PROBLEM SOLVING SOLUTION?

PROBLEM SOLVING SOLUTION?

Problematic projects get helping hand
By Reports by Chok Suat Ling

Ten major development projects identified as "problematic" will be completed on schedule, the Dewan Negara was told yesterday. Deputy Works Minister Datuk Mohd Zin Mohamed said the ministry had offered technical advice to the contractors involved and was facilitating the approvals they required.

"Other steps taken include using less steel in designs, re-scheduling projects as a result of necessary extra work, making more frequent development payments and paying 25 per cent construction costs up-front," Zin said when replying to Senator Lee Sing Chooi.

"As a result, we have managed to resolve most of the problems faced by the 10 projects and all will be completed on schedule.“

In May, Works Minister Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu had said that at the end of last year, 215 development projects had been identified as "problematic". Of them, 10 were considered major – four hospitals, four federal roads, a bridge and a university.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

EXCELLENT! GREAT! SYABAS! Good job done!

How was the problem overcome? Steps taken include using less steel in designs, re-scheduling projects as a result of necessary extra work, making more frequent development payments and paying 25 per cent construction costs up-front.

Using less steel in designs? What? Engineers, please explain how we can use less steel? Is it over-design in the first instance, or are we replacing the steel with other structural components? Steel is the fundamental component in reinforced concrete design; so using less steel???

Ten major development projects identified as "problematic" will be completed on schedule? Steps taken include re-scheduling projects as a result of necessary extra work - and the minister call it complete on schedule? Complete within the new revised schedule or complete within the original schedule?

Paying 25% construction costs upfront? Wow! Why not 50% or 75% or maybe, 100% upfront?

Did they solve the problem? Ya, the problem was solved! Do we call it problem solving? Doing less with more and driving project completion using gold-plating methodology is the best solution?

Please don't tell the world that's how our Minister and his department manage projects and solve the problems. We will make a mockery of project management.

Just say: it is Malaysia-Boleh methodology!!!!