Programs

The July 2023 Southwest Ohio Chapter Roundtable topic was:  Overcoming Headwinds in Uncertain Times Together: Defining & Clarifying the Scope

After hearing their perspectives regarding scope from an Owner, Engineer, and Construction Manager, participants broke into small groups to discuss:

1) Developing / Communicating Scope

2) Scope Control

3) Dealing with Unknown Scope

This was the second in a 4-part series that will cover Quality and Cost in upcoming Roundtables.

The SWO Roundtable Presentation Slides 2023-07 (PDF) may be seen here.  A summary of the small group discussions can be seen at the following link SWO Roundtable Summary 2023-07 (PDF).

Contact Kevin Thompson at kthompson@cogence.org with questions.

• At our May 2023 NEO Roundtable we discussed the shift to early and multiple bid packages and the affect it has on projects. The key speakers represented each segment of our industry and a robust discussion was had. Following the first portion of the discussion our Partners broke into small groups to identify how to address this shift in procurement.
• A pre-survey was sent to the Partnership to collect questions on the areas they had the most concern and wanted to discuss during the roundtable Pre-Survey Results (PDF)
• Please see the attached COGENCE Presentation 2023-05-17 (PDF) and May 17, 2023 Notes (PDF) from our May 2023 Roundtable.
• Contact Admin@cogence.org with questions

• Our March 2023 NEO Roundtable focused on Diversity: Perspective and Partnership. We heard from diverse business owners and learned firsthand about some of the challenges/obstacles they are faced with. Following the discussion our Partners broke into small groups and worked on finding opportunities to help further our partnerships with diverse firms.
• Prior to the Roundtable we sent out a Survey to all NEO Partners to gather additional insight into their interactions with diverse firms. You can view the results in excel format Here (Excel)
• Please see the attached DEI A3 Summary (PDF) and Notes (PDF) from our March 2023 Roundtable
• Contact Admin@cogence.org with questions

• Our January 2023 Southwest Roundtable topic was Key to CAPEX Leadership
• Please see the attached Cogence Alliance SWO Chapter January 2023 Roundtable Presentation
• Contact kthompson@cogence.org with questions.

• Our October 2022 Southwest Roundtable theme was Unite Design and Construction with Prefabrication.
• Please see the attached SW Ohio Cogence Presentation – Oct 2022 from our October roundtable.
• Contact kthompson@cogence.org with questions.

• Speakers Matt Danis, Shook Construction, Rachele Hill, Osborn Engineering, and Brad Berkowitz, The Whiting-Turner Co. who are members of the construction industry spoke on the current issues surrounding the workforce and ways to retain them. Rep. Addison of the 9th District in NEO spoke on DEI and government programs.  Presentation was followed by a Q&A session.
• Please see the attached COGENCE Presentation (PDF) from our NEO roundtable.

• This event will take a close look at the current state of the Supply Chain and provide information that is critical to all the current and upcoming projects to help you better prepare for some of the ‘curve balls’ that are headed our way. Speakers included: Michael Mammone, Mars Electric; Orli Perez, NV5; Ross Mitchell, TH Martin; Stan Hendricks, Gilbane Building Company; and, Dean Vaughn, Sodexo/University Hospitals.
• The presentation will include research data from the AGC on the current state of the supply chain, a presentation from Michael Mammone, Mars Electric on disruption between manufacturing and distribution, and a panel discussion.
• March 2022 NEO presentation (PDF)

• As we continue to explore and discuss the Inflection Points of a project our final point looked at “Close-Out and Post-Occupancy”
• November 2021 NEO presentation (PDF)

The Central Ohio Cogence chapter has put together a panelist discussion program for the September their roundtable discussion on For Whom Do We Design & Build? Latest Trends in Occupant Wellness and Sustainability Thursday, September 16, 2021 (4:30pm-6:00pm) via Zoom. This Roundtable discussion is open to all.

 Owner preferences, occupant well-being, and ecological demands may lead to greater opportunities for programs such as WELL, LEED, and the Living Building Challenge. Project delivery tactics and strategies are materially influenced by such programs, which are designed to promote occupant health, improve employee retention, reduce life cycle costs, and benefit the triple bottom line.

 COGENCE proudly presents a panel of distinguished owners and professionals to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by these programs, with a focus on project delivery elements, through the lens of several exemplary local/regional projects.

Panelist

• • Lars Johansson, Director, Campus Operations – CoverMyMeds
  • Mike Bukach, Director, Employee Engagement – CoverMyMeds
  • Alison Zajdel, Development Director – Cope Environmental Center
  • Jessica Glorius-Dangelo, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, LFA, Sustainability Coordinator – m+a architects
  • Michael J. Berning, PE, CEM, LEED Fellow, Senior Principal, Chief Innovation Officer – Heapy
  • Moderator: David M. Scott, LEED AP, Managing Partner – BMD

• 2021 Inflection Point Series | The Start of Construction
• Stillwater Center at the Cleveland Metropark Zoo

• Brave Spaces – Building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive future for the design & construction industry
• To remain relevant, the A/E/C and design professions must keep pace with the growing diversity of society, clients/owners, and building users. As an industry, we have much opportunity for improvement. Toward that end, COGENCE Alliance – Central Ohio welcomes renowned researcher/author/presenter Dr. Melissa Crum, to lead a workshop on how to establish “brave spaces” and foster greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace.
• Dr. Crum shared information about certain words and give a set of questions to breakout groups for discussion (e.g., Race, Power, White Supremacy, Privilege, Prejudice, Systemic & Structural Racism)
  • Small groups broke out and discussed materials presented and then reported back and further discussed in the larger group
  • She’ll then gave another set of words for breakout
    • Again, groups broke out and reported back for more discussion
    • One focus of our program was how to help people establish “brave spaces” (as opposed to “safe spaces” where nobody is uncomfortable) where tough but cathartic dialogue may happen, and with an emphasis on forgiveness, repair, understanding & accountability.
• In short, her workshop closely mirrors COGENCE’s typical program modality.

• Cogence Alliance hosted an on-line, four-day program, “Momentum,” Monday, February 8, 2021 through Thursday, February 11, 2021. Each session took place virtually and lasted approximately 90 minutes.
• Daily Event Schedule/Session Information CogenceAlliance-Momentum2021 (PDF)
• The program was FREE for Cogence Partners and Emerging Leaders.  Non-Cogence members costs was $99.

• As we continue to explore and discuss the Inflection Points of a project our final point looked at “Close-Out and Post-Occupancy”
• November 2021 NEO presentation (PDF)

• In our last two Roundtable discussions we identified the Products of project success, defined a Successful Project, and identified practices we put in place to ensure Project Success.
• This time our Cogence partners presented tools and resources that they have been developing that can be utilized in out upcoming projects. Responsibility Matrix, Owner Education Tools, Colocation, Push-Pull Planning, and Key Performance Indicators will be presented and discussed.
• Central OH Cogence_200130_Meeting6_Presentation Final ProjSuccess (PDF)

• After identifying the Products of project success and defining a Successful Project, we continue our discussion on Project Success.
• What Practices are put in place to ensure Project Success? What Impediments to success do we allow to exist on our projects? Are these Practices and Impediments measurable?
• Central OH Cogence_191120_Meeting 5 Presentation Final with Resource (PDF)

• Now that we have finalized our investigation of risks throughout the construction process, we began a new discussion topic.
• What makes a project successful? Based on your recent projects, what are the common and consistent traits/characteristics that have led to the successes you’ve experienced?
• Central OH Cogence_190917_Meeting 4 Presentation Final (PDF)

• We finalized our chapter’s discussion on risk by sharing thoughts and ideas at Cross-Functional tables, where we discussed how our actions affect the risk of our partners on a construction project and how their actions affect our own risks.
• We identified what habits we can each develop to mitigate the risk to our partners and to the project as a whole.
• Central OH Cogence_190717_RiskMeeting3 Presentation Final (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRisk_Part1 (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRiskOwner_Part2 (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRiskAffiliates_Part3 (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRiskCM_Part4 (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRiskTrades_Part5 (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRiskEngineers_Part6 (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRiskArchitects_Part7 (PDF)
• Cogence Central OH_6DegreesofRisk_Part 8_Final (PDF)

• The mission of Cogence is to drive the industry together and collectively improve project delivery.
• The process of planning, scheduling, and proactively monitoring each phase of a project as it progresses is an important component that needs to be influenced on a collective dialogue with project stakeholders
• Such a process, including a focus on the management of risks inherent in resource limitations being encountered in many construction markets, provides a platform of trust and transparency that serves all project stakeholders with a toll to make timely business decisions relative to project modifications.
• If we are going to change how project teams deliver projects, then we need to drive a conversation setting a standard for a collaborative and transparent scheduling process that will eliminate the obstacles to this engagement.
• How to set expectations and deliver a Cogence Schedule process with the panel of our industry peers. Followed by an interactive portion on the proper timing of stakeholders on-boarding that sets the stage for successful collaborative planning.
• Cogence NEO Collaborative Scheduling Presentation Final (PDF)
• Cogence NEO Event Mtg Mins_2019-0508 (PDF)

• During our 2018 sessions, we discussed the risks we face, how these risks impact our business, and how we experience these risks over the lifespan of a project. Leadership, Management, Communication, and Quality Work were all identified as common risks, but these are also the keys to our success. Our greatest challenge to improving project outcomes is to recognize how to transform our risks into opportunities.
• During the April session, we hit the reset button to evaluate feedback from our Partners on the biggest issues important to them. We want to confirm that future Cogence NWOhio sessions align with our Partner’s interests. We want to know how Cogence NWOhio can help bring Owners, Design, and Construction Partners together to help on issues that keep you up at night.
• Northwest Ohio: Program Presentation April 2019 (PDF)
• Northwest Ohio: Meeting Minutes April 2019 (PDF)

• Our first COGENCE Alliance Central Ohio Chapter Roundtable Session topic addresses risk.
• Risk is a fact in our industry, and one that all of us share. And if we are going to work together toward an improved construction industry, with better project outcomes for all involved, we must begin by identifying risk from the unique perspective of the Owner, Architect, Engineer, Contractors, Trade Contractors, and Affiliated professionals
• Central Ohio: Program Presentation February 2019 (PDF)
• Central Ohio: Meeting Minutes February 2019 (PDF)

• The mission of Cogence is to drive the industry together, yet for so long we have delayed the engagement of all of the stakeholders.
• Thru our roundtables, collaboration is the common take-away. If we are going to change the market, then we need to drive a conversation that will expose the obstacles to early engagement and discuss how to overcome these obstacles. We must provide the stakeholders with talking points to have a dialogue on their projects to prove the value of early engagement.
• PANEL: Ron Ratner, RMS; Chip Marous, Marous; Sean McDermott, Cleveland Metroparks; Jeremy Bowers, Karpinski Engineering; Doug Berlekamp, Whiting-Turner
• Program 18 Cogence NEO 2018-11 Presentation (PDF)
• Program 18 Meeting Minutes and Early Engagement Survey Results (PDF)

• During our previous session we explored the risks we face as an industry. At this session, we will develop a deeper understanding of when we face these risks and the impact they have on the project and our business. The mission of Cogence is to bring Owners, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, and affiliated professionals together to improve project delivery. Gaining an understanding of our collective risks, when we experience them, and how they impact the project and our business will improve project delivery.
• Below is the summarization of the work we did during this session and the meeting minutes
• NWO Risky Times Summary June 2018 (PDF)
• Cogence NWO Event Meeting Minutes_2018-0620 (PDF)

• “Quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort” – John Ruskin
• During this session, we will breakdown and define aspects of quality from an industry perspective. This work session is a critical step in developing the Cogence Quality Plan.
• Cogence NEO Presentation_2018-0509 w-Supporting Info

• “Quality is everyone’s responsibility.” – W. Edwards Deming
• Quality is often discussed and expected. But what is Quality? Join us for the first of two sessions where our ultimate goal is to develop a set of ‘Cogence’ guidelines, both qualitative and quantitative in nature, that could be applied to each of our Partners.
• During this session, together through a guided discussion, we will define quality from the eyes of each segment of the industry, plus, identify how it is measured.
• Cogence NEO Presentation_2018-0314 w-Supporting Info

• Establishing a GMP process in a collaborative manner has proven to be a relevant topic for all of us. When and how do we need to collaborate? During our last session, we began to develop an ideal flow for each of the three distinct phases of GMP development.
• The three distinct phases of GMP development are:
  • Origination of the Project Budget
  • Development and Documentation of Project
  • Finalization of the Guaranteed Maximum Process
• Partners joined together to further define the steps during each phase of the GMP development process.
• See the attached document to see the work they have done to-date.
• Cogence Program 11 2017.09.13 (pdf)

• This session continued the theme of the March session, project management. We focused on the challenges that project managers face on a CM at Risk project.
• Prior to the session, we surveyed Cogence Partners to identify those challenges. During the session, we worked together to identify possible solutions to each group’s challenges.
• View the Program Presentation to see the top 3 challenges identified by owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, and trades partners, along with proposed solutions.
• Some common threads that can help the entire project team: Collaborate (in the sense of active participation). Communicate. Early involvement. Educate. Create reliable expectations. Use time wisely.
• Program Presentation (PDF)

• At this program, we examined and developed ideas on how teamwork can reduce the risk of financial loss by discussing a scenario familiar to all: The budget is fixed, the scope is undefined, all of the team members are not engaged, but everything is moving full steam ahead…What would you do?  Many have been in this situation and, while sensing impending risk, are hesitant to raise a voice of concern.
• After brief presentations of business models and risks, we had an interactive role-play session. Owners, designers, CMs, and trade contractors traded places to understand how early project actions and decisions affect the financial risk of other project team members. Each group listed the actions that project team members could take to mitigate their risk.
• We wrapped up with a discussion of the following three questions:
  1. What led to the situation?
  2. What could be done to manage risk?
  3. What could the project team do differently?
• Together, we gained understanding of our different business models and financial risks, identified why and how certain actions put us in a potential hardship position, but most importantly discussed how teams can reduce the financial risk for all.
• Program Presentation (PDF)
• Program Minutes (PDF)

• This session was a follow-up on the September session’s contract overview. The discussion focused on how contracts allocated risk, and it explored the consequences when risk is unfairly allocated. Common delivery methods were reviewed and their chief characteristics compared.
• Using a legal case, the risks associated with cost estimating were explained. This case study illustrated the standard of care to which professionals can be held when offering estimating services.
• The GMP process was identified as a common source of risk, as well as a source of dispute among project team members. COGENCE Partners engaged in a discussion of the issues surrounding the timing of the GMP and the failure of nearly all contracts to clearly define the level of information on which the GMP is to be based. A more detailed “facilitated” GMP approach was presented as a direction for more successful outcomes.

• Risks are common among industry partners but the intensity and timing of impact on our business is different. During this highly successful session, partners worked in groups to correlate the seven common risk factors to the project timeline identifying the intensity of the risk experienced.
• The analysis from this session concluded that there is a distinct cause and effect relationship between the level of the risk and the phase in which it is experienced.
• For a complete analysis of the root cause of risk please see here.
• For the Risk Timeline Data Set Statistical Analysis please see here.
• Program Presentation

• Effective leadership, from start to finish, is a critical to the success factor in every design and construction project. Leadership has its greatest positive impact on a project when it is present, consistent, and engaged throughout the entire project timeline. Creating a project culture that aligns individual strengths with specific roles is a leader’s primary responsibility, and is crucial to achieving positive project outcomes.
• Learn the essential traits of effective Leadership on a design and construction project.
• Program Presentation