Reflections from the 2024 ECC PerspECCtives Conference

The 2024 ECC PerspECCtives conference brought together industry leaders to explore critical topics shaping the future of capital projects. Here, JMJ’s Andy Ellis and Marty Reeser share some of the key themes that emerged from the event:

The 2024 ECC PerspECCtives conference brought together industry leaders to explore critical topics shaping the future of capital projects. Several key themes emerged:

1. Next-generation safety and mental health: Key presentations focused on how mental health and overall well-being are driving the next evolution of safety in the engineering and construction sectors, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to workforce safety.

2. Cultural alignment in capital projects: Cultural alignment is vital for project success, ensuring that objectives, processes, and outcomes align with the values and expectations of all stakeholders. Cultural alignment enhances collaboration, reduces friction, and builds a shared sense of ownership, leading to more successful and sustainable project outcomes. 

3. Artificial intelligence in capital projects:

• AI’s role in enterprise-level solutions is distinct from consumer-level applications, with substantial impacts on knowledge management, onboarding, and field operations.
• Common misconceptions, such as AI being primarily a cost saving tool, were debunked. AI’s true potential lies in its capacity to enhance processes and spread organizational knowledge.
• AI won’t replace human jobs, but those using it will have a competitive edge, making continuous learning critical for staying ahead.
• A key discussion focused on how organizations can strategically implement AI across business development and operations to drive opportunities.

4. Advancing human performance and error-tolerant systems:

• Human errors are inevitable and should be met with curiosity rather than blame, shifting the focus from individual fault to systemic improvement.
• Systems should allow for safe mistakes, encouraging proactive learning from everyday work to advance safety and performance.
• Leaders play a crucial role in shaping culture through their response to both success and failure.
• Adopting a “management by curiosity” approach can drive continuous improvement.

Marty and Andy would like to thank the organizers and participants for an engaging and thought-provoking event.

What were your top insights from PerspECCtives 2024? Sharing experiences and knowledge is key to advancing our collective understanding and enhancing safety practices across the industry.

Contact us to share your thoughts and join the conversation.