EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE DFI’s Megaprojects A t DFI, we look at many of our activities as projects and, while they may not be classified as megaprojects per se, they are “Mega” to us with respect to DFI’s staff and monetary resources. Wikipedia states that a megaproject costs $1B or more, takes many years to complete, impacts millions of people, is transformational and involves multiple stakeholders. Merriam-Webster more succinctly defines it as a major project or undertaking in business or construction, and Collins even simpler as a very large, expansive or ambitious project. Jerry DiMaggio, in our guest editorial (page 107), classifies megaprojects as large and complex, costing over $100M, risky and requiring attention to details and specifics. Three major DFI projects that come to mind are organizing our Annual Conference, supporting DFI of India’s initiatives and implementing a new DFI digital platform. All are large or major projects for DFI; they impact many people (maybe not millions but perhaps someday — hey, a girl can dream), they can be risky, and they definitely require attention to details and specifics. I’ll start with our Annual Conference (and many other conferences that DFI manages or co-sponsors worldwide). This year in Chicago, we had record-breaking numbers in both attendance and exhibitor participation (page 23). With growth comes an increasing need to focus on details and specifics. Our planning needs to be precise, with all tasks and order of operations carefully orchestrated, and new challenges and risks analyzed. Our goal is to provide value to all participants and remain attentive to the individual needs of each “stakeholder” by providing personalized service as best we can. If we miss the mark, it’s back to the details to refine and adjust our methods to improve for the next event. Growing is important — but not as important as quality. Growing and increasing quality are the goals of this DFI megaproject. By keeping our eyes on the goals and outcomes, we can push forward and not get stuck in the details but use the details to attain the goal. Your feedback helps us focus on what adjustments are needed or what we should keep doing. The second megaproject is the DFI of Having just returned from its 9 Annual Conference in Hyderabad, it is clear the changes the chapter is looking to make in the Indian deep foundations/underground community are large-scale, strive to be transformational and have the ability to impact millions of people. The chapter’s initiatives are about improving safety and quality as the country’s crucial infra- structure grows. The main initiatives are providing operator and technician training; introducing foun- dation technologies never used in India; collaborating and communicating with owners to provide guidelines for planning, design, con- tracting, equipment manage- ment and construction aspects; encouraging diversity and inclusion in companies through the chapter’s own Women in Deep Foundations (WiDF) group; and conducting outreach to students so they enter the workforce prepared. The chapter’s efforts are no small undertaking; the chapter is ambitious and it will take many years and involves risk — all mega- project characteristics. To learn more about DFI of India’s ongoing efforts and/or to become involved with its activities, visit www.dfi-india.org and read the newsletters under ‘Publications.’ India Regional Chapter and its initiatives. th Theresa Engler Executive Director [email protected] The third DFI megaproject is the new DFI digital platform (page Three major DFI projects are organizing our Annual Conference, supporting DFI of India's initiatives and implementing a new DFI digital platform. 31), which includes revamping the website and implementing a new data management system behind the scenes. Both aspects require careful research into the best solution for our needs. One goal is to create a website that is visually inviting, provides easy access to available resources (e.g., publications, videos, and online and in- person learning oppor- tunities), is viewable and navigable on all devices, and showcases our supporting members and their services as well as our committee activities and products. The other goal is to choose and develop an association management system solu- tion that integrates all online systems. Ultimately, the new system should streamline office procedures, protect the integrity of our mem- bers’ data and history of engagement, and provide our members access more easily and quickly to their history and current information, and allow members to interact through online community groups in order to gain more benefits and value from being a DFI member. You now have a bit of insight into some of DFI’s megaprojects. Be sure to read the articles in this special issue on Megaprojects and Project Delivery Methods, which provide valuable informa- tion on recent megaprojects in our industry. DEEP FOUNDATIONS • NOV/DEC 2019 • 9
