Tag Archive for: Feroz Ashraf

Enhancing Project Delivery Through Structured Execution and Complexity Management 

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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. 

“Talent Collider” at the CNA Annual Conference 2024

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PTAG is proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the Canadian Nuclear Association’s (CNA) Annual Conference in Ottawa, February 28 – March 1.

As part of PTAG’s long-term commitment to supporting new and young people joining the nuclear industry, PTAG will be leading two initiatives during the CNA2024 Conference in Ottawa this week.

  • In the weeks leading up to the conference, PTAG has hosted six “resume review” sessions that assisted the 100 students attending the CNA Conference to arrive prepared.  These sessions were hosted by PTAG’s Nuclear industry team, as well as long-time conference attendees.   Through this mentorship, we are proud to have played a part in empowering these future leaders as they embark on encounters with potential employers, ensuring they make the most of this invaluable opportunity.
  • On Wednesday, the first day of the conference,  in collaboration with TALENT (Ontario Tech Talent) group, PTAG is co-facilitating a speed dating format “Talent Collider,” which brings the CNA Student attendees new to the industry face-to-face with senior industry executives to learn first hand about their journey and to hear their advice on what and where the opportunities are.  With 30+ executives participating,  students will meet with the executives in small groups of 2-4 people for short orchestrated periods of time.

We are excited to see everyone on Wednesday, February 28th, at the CNA2024 Student Program’s Talent Collider Session at 2:00 p.m. in Room 214 at the Shaw Centre.

Find out more about the CNA2024 Conference here!

Mining4Beer Event at PDAC2024 Convention

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PTAG is pleased to be a Sponsor for the Mining4Beer event during the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2024 at the Craft Beer Market Toronto on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Mining4Beer is an event to bring the mining community together. Join us to discover how PTAG’s Project Advisors assist the mining industry in delivering successful projects.

PTAG’s Michael Dubreuil, Andrew Grant, Shannon Sahota, Chris Deidun, Stephanie Gonnet, Feroz Ashraf and Elnaz Khaleghi are looking forward to meeting you there. Let’s have a beer and talk about mining projects!

Please feel free to reach out to us to chat.

Find out more and register for the event here!

The World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention (PDAC2024)

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PDAC 2024 stands as the pinnacle gathering for individuals, enterprises, and entities vested in mineral exploration. This premier event, held in Toronto, Canada, annually garners acclaim for its educational initiatives, networking platforms, business prospects, and enjoyable experiences, drawing up to 30,000 participants from over 130 nations.

Since its inception in 1932, the convention has expanded significantly in scale, reputation, and impact, emerging as the preferred global forum for the mineral industry, boasting over 1,100 exhibitors and 700 speakers.

The PTAG team (Andrew Grant, Chris Deidun and Feroz Ashraf) will be participating in the World’s Premier Mineral Exploration & Mining Convention (PDAC2024) , March 3-6, 2024 in Toronto.

We are open to discussing potential collaborations, sharing insights, or simply enjoying a friendly conversation.

Let’s seize this opportunity to reconnect, build new bridges, and expand our knowledge together.

Find out more about the event here.

CNA Annual Conference 2024: Foundations for Success

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PTAG is proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the Canadian Nuclear Association’s (CNA) Annual Conference in Ottawa, February 28 – March 1.

Canada is set to rapidly expand its nuclear sector in both existing and new markets, built on a foundation of growing government and public support. However, long-term success depends on the industry amplifying successful initiatives and actions, anticipating future needs and emerging challenges, and aligning across borders to enable efficient scaling and rapid deployment. The sector will need to take full advantage of a range of opportunities including capitalizing on and building human talent, fostering public and private financing, accelerating research and innovation, forging meaningful and lasting Indigenous partnerships, and ensuring future fuel supply.

For the nuclear industry to fully realize these opportunities and ensure nuclear can play an even more fundamental role in Canada’s clean energy future, cooperation and coordination are more important than ever. At CNA2024, we will highlight the ways in which the sector can work together and with partners to build the foundations for success.

As part of PTAG’s long-term industry commitment to support more new and young people joining the Nuclear industry, we will be leading two initiatives during the conference:

  • Already underway, we have designed and are delivering 8 sessions that help the nearly 100 students attending the conference make the most of the experience as they meet potential employers for the first time
  • In collaboration with Ontario Tech University’s TALENT group, we have designed and will facilitate the speed dating format “Talent Collider,” which brings those new to the industry with Senior Executives

Visit us in the main lobby at our booth (#207) to learn more about how PTAG is helping the nuclear industry deliver projects successfully.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CNA2024 HERE!

CNA Annual Conference 2023

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PTAG is proud to be a Silver Sponsor for the Canadian Nuclear Association’s (CNA) Annual Conference in Ottawa from February 22 to 24.

We’ll be excited to discuss this year’s theme, “Canada’s Global Leadership” with some of the world’s leading nuclear industry professionals.

“Strengthening Canada’s role as a global leader in nuclear technology and innovation.”

Canadian nuclear energy is enjoying a surge of momentum not seen in over a decade. New projects are being announced and financed. The public is increasingly supportive of nuclear power. The promise of nuclear energy for meeting Canada’s energy and climate goals, as well as its international market opportunities, is increasingly understood by governments at all levels.

As part of PTAG’s long-term industry commitment to support more new and young people joining the Nuclear industry, PTAG will be leading two initiatives during the conference:

  • Already underway, we have designed and are delivering 8 sessions that help the nearly 100 students attending the conference make the most of the experience as they meet potential employers for the first time
  • In collaboration with Ontario Tech University’s TALENT group, we have designed and will facilitate the speed dating format “Talent Collider,” which brings those new to the industry with Senior Executives

Visit us in the main lobby at our booth (#207) to learn more about how PTAG is helping the nuclear industry deliver projects successfully.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT CNA2023 HERE!

Webinar Recap –Digital Transformation: Automating Field Reporting & Progressing– September 20 at CIM MEMO 2022

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Digital Transformation: Automating Field Reporting & Progressing

Listen in to this video recap as PTAG industry thought leaders, Feroz Ashraf, and Bob Brown, discuss Digital Transformation, Automating, Field Reporting & Progressing.

This is the recap video of the session presented in Sudbury at the CIM | Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (MEMO 2022) on September 20, 2022.

The global pandemic has created a challenge to measure and record progress at mining construction sites. In particular, remote mining sites have been hard hit. This is due to physical restrictions and constraints at the site to limit the number of workers or staff compounded by testing and vaccination requirements and administration, “social distancing” and PPE requirements, and minimization of physical interactions and face-to-face meetings. The mining industry is challenged by travel restrictions, fluctuating commodity prices, and supply/demand and delivery issues accentuated by the pandemic.

It is evident from global responses to date that companies with high digital maturity and utilization have done significantly better than others who have relied on manual or semi-manual systems. There is a serious need within the industry to rethink and re-invent to improve productivity and resulting performance. An easy solution is to set up an “integrated” digital system that will capture the project data and provide reliable and real-time data on the project’s performance. Typically, contractors provide weekly updates, and it takes another week to consolidate and integrate the data.

This presentation discusses how leveraging current technology and industry best practices will lead to faster, better-informed decision-making and project performance improvement. Results of case studies presented and show how to address data collection at multiple levels at the work site using hand-held portable devices to provide meaningful insights, productivity measurements, and multiple shift data, mitigating COVID-19 impacts and reducing rework and change orders.

 In summary, the presentation presents simple steps to implement such solutions and how owners can leverage easy-to-implement technology and best practices to provide faster decision-making and project performance improvement.

CIM (MEMO 2022) Conference

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Attend PTAG‘s Digital Transformation presentation on Automating Field Reporting and Progressing at the CIM | Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum conference for Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability/Mine Operators (MEMO 2022) with PTAG‘s industry thought leaders Feroz Ashraf and Bob Brown.  

Come and join us on Tuesday, September 20th – from 13:55-14:20. 

We look forward to seeing you there!  

Get to know PTAG’s speaker:

Feroz Ashraf P.Eng

Global Executive Advisor

Feroz’s Profile

CIM Conference for Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability/Mine Operators (MEMO 2022) in Sudbury

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Attend PTAG‘s Digital Transformation presentation on Automating Field Reporting and Progressing at the CIM conference for Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability/Mine Operators (MEMO 2022) with PTAG‘s industry thought leaders Feroz Ashraf and Bob Brown.

  We look forward to seeing you there! 

Video Recap – Canadian Institute of Mining’s CIM Virtual Convention 2021, May 3rd: The Importance of Front-End Planning and Leveraging Industry Best Practices to Minimize Project Risk

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Watch this video recap, as Feroz Ashraf, PTAG’s Executive Advisor for Capital Projects, presents this direct and to the point session providing practical and validated examples on “The Importance of Front-End Planning and Leveraging Industry Best Practices to Minimize Project Risk” at CIM 2021.

This is the video recording of the presentation which was originally presented at the Canadian Institute of Mining’s Annual Virtual Convention CIM 2021 on May 3rd, 2021.

Globally, including North America, most capital and sustaining projects have been impacted by COVID and resulting economic slowdown. Projects are also experiencing significant productivity impacts due to the new normal COVID working conditions, as well as increasing emphasis on safety, security, and regulatory compliance.

Due to budget cuts, project and construction teams have been reduced by 30% or more. Across the board, our industry is also seeing increases in material and equipment costs due to COVID with commodity price volatility and supply/demand uncertainty presenting additional challenges.

To mitigate these issues the project team must further increase the use of the Front-End Planning process, deploy industry best practices, conduct extensive value engineering exercises, as well as thorough internal and external risk assessment process. In doing so, the Construction Industry Institute (CII) has established through its industry research that a significant saving can be achieved and gain in productivity:

Interested in downloading the slide deck? Click here for Direct Download.

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Find out more about the event here: The Experience (cim.org)

Get to know our speakers: