Wind farm BoP

PMP methodology & wind farm project management

This week I had the pleasure to pass the PMP (Project Management Professional) exam – one of the two leading certifications for project managers, the other being PRINCE2 from the UK. The exam itself is notoriously not trivial: long (200 questions in 4 hours) and based on a book very hard to read, the Project Management Body of Knowledge (“PMBoK”).

In general I would recommend it, as it provide a solid methodology together with a broad suit of concepts, tools and techniques. On top of that, a great number of terms are defined in detail and this alone is a great benefit as this facilitate the interaction with other professionals providing a common language.

Said that, and totally aware of the fact that this type of methodologies are conceived to be “not industry specific”, I believe that there are many relevant difference between the PMP concept and the way wind farm project management is today, at least seen through the eyes of Project Managers (PM) working for wind turbine manufacturers or Main Contractors.

To give some example, one of the first steps in the PMP standard is the creation of a business case for the project.  This is something that you will hardly see in wind farm construction – maybe the wind farm developer has a business case, but the company building the wind farm is selling a product (the wind turbine) and some services (BoP, installation, maintenance). No need for business justifications, this is the core business.

Additionally, in the PMP methodology the PM should start to define the scope, the deliverables, the cost baseline, etc. I believe that in general the wind industry the PM receive all this inputs from the Sales Manager and/or Tender Manager, and even if there are always open points and deliverables that need to be defined more in detail this is not the main focus of the PM.

I have also rarely seen in wind farm construction a change management system as developed as the one in the PMP standard. I do however recognize that it has a lot of sense, providing a uniformity and a logic in the way changes are analysed and approved or rejected.

Finally yet importantly, the current version of PMP (sixth edition) include a variety of Agile Development concepts. These are more relevant in software development and similar environments: onshore wind farm construction is a business where these evolutionary development and adaptive planning techniques do not usually find opportunities to be used.

4 responses to “PMP methodology & wind farm project management”

  1. Ian Hansen Avatar
    Ian Hansen

    I am so thankful for sharing your article. It is really useful to me.

    Reply
  2. Tu Nguyen Avatar
    Tu Nguyen

    Thank you very much Francesco for sharing good topic.

    I am also working in wind industry as developer role. Could you or anyone have a template of Project Management Plan for a wind project to share for our good reference?

    Many thanks!

    Reply
  3. Pmaspire Avatar
    Pmaspire

    Hello there! I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for sharing your insightful article on the application of PMP (Project Management Professional) methodology in wind farm project management. Your post titled “PMP Methodology in Wind Farm Project Management” sheds light on the specific considerations and benefits of utilizing PMP principles in this unique industry.

    I found your article to be highly informative and well-researched. Your explanation of the PMP methodology and its key components, such as project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing, provided a solid foundation for understanding how it can be effectively applied in the context of wind farm projects. Your insights on the importance of stakeholder engagement, risk management, and cost control within the wind farm industry showcased the relevance and value of PMP principles.

    Furthermore, your discussion on the benefits of implementing PMP methodology in wind farm project management was enlightening. Your exploration of how PMP principles can enhance project efficiency, improve communication and collaboration, and mitigate risks highlighted the positive impact it can have on project success.

    I appreciated the practical examples and real-world scenarios you shared throughout the article, which helped to illustrate the application of PMP methodology in the wind farm industry. The inclusion of considerations specific to wind farm projects, such as environmental regulations and supply chain management, demonstrated your deep understanding of the unique challenges faced in this field.

    Thank you for sharing your expertise and providing valuable insights on the integration of PMP methodology in wind farm project management. Your article has not only broadened my understanding of project management practices but has also showcased the adaptability and versatility of PMP principles in various industries. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to exploring more of your content in the future!

    Reply
  4. PMaspire Avatar
    PMaspire

    Hello!

    I just finished reading your article on PMP methodology in wind farm project management, and I must say, it’s a fantastic resource for professionals in the renewable energy industry. Your insights and analysis of applying PMP principles to wind farm projects were enlightening.

    The way you explained the five process groups of project management and how they can be effectively utilized in wind farm projects was impressive. Your breakdown of initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing phases provided a clear roadmap for project managers in the industry. It’s great to see how the PMP methodology can be tailored to address the unique challenges and requirements of wind farm projects.

    I appreciated how you highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement, risk management, and communication in wind farm project management. Your emphasis on these areas reflects their significance in ensuring project success and delivering sustainable renewable energy solutions. It’s crucial for project managers in the industry to understand and effectively implement these principles.

    Additionally, your explanation of the PMP certification and its value in the wind farm sector was valuable. It’s encouraging to see how PMP certification can enhance the skills and credibility of project managers, ultimately leading to improved project outcomes.

    Thank you for sharing your expertise and insights on PMP methodology in wind farm project management. Your article is a valuable resource for professionals in the renewable energy industry, and I’m confident it will contribute to the successful execution of future wind farm projects. Keep up the fantastic work!

    Best regards,
    [Pmaspire]

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *