorded on April 25, 2024

Want access to past webinars? Please visit: http://www.ptaginc.com/webinars

Stay tuned for future webinars and industry updates from PTAG!

Best Practices Webinar: Accelerate your Major Construction Project Delivery with AI

April 11, 2024/in Best Practice, Project Controls, Project Management, Webinars/by Elnaz Khaleghi

See a demo of how AI can help you execute projects faster

If your construction teams are suffering from delays and cost overruns on major projects, there is a solution. By applying AI, machine learning and natural language processing to project schedule data, you can unleash predictive insights about delay risks and work prioritization.

Join Foresight and PTAG on April 25,2024 at 11 am (EST) as we discuss best practices for how AI can improve your planning, execution, and risk recognition.

We’ll demonstrate how unlock the hidden value in your Oracle Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project data, including how to:

· Identify Priorities and Set Action Plans

· Collaborate with Diverse Stakeholders

· Recognize Risks and Bottlenecks

· Learn from Past Projects

· Enhance Schedule Reporting and Visibility

Attendees are eligible for a complimentary AI-enabled schedule health check!

See for yourself how quick and easy it is to overcome the shortcomings of legacy scheduling software.

Free Webinar on Next Gen AWP: How Does Contracting Impact Project Performance?

January 30, 2024/in Power & Utilities, Project Management, Webinars/by Elnaz Khaleghi

CII’s NextGen (formerly AWP+Lean) series of webinars has addressed many best practices leveraged across the different industries that contribute to improvements in Project Delivery. Consistently, the degree to which they drive success is partially shaped by the contracting strategy, type of contracts selected, and the underlying relationships.

Join PTAG’s Mark Guy, along with CII colleagues Gary Fischer and Will Lichtig, as they share insights on addressing the growing interest in adopting contracts aimed at enhancing collaboration, driving deeper integration, reducing shared risk across the collective project enterprise, and improving overall performance. This session will feature three highly regarded professionals with diverse and distinctive perspectives to discuss important, but often overlooked, impacts of contracting.

The conversation will offer key insights about project risk, culture and reliable performance. Expect to hear some great stories to illustrate key points. Whether your new to AWP, Lean, or Operations Science or a seasoned practitioner, please mark your calendars and join us for an entertaining conversation.

Webinar Overview:

Date: Monday, February 12, 2024

Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST

Location: Online Webinar

Key Speakers:

Mark Guy, Senior Advisor of Project Management at PTAG

Mark Guy is a PTAG Senior Advisor, Project Management who brings over 40 years of power generation experience covering project management, engineering, construction, operation, plant rehabilitation and collaborative facilitation. During his career at Ontario Power Generation, Mark managed many major capital projects to install new system equipment at the Pickering and Darlington stations, including the Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment (DNR) project and early planning for the SMR project. Mark has experience negotiating and managing EPC contracts, and attaining results through collaborative facilitation.

Gary Fischer, Executive Director of the Project Production Institute

Gary’s background includes responsibility for Chevron’s project management system as well as his current role as Executive Director of the Project Production Institute (PPI). He will bring a unique perspective shaped by years of energy mega—projects around the world and his new passion for bringing Operations Science to our industry.

Will Lichtig, Executive Vice President Performance & Innovation at The Boldt Company

Will not only has extensive experience in leveraging collaborative forms of agreements and Integrated Project Delivery with Owner and Contractor organizations, but has been a driving force within the Lean Construction Institute (LCI) for many years, including as the developer of the Integrated Form of Agreement (IFOA).

PTAG & Foresight webinar recap: Accelerate your Capital Project Delivery with AI- November 16, 2023

November 16, 2023/in Webinars/by Elnaz Khaleghi

In this webinar, Michael Dubreuil and Atif Ansar, from our software partner Foresight, discussed unlocking the hidden value in Oracle Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project data, using AI.

In a fireside chat format discussion moderated by PTAG’s Jeremy Rasmussen, they covered “Why capital projects need AI”, “How projects can benefit from AI”, “Identifying priorities and set action plans”, “Recognizing risks and bottlenecks” and “Enhancing schedule visibility.”

For those who missed the live event or wished to revisit the valuable discussions, we have uploaded the full webinar recap video.

If you would like to learn more about how AI transforms project scheduling, please get in touch with us!

This is the recap video recording of the webinar, which was originally recorded on November 16, 2023

Want access to past webinars? Please visit: http://www.ptaginc.com/webinars

Stay tuned for future webinars and industry updates from PTAG!

PTAG/Foresight Joint Webinar: Accelerate your Capital Project Delivery with AI

October 26, 2023/in Best Practice, Webinars/by Elnaz Khaleghi

How AI can help you build megaprojects faster

Join Foresight’s Atif Ansar and PTAG’s Michael Dubreuil subject matter experts on November 16th, 2023, at 2 pm EDT as they demonstrate how to unlock the hidden value in your Oracle Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project data.

Dr Atif Ansar

Foresight Works Ltd., Executive Chairman, & Faculty, Saïd Business School, University
of Oxford

Michael Dubreuil

PTAG- Managing Partner

In this webinar, you will learn the following:

Why capital projects need AI
How projects can benefit from AI
- Identify priorities and set action plans
- Collaborate with diverse stakeholders
- Recognize risks and bottlenecks
- Enhance schedule visibility and easily generate reports

See for yourself how quick and easy it is to overcome the shortcomings of legacy scheduling software.

And remember: by attending, you’ll eligible for a complimentary AI-enabled schedule health check.

Foresight’s ability to assess and analyze P6 data is impressive, saves us time and generates valuable insights, helping our efforts enormously with clients
Senior Project Manager, PTAG

Collaborative contracting for Small Modular Reactors Webinar Recap- October 25, 2023

October 26, 2023/in Best Practice, Power & Utilities, Webinars/by Elnaz Khaleghi

The world will increasingly rely on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) to meet its emission reduction targets as it transitions its sources of energy generation. Compared to other generation alternatives, SMRs provide a safer, more reliable, economical, and environmentally responsible alternative for energy generation to supply industry and society.

In this webinar PTAG’s Michael Dubreuil and Bruce Burwell along their CII colleagues presented an update on how Industrial IPD (I2PD) and CII Best Practices are supporting early first-mover SMR projects in both the United States and Canada with growing international interest.