Character of the Work
Technical analysis of the history of a specific project or statistical
analysis of data from many prior projects sometimes becomes the function
of some senior, highly-skilled cost controls personnel. Professionals
holding such positions have typically proven themselves to be above
average in their cost estimating, scheduling, or cost controlling
skills. Instead of progressing into mid-level management positions, they
prefer to assume duties that enable them to further develop their
technical skills. This is akin to engineers who would rather devote
their lives to designing progressively more-complex functional systems,
instead of managing efforts of those who do.
Claims analysts investigate facts and circumstance surrounding disputes,
where one contractual party disagrees with the other. Careful review of
project records and the contract documents, within the framework of
applicable legal doctrine, enables the claims specialist to propose a
justified solution to the dispute. Besides after-the-fact analysis,
claims professionals might be called upon to recommend future project
management actions that enable their company to keep risk of adverse
claims low.
Project risk analysts often serve managers by using relevant data from
earlier, similar projects to forecast likely durations or costs for
ongoing projects or project phases. While it is commonly accepted that
there is a single duration or cost for a project, the most realistic
understanding would instead stipulate a range of likely costs or
durations. Risk analysts are not decision-makers, but they focus
management attention on the activities where possible changes in work
sequences or construction methods should be most useful.
Education and Training
The education and training prescribed for professionals who would hold
these specializations is all of that for common project controls
positions, but more is required. Claims specialists appropriately seek
more exposure to principles of construction law as well as to project
schedule analysis. Remaining apprised of new legal perspectives and
changes to old doctrines is critical. Risks analysts must learn to apply
software, typically based on the Monte Carlo method, which enables them
to attach probabilities to various schedule durations and cost ranges. A
higher level of mathematical capability is required than for most
project controls professionals.
Career Opportunities
Unless the professional eventually decides to move on to executive
ranks, these careers are usually the apex of the career.
