Services
Comprehensive plan development for each stage of a project, from feasibility to commissioning. Our approach combines detailed planning programs, critical resource analysis, and remote or on-site monitoring, ensuring optimal time management, cost efficiency and successful outcomes.
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Planning
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Cost Control
Management Control
Forensic Engineering
Training
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Clear and systematic methodology implementation that enables the timely detection and correction of deviations. From estimate calculations to the tracking of final projections, we ensure the project's financial optimization with minimal impact on resources.
Consulting, specialized advisory services, and training to optimize project management in sectors such as Oil & Gas, Lithium, Mining and general industries. We support companies at every stage of a project, applying a unique approach that focuses on implementing practical tools and establishing a strong foundation for an effective management culture.
Investigation of failures and performance issues in projects. Development of precise technical analyses that can be presented in negotiations or court proceedings. Assessment of the project's current status by comparing it to its baseline schedule and costs. Identification of deviations and their causes, along with the development of recovery or mitigation plans.
Practical training in Project Management, designed to apply knowledge concretely and effectively at any project stage. Courses are tailored to each company's needs, with in-person, in-company, online, and on-demand options. Intensive weekend formats are also available.
Planning
For all project stages, work programs and tracking schedules are developed, including related activities, durations, and resources to determine the critical path and production curves as reference points. The software used includes Primavera P6, Primavera Risk Analysis, and Microsoft Project. Much of this work can be conducted remotely, with on-site visits as needed.
Budget
A task list, WBS, and a Level 2 schedule are created, allowing for the extraction of task durations and resource requirements.
Project
An engineering schedule is created with all its details.
Project Feasibility
An estimation of the project's duration and critical resources is conducted based on previous experience.
Plant shutdowns
Preparation
Initial construction phase
Construction
Commissioning
The preparation schedule is supplemented with the schedule for earthworks, site offices, construction offices and camps.
The engineering, procurement, and initial construction schedules are supplemented with a Level 3 construction schedule. During construction, specialized programs are developed, such as the packaged equipment assembly schedule, tie-in programs, supplier assistance programs, and detailed construction and assembly schedules for electrical substations.
A detailed schedule is created for each system.
The engineering schedule is supplemented with the procurement schedule, including all items to be purchased and all purchasing stages.
Key Stages
For this type of project, different types of schedules are developed.
Previous Phase
Program
The design, procurement and construction are scheduled.
Using the resources obtained during the pre-phase, a detailed plant shutdown schedule is created by the hour to minimize the downtime.
Real-time project control App
Due to the need to have real-time updates on both the progress and costs of the project at all times, especially when the Project Director/Manager/Coordinator/Administrator is meeting with stakeholders, CIKO uses an app with a real-time monitoring system that can be viewed on any smartphone.
The spreadsheets can be customized according to the project's needs. The following charts show the data that can be obtained from the application.
Cost Control
The importance of cost control is well understood by everyone involved in a project, but it is necessary to establish a clear, simple, and systematic methodology to detect deviations from the estimated costs.
Detecting them too late generally leads to inadequate corrections or, in some cases, an inability to correct them at all. There is one situation worse than knowing a project is heading toward losses: not knowing it at all.
There is a way to address this, and we can implement it, from calculating estimates to tracking Estimates to Complete, regularly knowing the projected total cost of our project.
The cost of properly implementing this methodology is negligible compared to the benefits it provides.
Management Control
We are a group of professionals specialized in providing solutions for project management in Oil & Gas, Lithium, Mining, and general industries. We support foreign companies both in Argentina and abroad.
We are equipped to carry out consulting, training, and advisory services for key personnel in managing and controlling projects at various stages (Engineering, Procurement and Supply, Activation, Construction).
Our consultancies aim to identify and implement a concrete and realistic mechanism to achieve success in project management, utilizing the various tools available for this purpose and establishing the foundations of a management culture within the organization.
We also provide the execution of monthly reports remotely.
Forensic Engineering
We apply engineering principles to the investigation of failures or other performance issues and also provide expert testimony regarding the findings of these investigations in a court of law.
Our experience and knowledge of various failures in projects allow us to carry out these investigations quickly and accurately.
We conduct an analysis of the project's current status, including its progress and the costs incurred. It is compared with the baseline schedule and budgeted costs. We identify deviations and their causes, and develop recovery plans. If recovery is not possible, we create plans for potential mitigations.
Using this data, we develop strategies for our clients to present, either in negotiations or in the relevant court.
Training
Following international guidelines in "project management" our courses are designed for all personnel involved in any phase of the project.
Our methodology allows us to transfer our experience through practical and concrete training, focusing on real-world application rather than theoretical concepts that are difficult to implement in project management.
In-person - In Company
In company (accelerated weekend course option)
Virtual - Synchronous
In-person via web
In-person - On-site
In-person at our facilities (accelerated weekend course option)
On-demand
TIME MANAGEMENT
Aimed at those interested in controlling execution timelines, using planning as a powerful tool to identify deviations and corrective actions.
Methodologies to prevent the emergence of "unexpected events."
How to plan our project.
How to detect early on that our project is not meeting our time forecasts and what actions to take to choose the most appropriate corrective measure.
Risk Management.
Use of specific software. Development of practical scenarios. Report examples. Indicators.
Modalities
Courses
(20 hours)
COST ESTIMATION AND CONTROL
(10 hours)
Aimed at those interested in controlling the execution costs of a project.
Methodologies and tools for proactive cost control, identifying potential deviations early and defining the most suitable corrective actions in each case, using executive methods for cost control without relying on accounting information.
How to make a "real" cost estimate.
How to detect deviations early in our cost estimation.
Risk Management.
Development of practical scenarios. Report examples. Indicators.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT
(30 hours)
(20 hours)
(Integration of the "Time Management" and "Cost Estimation and Control" courses)
Aimed at those interested in comprehensive project control, both in terms of time and costs.
An integrative methodology for time and cost control, using the appropriate tools and methodologies to avoid "surprises" during execution.
Risk Management.
Use of specific software. Development of practical scenarios. Report examples. Indicators.
For construction companies and/or medium-sized project management firms
Specifically aimed at those involved in the construction industry.
To manage construction projects efficiently, following internationally recognized guidelines.
Organization of the construction company.
Criteria for generating a budget, production standards, different types of costs, and resource classification.
Management of the company’s fixed costs.
Costing systems as a strategic decision for the company.
Project planning, construction methods, determination of required resources, and their optimization.
Time and cost control during execution. Early detection of deviations. Methods for deciding corrective measures.
Management of additional costs.
Time management in budget preparation.
