New competency in project controls and updates for estimating and planning
CICES competencies launched and updated
A new CICES competency has been launched in project controls. An extensive competency review has also taken place for estimating and planning. The working group for these was led by Darran Queenan, lead of the Commercial Competencies Steering Group. The institution would like to take this opportunity to thank Darran, who steps down in November, for his efforts in leading the group.
For the new project controls competency, most of the input was driven by BAM Nuttall’s Adam Stamfield, supported by Ivor Barbrook. Adam Stamfield said: “The project controls competencies provide employers with the required level of core and specialist expectations of a project controller supporting the civil engineering environment.
This launch and updates are testament to CICES’ commitment to excellence and its dedication to advancing the civil engineering profession.The role of project controls ensures transparency and alignment of project performance indicators using trusted information. Project control specialists is a strategic function, essential for improving outcomes by integrating cost management, scheduling, and risk data to derived information, enabling informed decision making. This discipline drives proactive risk management, identify potential issues, minimising delays and protect commercial outcomes.
Project controls within the CICES offers a structured and strategic professional path for a project controller. Expertise is drawn from data analysts, planners, risk managers, and financial controllers with a passion for data-driven, technology-enabled project management.
Establishing project controls as a recognised membership within CICES, the institution draws upon and complements its existing competencies within its membership, appealing to professionals interested in innovative, technology-driven approaches to civil engineering”.
Estimating lead Suresh Nuggehalli said: “In the civil engineering industry, where analytics and accuracy are paramount, estimating competencies are crucial for success. Accurate and reliable estimates are fundamental for project planning, budgeting, and risk management. Ensuring that estimators possess the necessary skills and knowledge allows industries to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and minimise cost overruns.
Accurate estimates help in avoiding project delays, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining client satisfaction. Well trained estimators not only contribute to the overall efficiency and profitability of the organisation but also enhance its reputation for quality and reliability.
CICES plays a proactive role in ensuring that its members are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge through continuous professional development. This update to the estimating competencies is a testament to CICES’ commitment to excellence and its dedication to advancing the civil engineering profession.”
Planning lead, Ivor Barbrook said: “The updated planning competencies give employers the required level of core and specialist expectations of planners and programme professionals supporting the civil engineering sector. Planners in our sector are key to ensuring projects are monitored and reported correctly, whilst ensuring the most up-to-date technology is utilised in their roles. Good planning is at the heart of our contracts, and we must ensure CICES planners are fully equipped to carry out their roles”.
Darran Queenan commented: “Adam Stamfield, Suresh Nuggehalli and Ivor Barbrook and the whole team involved have done a fantastic job in launching a new competency and bringing the estimating and planning competencies up to date and I’d like to thank them for their hard work in achieving this goal”.