Welcome to Issue 21 of our PM Nerd newsletter. Firstly, we wish to acknowledge the tragic events over the weekend and those that continue to unfold in the Middle East. This is not the platform to discuss such things, and we will continue to focus on project news. However, we want to convey that our thoughts are with everyone affected. In Today’s Newsletter
Let’s go ahead and get started. Commençons! Project FocusBaltic Wind Farm Forging Ahead
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Poland’s Orlen has approved a €4.73 billion Baltic Power offshore wind farm project, marking the country’s first major offshore wind venture. The 1.1 GW project, developed in partnership with Canada’s Northland Power, is set for completion by 2026. Vestas recently secured a contract to supply 76 turbines for the project, which is expected to begin deliveries in Q1 2025. The project’s financial backing was secured in September when Orlen and Northland Power inked a €3.8 billion credit agreement with a consortium of 25 Polish and international banks. Orlen has also initiated the construction of an installation terminal in the port of Swinoujscie, set for completion by late 2024 or early 2025, to serve as a hub for launching the wind farm and potential future offshore projects. Orlen CEO Daniel Obajtek said the company plans to build infrastructure for other projects as part of its renewable energy investment. A Lesson in Continuous ImprovementThis week, a video crossed our desks showing the importance of lean methodology and continuous improvement. The video compares F1 pit stops from 1981 to 2019. In the 1980s, pit stops were a chaotic spectacle, often lasting over 20 seconds; fast forward to 2019, and we witness a seamless stop that sees cars back on the track in less than two seconds. Over the years, F1 teams have relentlessly focused on eliminating waste, streamlining processes, and optimising every aspect of pit stops. Lessons here extend far beyond the racetrack to countless industries and endeavours. Quiz QuestionThe focus today is on the lean methodology. How well-informed are you about this aspect of project management? Question: What is the primary goal of lean methodology in process improvement? A) Maximizing waste and inefficiencies B) Achieving high production costs C) Reducing waste and enhancing efficiency D) Increasing product defects Keep scrolling to find the answer! Middle East NewsWork Begins on Saudi Arabia’s Ski Resort
Developers working on Saudi Arabia’s Trojena mountain project have unveiled the progress on the Gulf’s first sub-zero snow destination and outdoor ski resort. The resort, situated in the Kingdom’s highest mountain range in Tabuk, is set to be a year-round mountain destination, featuring a ‘vertical village,’ ‘fun cluster,’ shopping, nightlife, and over 100 different sports and entertainment activities, including winter skiing. The resort’s development encompasses a man-made lake, a ‘vertical village,’ high-end hotels, fine dining options, and a plethora of activities, creating more than 10,000 jobs and contributing SAR 3 billion to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030.
Abu Dhabi Continues Growth in Construction
In Q2 2023, Abu Dhabi experienced remarkable growth in its construction sector, with a year-on-year increase of 19.1%, contributing a significant $6.89 billion to non-oil GDP. The construction sector’s overall contribution to Abu Dhabi’s GDP reached 8.8% during this period. The emirate’s non-oil economy also grew substantially by 12.3% in the second quarter, resulting in a 3.5% increase in the overall GDP compared to the same period in 2022.
Other NewsThe U.S. House Republican Party is in turmoil over its next speaker, as Steve Scalise, the nominee for the position, is struggling to secure enough votes for the role. The ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy by a small group of Republicans last week has plunged the GOP into disarray, putting the House in a state of uncertainty during global crises. Though initially considered a frontrunner, Scalise faces challenges in uniting the party and could be hamstrung by concessions to extremists needed to secure the position. The ongoing chaos within the party raises concerns about governance and the GOP’s ability to keep the House in the 2024 elections.
SpaceX is disputing a report from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which highlighted potential risks posed by its Starlink satellite constellation. The FAA report, delivered to Congress on October 5, suggested that by 2035, “one person on the planet would be expected to be injured or killed every two years” due to space debris from Starlink satellites surviving reentry. SpaceX criticized the report, calling it “preposterous, unjustified, and inaccurate.” The company emphasized that its satellites are designed to burn up during atmospheric reentry, with no reported debris. The FAA is reviewing SpaceX’s response to the report.
Offbeat NewsIn news that can only be described as strange, New Zealand’s Mike Heard has reclaimed the world record for the most bungee jumps in a single day, leaping off the Auckland Harbour Bridge an astonishing 941 times while raising funds for a mental health charity. Previously, he set the record with 430 jumps in 2017, only to have it taken by a Frenchman in 2022 with 765 jumps. Guinness World Records is yet to confirm the achievement officially. Despite the incredible feat, Heard felt “on top of the world,” attributing his success to mental preparation and mindfulness. During his record attempt, he raised over $NZ8,600 for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
SportCricket World Cup Continues
Australia aims to recover from their surprising six-wicket loss to India as they face South Africa, who secured a record-breaking 102-run victory over Sri Lanka. In a recent five-match ODI series in South Africa, the Proteas won 3-2. The match’s outcome is likely to be influenced by the contest between Australia’s fast bowlers and South Africa’s top-order, as both teams seek to gain an advantage in this form of the game.
Blog – How to Promote Team Collaboration in Your OrganisationThe path to cultivating a positive work environment is a constant challenge. Click the link below to discover valuable tips and guidance to create a more positive workplace.
Newsletters That We LikeBelow are some newsletters that we follow, and you should as well! The Assist – The Assist is a free 4x a-week newsletter that targets professional women to help them become the best versions of themselves at work and in life. The Geek AI – is a short newsletter on what matters in AI. Profit + – a newsletter catering to Entrepreneurs with a curiosity spanning finance and politics looking to find fulfilment beyond monetary success The Morning Brew – Morning Brew covers the latest business, tech, finance & more news in a quick-to-read daily newsletter perfect for busy professionals. AnswerThe correct answer to the Quiz Question: C) Reducing waste and enhancing efficiency That’s it for now See you next week! Do you have some feedback or want to collaborate with the newsletter? Then email me at glen@projectmangementnerd.com |
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