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Project Flux Spotlight Podcast - Ali Mafi from Timist

Delivering Projects in the Shortest Time

Shortening Project Timelines: Insights from Ali Mafi on the recent Project Flux podcast

 Introduction:

In our new episode of the Project Flux podcast, James Garner and Yoshi Soornack had the pleasure of hosting Ali Mafi, the visionary behind the Timist™ system. Ali shared his extensive experience in construction management and lean thinking, along with innovative strategies for shortening project timelines. This blog captures the key insights from their conversation, focusing on how the Timist™ system can revolutionise project delivery by prioritizing time over cost.

 Introduction to Ali Mafi and Timist™:

Ali Mafi's journey in construction management began in the 1980s. Dissatisfied with traditional project management methods, Ali pursued further education and research, which eventually led to the creation of the Timist™ system. Timist™ is designed to ensure projects are completed in the shortest possible time, emphasising the importance of real-time data and daily application of its principles.

 He identifies three main ideas: 1. Projects around the world are constantly falling behind schedule. 2. Daily management or leadership of projects is generally lacking. 3. Finishing projects on time or early happens mainly by chance.

 Core Principles of the Timist™ System:

  • Interconnected Application: Timist™ integrates well-known project management principles in a cohesive manner. Instead of applying these principles in isolation, they are used together to create a more effective and efficient project delivery system.

  • Time Focus: Unlike traditional methods that prioritise cost reduction, Timist™ focuses on shortening project timelines. Ali believes that by reducing the project time, cost savings will naturally follow.

  • Daily Implementation: Timist™ principles are applied consistently every day, ensuring continuous progress and timely project completion.

The Timist™ Methodology:

Ali Mafi likens the Timist™ system to a SatNav for project management. Just as a SatNav provides real-time updates and adjustments based on current conditions, Timist™ uses real-time data to monitor and adjust project timelines. This scientific approach to project data analytics ensures that projects stay on track and potential delays are addressed immediately.

 Success Stories and Practical Applications:

Throughout the podcast, Ali shared several success stories where Timist™ significantly reduced project timelines. For example, projects that initially faced significant delays were able to get back on track and even finish ahead of schedule. By focusing on real-time updates and daily monitoring, Timist™ ensures that every aspect of the project is optimised for efficiency.

 Overcoming Traditional Challenges:

One of the biggest challenges in implementing the Timist™ system is overcoming traditional project management mindsets. Many organisations are resistant to change and prefer to stick with familiar methods. However, Ali emphasises the importance of focusing on priorities and real-time data to achieve better outcomes. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of Timist™, Ali has successfully convinced several organisations to adopt his innovative approach.

 Future of Project Management with Timist™:

Looking ahead, Ali envisions a future where Timist™ principles are integrated with advanced technologies like AI and robotics. These advancements will further enhance the system's ability to monitor and adjust project timelines in real time. As more organisations adopt Timist™, the industry as a whole will benefit from shorter project timelines, reduced costs, and improved efficiency.

 Conclusion:

Ali Mafi's insights on the Project Flux podcast highlight the transformative potential of the Timist™ system. By prioritising time over cost and using real-time data for daily monitoring, Timist™ ensures that projects are completed efficiently and effectively. Project managers looking to improve their project delivery should consider adopting Timist™ principles. For more information, visit the Timist™ website.

Listen to the whole conversation by on th the podcast

We cover:

⏳ The importance of measuring and managing project time

🧐 How lean thinking informs project delivery and its challenges

The importance of task prioritisation. 

🤖 Whether humans would outperform robots using this approach

Guest Speaker Profile

Ali Mafi, founder of Timist, discusses the importance of measuring and managing project time. He shares his journey in construction management and lean thinking, highlighting the need for real-time data and prioritisation of tasks. Ali explains how Timeist can deliver projects ahead of schedule and the impact it can have on project efficiency and cost. He emphasises the need for daily monitoring of project progress and the identification of bottlenecks. Ali also discusses the challenges of implementing Timeist and the benefits of using AI and robotics in project management.

Company: https://timist.co.uk/ - Timist™ is a project delivery system designed to ensure projects are completed in the shortest time.

Takeaways

  • Measuring and managing project time is crucial for project success.

  • Real-time data and prioritisation of tasks are essential for efficient project management.

  • Timist can deliver projects ahead of schedule and improve project efficiency and cost.

  • Daily monitoring of project progress and identification of bottlenecks are key to successful project management.

  • Implementing Timist can be challenging, but the benefits are significant.

  • AI and robotics have the potential to enhance project management and improve project outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:02 The Concept of Time in Project Management

13:19 Using SatNav as an Analogy for Project Data Analytics

19:24 Overcoming Traditional Methodologies and Mindsets

25:18 Avoiding Traditional Benchmark and Project Estimates

29:06 The Role of AI and Robotics in Project Management

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