Built To Fail
Industry veterans discuss their experiences in deploying Project Production Management (PPM) and Operational Science (OS), sharing key lessons, challenges, and advice for leaders driving transformation in their organizations.
Recordings and transcripts of all sessions of the 11th Annual Symposium are available online.
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The roundtable session brought together Todd Zabelle, Gary Fischer, PE, Will Lichtig, and David McKay, each sharing their unique perspectives on leading the deployment of Project Production Management (PPM) within complex projects. The discussion began with Fischer reflecting on his time at Chevron, describing how traditional project management systems fell short of delivering predictable results, prompting a shift toward PPM out of necessity. He highlighted how implementing PPM led to breakthroughs in managing work-in-process inventory and reducing cycle times in major projects.
Will Lichtig recounted his early efforts at Boldt to integrate production management principles, particularly the Last Planner System, as part of a larger organizational transformation. He emphasized the need for top-down leadership support and a culture of relentless consistency to overcome resistance to change and maintain momentum in adopting new methodologies.
David McKay shared insights from his career in the oil and gas sector, detailing how PPM methodologies evolved from early experiments in “go-and-see” scheduling to more sophisticated applications that drove better coordination and efficiency across global projects. He credited his team’s success to building strong operational frameworks that aligned with PPM principles.
Todd Zabelle facilitated the conversation, synthesizing the panel’s insights into actionable advice for organizations looking to implement PPM. The session underscored the importance of leadership in fostering collaboration and continuous improvement, while highlighting the challenges of cultural and operational inertia.
PPI works to increase the value Engineering and Construction provides to the economy and society. PPI researches and disseminates knowledge related to the application of Project Production Management (PPM) and technology for the optimization of complex and critical energy, industrial and civil infrastructure projects.
The Project Production Institute (PPI) exists to enhance the value Engineering and Construction provides to the economy and society. We are working to:
1) Make PPM the dominant paradigm for the delivery of capital projects,
2) Have project professionals use PPM principles, methods and tools in their everyday work,
3) Create a thriving market for PPM services and tools,
4) Fund and advance global PPM research, development and education (higher and trade), and
5) Ensure PPM is acknowledged, required and specified as a standard by government and regulatory agencies.
To that end, the Institute partners with leading universities to conduct research and educate students and professionals, produces an annual Journal to disseminate knowledge, and hosts events and webinars around the world to discuss pertinent and timely topics related to PPM. In order to advance PPM through access and insight, the Institute’s Industry Council consists of experts and leaders from companies such as Chevron, Google, Microsoft and Merck.
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