From Project Controls to Project Success: Expert Insights with OGCS SVP Chris Bradshaw
Project management processes were first devised during World War II, when large-scale military ambitions required systematic management techniques.
In the mid-1950s, the development of tools such as the Critical Path Method (CPM) at Dupont, and Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), developed during the building of Polaris missiles by the US Navy, marked the beginning of project controls as a discipline.
With the rapid scaling of oil and gas sectors in the twentieth century, the project controls field in the energy sector has become increasingly specialized. The drive for standardized practices and best practice operations, supported by software technology programs, such as Primavera, has been fueled by creative SMEs who apply critical thinking and their extensive industry experience.
Today’s Project Controls professional has a strategic role in ensuring the successful delivery of oil, gas, new energy and renewable projects.
Chris Bradshaw is Senior Vice President for OGCS and leads the Project Controls division from Houston, TX. With over 30 years of experience and a lengthy track record of project delivery success, Chris describes how he sees the field.
“In the simplest terms, project controls help keep a project on track and ensure it is completed as planned.”
“For oil and gas, and any of the emerging energy projects, ‘Project Controls’ is the systematic application of various methods to manage a project’s schedule, cost, risk and scope.”
“These controls provide information and guidance to project managers and stakeholders to make informed decisions, identify risks, and mitigate potential issues before they escalate.”
An overview of Project Controls responsibilities as outlined by Chris Bradshaw, SVP Project Controls for OGCS
Chris explains the philosophy of his approach.
“At OGCS we deliver project controls as a proactive, outward and forward-looking discipline. We provide monitoring, reporting, forecasting and adjusting of project activities that mitigate risks, optimize resources, and ensure project success.”
In recent years, OGCS’ client base has expanded considerably beyond established large operator / owner oil and gas organizations. Chris joined OGCS in 2022 to lead the Project Controls division.
“OGCS always had a strong client base in oil and gas. Increasingly we are contacted by starts ups, renewables and emerging energy projects. Working with these clients has broadened our exposure considerably. We are sharing knowledge and service offerings across the US and worldwide.”
In common with other disciplines, there’s a shortage of experienced and expert professionals.
“The good news is that we tap into deep networks and have established relationships with a wide range of subject matter expert consultants that we provide through OGCS” says Chris.
During the project lifecycle, clients need specific project controls expertise to support project development, decision analysis and investment evaluation.
“Decisions are more robust when supported by benchmarking, industry insights, and critical analysis.”
“In later stages,” Chris continues, “projects need execution support for specific execution activities. We work on early estimates assurance, third-party estimating, cost and schedule risk assessments, process and procedure review, peer review, cost and schedule analysis, forecasting, and so on. Without this kind of detail, an error early on can become seriously costly later.”
Often clients do not retain the wide range of in-house capability required.
“They don’t all need full-time resourcing. They benefit from tapping into a company like OGCS that provides the specific level of Project Control expertise needed, in order to drive high quality decision-making.”
“We can set up a client with effective project controls processes that will support them until the next key stage comes along. Through OGCS, clients have access to expertise to suit every stage, without having to pay for it all year long.”
The future is bright for Project Controls as a discipline.
With projects opening up on both West and East Coasts of the US, in new sectors such as offshore wind, onshore LNG production and even biofuels, it’s an exciting time for project controls professionals. With projects and clients worldwide, Chris’ team at OGCS are providing support from locations in Europe, Middle East and Asia
Chris’ enthusiasm for his craft shines through. “It is a rewarding time to be part of OGCS and the industry as we continue to grow. We are delivering on some great projects”
To learn how OGCS Project Controls can support your project, connect with Chris at chris.bradshaw@ogcsglobal.com