- Kim Allan
Project management ... the Blue Water Way,
Updated: May 28, 2020
The project development process is a progression of a project through it’s life cycle. During it’s life cycle, consisting of distinct development phases, the project is defined, justified, planned, controlled and implemented.
The phased development of the project occurs through sequential project stages and each stage has a clearly defined set of deliverables that characterize its completion. The progression of the project is managed at specific stage gates where management reviews the deliverables for the completed stage and the project risk status.
The outcome of each stage gate management review is a decision to proceed/cancel/hold or recycle the project. If these outcomes, still agree with projected expectations and current business and strategic plan requirements, management approves the path forward for the progression of the project to the next stage of development (commitment of resources, agreement of deliverables for next stage, project execution/ quality plan and accountabilities for the work).
Quality assurance reviews are carried out following the project stages to confirm conformance of the deliverables to the required standards for completeness and correctness.

All Projects /opportunities while unique in there own right all contain the same elements and stages and irrespective of size or complexity require that the same processes be adopted for the successful achievement of the objectives.
Project Management plays a crucial role in enabling companies to transform business and execute strategy effectively. Here is a look at the Blue Water project management key elements that have made it a necessity for businesses of every size and industry.
Opportunity
Create a solid business case
Identification of the idea,
Business Benefits defined
Capital Planning
Obtain approval to proceed.
Inception
Development of project description/scope;
Scoping evaluation completed;
Review and articulate project goals
Develop the initial project budget and schedule
Review financing alternatives
Determine the project delivery method
Review contract alternatives
Develop and distribute RFP/RFQ documents
Design team selection
Construction firm selection
Identification of additional consultants needed
Contract development and negotiation
Capital planning
Validation of opportunity; and,
Obtain approval to proceed.
Project Team Development
Team building strategies and events
Project kick off meeting
Team communication strategies and processes
Feasibility
Evaluation of alternatives;
Preparation of the study and control documents,
Develop communication and reporting procedures
Determine points of contact and decision making process for Owners
Owner Meeting schedules
Board expectations
Create the Enterprise Project Site (Project Controls, Document Control, QA)
Obtain approval to proceed.
Design
Develop and monitor design schedule
Review design documents
Review specifications
Conduct construct ability reviews
Define permitting process and responsibilities
Oversee contractor cost estimates
Monitor and update overall project budget, schedule, business case
Identify phasing alternatives
Review general condition costs
Obtain approval to proceed
Construction
Capital Plan Confirmed with approved Project/Program
Buy-out process oversight
Review contractors bid package preparation & distribution strategy
Review bonds & insurance
Bid review and analysis
Contract/SOW and/or proposal review & recommendation
Monitor & update project budget, schedule and business benefits
Attend job coordination meetings
Monitor status of inspections
Review monthly progress billings
Review change orders
Update benefits acheieved.
Closeout
Punch list review
Final permits & inspections
Oversee systems commissioning
Project/Program closeout
Completion
Project commissioning.
Start-up / ramp-up,
Post project review,
Turnover,
Closure.