Project Management

The Resurgence of U.S. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

pathadmin — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 18:31:46 +0000

The Resurgence of U.S. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

pathadmin Fri, 10/17/2025 - 14:31

Date time

August 20, 2025

The pandemic exposed a hard truth about America’s dependence on foreign pharmaceutical production. Over the past two decades, the drive to move manufacturing offshore to reduce costs left the nation vulnerable when global supply chains were disrupted.

Recognizing this as both a health and national security risk, the U.S. government is now actively supporting the return of pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing to domestic soil. This shift has sparked the announcement of numerous large-scale capital projects across the country.

For the first time in more than twenty years, the industry is facing the challenge of executing projects of this scale. To meet the moment, pharmaceutical companies and engineering firms alike must rethink how these projects are delivered, embracing new methods, technologies, and management practices that match the magnitude of the opportunity ahead.

As this next generation of manufacturing takes shape, the importance of strong project management has never been greater. Large and complex capital investments require clear communication, coordinated planning, and disciplined execution. Without effective management, inefficiencies, miscommunication, and productivity challenges can quickly undermine progress. The organizations that succeed will be those that approach these projects with a deep commitment to collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence from start to finish.

#PharmaManufacturing #BiotechIndustry #DomesticProduction #MadeinAmerica

Bridging the Gap Between Business Strategy and Engineering Execution

pathadmin — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:57:58 +0000

Bridging the Gap Between Business Strategy and Engineering Execution

pathadmin Fri, 10/17/2025 - 13:57

Date time

September 24, 2025

Across the capital projects landscape, one recurring challenge continues to surface: misalignment between owner corporate business objectives and engineering solutions. This disconnect has led to countless projects running over budget and missing key schedule milestones, costing organizations both time and credibility and deteriorating owner financial and other business drivers.

In response, the industry is embracing a more intentional approach to aligning owner business and engineering goals during the earliest stages of project development. This front-end alignment requires business leaders to make critical decisions on capacity, future expansion, and the willingness to adopt new technologies before detailed engineering begins.

What was once viewed as a best practice is now becoming a non-negotiable standard for all major and even plant-level projects. The organizations that succeed in this new environment will be those that treat alignment not as an administrative step, but as a strategic advantage. One that ensures every engineering and project decision directly supports the company’s long-term business goals.

#CapitalProjects #ProjectManagement #EngineeringLeadership #ProjectExecution #ConstructionManagement

Strengthening Project Outcomes Through Effective Project Execution Planning

pathadmin — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 20:01:08 +0000

Strengthening Project Outcomes Through Effective Project Execution Planning

pathadmin Thu, 10/16/2025 - 16:01

Date time

September 17, 2025

We recently led a repeat Project Execution Planning (PEP) training for a major international petrochemical company. Twenty-four project leaders came together to strengthen their skills and align on the principles of effective execution planning.

Over two days, participants explored the PEP as a living document that drives alignment, accountability, and consistency. They also focused on the owner and contractor relationship, learning how clarity in roles and responsibilities keeps projects on track despite challenges.

Interactive exercises moved the training beyond theory, showing how the PEP functions as more than a checklist. It is a tool that unites people, processes, and objectives.

Sessions like this reflect the industry’s commitment to higher project standards. By embedding strong execution practices early, organizations can reduce risks, improve efficiency, and achieve cost, schedule, and quality targets.

At Pathfinder, we are proud to help teams build these disciplines into their culture. Project execution planning is not a one-time activity. It is a mindset that leads to more predictable and successful outcomes.

Pathfinder's Summer Newsletter is Available

pathadmin — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 17:48:44 +0000

Pathfinder's Summer Newsletter is Available

pathadmin Tue, 09/16/2025 - 13:48

Date time

September 9, 2025

Project Management PANORAMA is Pathfinder's quarterly newsletter, focusing on industry trends and discussions. We offer insights into the "Capital Project World as seen by Pathfinder, LLC," covering both trending and controversial topics.

We hope you find this issue engaging. As always, we welcome your feedback and opinions on industry matters. Let's continue to aim for safe, efficient, and successful projects!

You can access the latest version HERE

Panorama Spring 2021 is now available!

pathadmin — Thu, 06 May 2021 13:33:49 +0000

Panorama Spring 2021 is now available!

pathadmin Thu, 05/06/2021 - 09:33

As you may know, Project Management PANORAMA is Pathfinder's industry focused newsletter. We present the "Capital Project World as seen by Pathfinder, LLC" with regard to "trending" or "controversial" industry related topics.

In this issue you will find the following articles, The Contractor's View of Capital Construction and Looking to Improve Construction Productivity?

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's 2021 CII Project Management Training Series schedule.

To view this newsletter and all archived newsletters, you can sign up to to be a subscriber.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

Panorama Spring 2021

pathadmin — Thu, 06 May 2021 13:31:15 +0000

Panorama Spring 2021

In this issue you will find the following articles, The Contractor's View of Capital Construction and Looking to Improve Construction Productivity?

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's 2021 CII Project Management Training Series schedule.

To view this newsletter and all archived newsletters, you can sign up to to be a subscriber.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

pathadmin Thu, 05/06/2021 - 09:31

Available downloads

Panorama Spring 2021

Panorama Fall 2020

pathadmin — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 17:45:39 +0000

Panorama Fall 2020

In this issue you will find the following articles, Claims Avoidance & Handling - Best Practices and Advanced Work Packaging - From an Owner's Perspective.

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's CII Orientation Series options.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

pathadmin Wed, 04/07/2021 - 13:45

Available downloads

Panorama Fall 2020

FREE WEBINAR: How CII's Construction Readiness Assessment Tool Can Help with Project Restarts

pathadmin — Mon, 11 May 2020 17:03:31 +0000

FREE WEBINAR: How CII's Construction Readiness Assessment Tool Can Help with Project Restarts

pathadmin Mon, 05/11/2020 - 13:03

Date time

May 19, 2020

Tuesday
May 19, 2020
1:00pm - 2:00pm Central

REGISTER

Starting construction before enough design information, materials, and installed equipment are on hand is a significant error that too many projects make. CII’s Construction Readiness Assessment (CRA) tool computes a project-specific construction readiness score using 200 readiness factors spanning 15 categories (ex. Project Team, Procurement, Materials Management, etc.). This score is then compared to readiness benchmarks derived from industry data and company-established goals. The tool also highlights areas of improvement and outputs a report of the actions that should be taken to significantly enhance project construction readiness.

This tool is perfect to help assess your readiness to restart projects stopped or significantly slowed by the response to COVID-19. Even if your project started well, is it ready for the post-COVID-19 environment it will face going forward? Assessing your project now will identify the changes needed in order to restart more effectively.

Steve Cabano
President
Pathfinder, LLC

Jimmy Cravens
Vice President
Pathfinder, LLC

Mike Pappas
Associate Director of Deployment
Construction Industry Institute

REGISTER

Project Slowdown/Restart Planning

As the world figures out how to deal with social distancing, virus testing, and an economy turned upside down, the worldwide Engineering and Construction environment is in project slowdown/shutdown mode. Now more than ever, it is important to get slowdown/shutdown and restart construction protocols right. Matters such as staffing, materials storage and protection, partially completed construction packages, contract issues, labor support, infrastructure sanitized and secured for effective use and a myriad of other related issues can have an even bigger impact on restart than the actual shutdown itself, if not handled properly.

Pathfinder’s Project Slowdown/Restart Planning initiative is an efficient facilitation effort using proven Construction Industry Institute (CII) tools, modified to address COVID-19 issues, and internally developed tools that have been honed over many successful initiatives.

The following 5-phase approach can be adjusted based on where you are in the project at the time of shutdown.

For more information on

Pathfinder's Project Slowdown/Restart Planning solution

CLICK HERE

Spring 2019

pathadmin — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 17:04:29 +0000

Spring 2019

In this issue you will find the following articles, Indicative Costs of US Ethylene Projects and You're Like an Open Book.

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's 2019 CII Project Management Training Series schedule.

Below you will find a link to the Fall 2019 PANORAMA Newsletter. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, if you have any comments or would like to voice your views on the industry, please contact us directly.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

pathadmin Wed, 01/29/2020 - 12:04

Available downloads

Panorama Spring 2019

Fall 2018

pathadmin — Wed, 29 Jan 2020 16:59:24 +0000

Fall 2018

In this issue you will find the following articles, The Measure of a Project Manager and Do You Need Help.

Also in this issue you can find information about Pathfinder's 2019 CII Project Management Training Series schedule.

Below you will find a link to the Fall 2018 PANORAMA Newsletter. We hope you enjoy this issue and as always, if you have any comments or would like to voice your views on the industry, please contact us directly.

Let's continue to strive for safe, efficient and successful projects!

pathadmin Wed, 01/29/2020 - 11:59

Available downloads

Panorama Fall 2018