Background of “Gli Sport”

The “Gli Sport” facility has been conceptualised to maximise commercial real estate returns by integrating innovative construction methods and operational efficiencies into a multipurpose sporting facility. The project is underpinned by a space-maximisation model, enabling transformation between sports through modular, removable features such as squash court walls.

Project Management Process Groups

1. Initiation Process

The initiation phase begins with the development of the project charter, which sets forth the project’s vision, scope, objectives, stakeholder roles, high-level requirements, and strategic value. The charter acts as both an authoritative document for the project manager and a guiding framework for stakeholders.

Purpose of Project Charter:

• Analyse project cash flows and internal rate of return.
• Serve as a pitch document for potential investors.
• Provide a baseline for future project phases, particularly scope management.

 

2. Planning Process Phase

This phase integrates and aligns all subsidiary plans into a master project plan, providing a comprehensive reference to minimise risks and ensure coordination among stakeholders.

2.1 Scope Management Plan

Defines the project boundaries, deliverables, and exclusions to avoid misinterpretation, scope creep, and stakeholder dissatisfaction.

2.2 Project Deliverables

All expected outputs are defined using a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), enhancing clarity and traceability.

2.3 Financial Plan and Budget

A living document that tracks all project-related expenditures and budgetary revisions.

2.4 Project Schedule

Outlines all tasks and milestones. Utilises the WBS and identifies the critical path to ensure timely delivery.

2.5 Quality Management Plan

Outlines quality expectations and measurable criteria for each task to meet industry standards and stakeholder expectations.

2.6 Human Resources Plan

Emphasises cultural and technical alignment. Personnel must complement the team dynamics and share the strategic vision.

2.7 Communication Management Plan

Details communication strategies tailored to all stakeholder groups to mitigate misinformation and delays.

2.8 Risk Management Plan

Identifies, categorises, and prepares mitigation strategies for potential risks, helping the team proactively manage project threats.

2.9 Procurement Management Plan

Specifies goods and services needed, procurement procedures, timelines, and quality controls.

Purpose of Project Plan:

• Guide informed decision-making.
• Provide a clear execution pathway.
• Maintain stakeholder engagement.

 

3. Executing Process

This phase involves implementing the project plan through effective resource management. The project manager ensures productivity, team cohesion, and goal alignment while navigating unforeseen changes.

Key Considerations:

• Maintain team motivation and recognise individual contributions.
• Equip the team with proper tools and authority.
• Maintain transparency with stakeholders.
• Communicate changes efficiently and empathetically.

 

4. Monitoring and Control

This phase tracks performance indicators in real-time and ensures project alignment with the plan. It evaluates budget, schedule, risks, and scope adherence.

Stakeholder Updates Should Include:

• Risk status and mitigation actions.
• Budget adherence.
• Timeline progress.
• Variances in scope.

 

5. Project Closure Plan

Formally concludes all project activities, ensuring contract closures, procurement reconciliations, and deliverable validations. A lessons-learned report is produced to inform future projects.

Closure Plan Components:

• Documented project completion.
• Outstanding liability and warranty clearance.
• Stakeholder debrief and project reflection.

 

Challenges and Mitigating Strategies: “Gli Sport” Case Study

The Gli Sport model includes custom innovations such as removable squash court walls. A critical risk lies in the installation of concrete subfloors and sprung timber flooring, which are foundational for wall operability.

Key Risk Areas

1. Concrete subfloor
2. Sprung timber flooring

 

Mitigation Strategy

 

1. Initiation Phase

 

Recruitment and Vetting:

• Trades are selected through competency evaluations, including references and psychometric assessments (Harrison Assessments, 2019).
• The leadership team also undergoes assessments to ensure synergy and cultural alignment.

 

Desired Traits in Tradespeople:

• Team-oriented and collaborative.
• Conflict management capabilities.
• Motivated by shared vision and appreciation.
• High tolerance to stress and change.

 

2. Planning Phase

2.1 Concrete Installation:

• Contractors to provide 3D concrete schematics.
• Concrete subfloor pour to be validated by an independent assessor.
• Multiple test areas to ensure compliance before full execution.

 

2.2 Flooring Installation:

• Engage previously vetted flooring contractor with history of successful projects.
• Floor elasticity and compression to be tested to ensure functionality with modular wall design.
• Early engagement with removable wall engineers for design feedback.

 

3. Monitoring and Control Phase

 

3.1 Concrete Monitoring:

• Real-time sensors embedded in subfloor to track curing and pressure distribution.
• Weekly reports submitted to project manager.

 

3.2 Flooring Monitoring:

• Independent testing on spring response and impact absorption.
• Feedback loop to designers and engineers.

 

4. Project Closure

• Post-installation audits.
• Manufacturer certifications for installed materials.
• Formal contractor debriefs and lessons-learned sessions.

 

Conclusion

The construction of the Gli Sport facility presents an opportunity to merge innovation with commercial feasibility. Using robust project management principles across all process groups ensures not only the successful delivery of the facility but also a benchmark model for future sports infrastructure projects. The integration of psychometric vetting, adaptive risk management, and continuous performance monitoring serves as a modern blueprint for mitigating high-risk components in complex builds.

 

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