2 Papers

Severe Weather Risks in Project Management
Student Name
College University
Project Management in Aviation/Aerospace
July 25, 2020

Severe Weather Risks in Project Management
In 2020, the United States experienced over 22 weather related disasters, which accounted for over $1 billion in damages. Extreme weather of any sort, even events not considered a formal disaster, can result in project schedule delays. Firms may experience work stoppages, employee no-shows or calling in sick more often, or at best find an unexpected increase in supplies expenses to combat harsh weather. Project managers, especially in the airport construction industry may experience these effects and such hazardous conditions may drive schedule delays.
Research Question
What are the best practices a construction project manager can use to assess the risk of severe weather impacting schedule.
Review of Relevant Literature
Johnson and Buck (2013) explained their position detailing how precision forecasting and weather alerts can be useful tools in managing weather. After discussing the various reasons why severe weather may cause project cost and delay, they presented the solution: highly accurate professional grade weather forecasting. Johnson and Buck claimed the investment in this technology is worth it as the location specific feature uses the devices actual Global Positioning System (GPS) point, rather than the local area’s observation point, making it highly accurate. Additionally, devices of the sort can be programmed to automatically send out alerts when inclement weather is near. Johnson and Buck concluded by discussing how this technology would increase peace of mind, worker safety, and construction site efficiency.
Netsher (2016) published an article detailing how different types of inclement weather can cause construction delays and threats before giving recommendations on how project managers can plan for and mitigate weather delays. Netsher’s recommendations follow chronological order: First, the project manager should understand the typical weather conditions of the area. Then, an allowance for these normal weather patterns should be baked into the schedule. If necessary, modifications should be made to avoid working in poor conditions by planning project timelines so rainy seasons are avoided. Mitigation measures can be put in place to protect the work area from additional harm, such as flooding. Protective gear should be provided to workers and equipment. Netsher concluded by reiterating it is almost guaranteed a long term construction project will experience inclement weather at some time, and unless in the most extreme situations, that is not a reason a project should face delays.
Pro Crew Schedule (2020) presented a set of guidelines use to monitor and plan for weather delays, while also prioritizing schedule. After discussing the importance of planning ahead and planning well, Pro Crew discussed protective and mitigation gear that can be invested in to make the job site safer and prevent any further delays, such as non-skid footwear, gloves, and hoods for employees and proper lighting, signage, and floor mats for the work area. This article concluded by explaining how important quick communication is during times of inclement weather, and how their software, Pro Crew Schedule, has the capability of issuing advanced weather reports to all stakeholders.
CMiC (2020), a construction management Enterprise Resource Planning software company, published an article explaining how severe weather can derail construction projects can completely and how a firm can build resilience in the face of disasters. The CMiC article explained some of the risks severe weather can cause, including the fact that climate change has brought on more extreme and unpredictable disasters that cannot be planned for. These bring along additional macro-level risks including a shortage of labor, equipment damage and efficacy, and material scarcity. The CMiC article also presented a proposed proper planning and communication procedures and emphasized CMiC software as a comprehensive tool and resource that can be used to accomplish sound planning and communication, as well as provide company-wide transparency to the schedule.
Analysis
Johnson and Buck with The Construction Business Owner are a credible source, At the time the article was published, these two individuals had spent over 50 years in the industry combined. Additionally, both individuals held established positions within their companies; Jeff Johnson was a Chief Science Officer while Dan Buck was the Vice President of sales. While their findings were logical and did not disagree with any project management principals, their focus was completely on the day-to-day construction activities and how they may be controlled and executed; they did not discuss how these risks may be addressed in the planning and implementation phase prior to construction ground-break.
Netsher is a credible source. At the time the article was published, he had over 30 years of experience as a construction project management consultant and had overseen over 120 projects in six countries. Additionally, he has authored seven books on construction. His findings were logical and followed the project management principals and project timeline. Netsher provided significant input on how the risks of inclement weather could be addressed in the planning and implementation phase, as well as ways to protect and mitigate the effects during execution and control phases.
Pro Crew Schedule is a construction management software company, so while it can be trusted they are experts in the field of construction management, it must also be noted that they displayed bias when discussing software solutions. The article’s findings were basically logical and followed project management principals, discussing both the implications of proper planning and implementation as well as solutions for execution and control phases.
CMiC (2020), is a construction management Enterprice Resource Planning software company, they can be considered as experts in the field of construction resource planning and management, but it must be recognized CMiC presented bias when discussing software solutions. This article differed from the rest in that it’s focus was on macro level impacts of extreme weather, rather than the micro level impacts of inclement weather. Therefore, the solutions mentioned did not focus on proper planning and implementation, as the risks were unpredictable.
Conclusions
The four sources of research literature were found creditable and can be considered as truth. In summary it can therefore be concluded project management best practices in the construction industry can alleviate the risk of severe weather project delays by understanding local weather norms, and by investing in resources and technology to mitigate risks during the execution and control phases.

References
CMiC. (2020, July 9). How Extreme Weather is Impacting the Construction Industry. https://cmicglobal.com/resources/article-extreme-weather-the-construction-industry/.
Johnson, J., & Buck, D. (2013, October 31). Managing Severe Weather Risks. Construction Business Owner Magazine. https://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/insurance/managing-severe-weather-risks.
Netscher, P. (2016, March 31). Reduce the impacts of bad weather on your project. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/10-steps-reducing-impacts-poor-weather-your-project-paul-netscher.
Pro Crew Schedule. (2020, March 13). 3 Ways to Manage Construction Delays Due to Weather. PRO CREW SCHEDULE. https://www.procrewschedule.com/3-ways-to-manage-construction-delays-due-to-weather/.