About this Presentation
With over 25 years of experience implementing Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), this session explores how organizations can achieve faster, more reliable project delivery. Focused on turning theory into results, the approach has been refined over the years by emphasizing a strong foundation during the planning phase to ensure project success.
In this session, Andy will outline the essential first steps of any CCPM project, with a focus on planning for uncertainty. He will demonstrate how CCPM addresses the inherent unpredictability of large-scale projects by rethinking traditional planning and scheduling methods. Attendees will learn how to build realistic project timelines and create buffers that absorb uncertainty without derailing progress.
Andy will also share practical insights and real-world examples to illustrate how effective CCPM planning not only shortens delivery times but also ensures more predictable outcomes. He will be joined by a client organization from the defense sector with recent first-hand experience of this game-changing approach.
Whether you are new to CCPM or looking to enhance your existing project management practices, this session offers valuable strategies to set your project up for success from the start.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
Why Uncertainty Is a Core Challenge in Large-Scale Projects
How to Structure Plans That Absorb and Respond to the Unknown
Techniques for Making Better Decisions Amid Uncertainty
Instructor(s)
Corwin Gilkes
Corwin Gilkes - Production Project Planner at Embraer.
Industry Expertise: Aerospace, Logistics, Supply Chain, Project Management, Continuous Improvement
Track Record: Over 10 years of experience in logistics and aviation, with expertise in materials management, operations, and strategic planning. Strong background in Lean Six Sigma, Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), and process optimization.
Career Highlights:
Production Project Planner at Embraer, leading aircraft maintenance and modification projects with CCPM.
Former Lean Specialist, driving process improvements and operational efficiency.
Extensive experience in materials purchasing, tooling, and logistics management.
Military background as a Medical Logistics Specialist in the U.S. Army.
Certified in Global Supply Chain Management, Lean Six Sigma, and PMP.
Andy Watt
Andy Watt: Transformational Leader with 35+ Years of Expertise Industry Expertise: Production, Distribution, MRO, Supply Chain, Project Management. Track Record: 15 years in senior roles within the defence industry; over 30 years implementing Theory of Constraints (TOC) and Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). Career Highlights: Joined The Goldratt Institute in 2000, delivering TOC training, coaching, and consulting. Worked directly with Dr. Eli Goldratt, applying TOC principles to solve critical business challenges. Took over Goldratt UK in 2007 to extend TOC consultancy across the UK. Led the team at Goldratt UK in the implementation of TOC and CCPM across hundreds of organisations worldwide.