#project stakeholders

[imrovementcompany]

Quality Planning

Voice of the Customer (VOC) Tell me, what comes first when you hear “business”? I know it is a consumer and producer, aren’t these? The consumer is usually known as the customer as well, and on the other hand, the producer fulfills the customer’s needs and wants.  The prime and first component of the business is the customer. To do business efficiently, you need to understand the customer’s…

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Union pensions are funding private equity attacks on workers

On October 7–8, I'm in Milan to keynote Wired Nextfest.

If end-stage capitalism has a motto, it's this: "Stop hitting yourself." The great failure of "voting with your wallet" is that you're casting ballots in a one party system (The Capitalism Party), and the people with the thickest wallets get the most votes.

During the Cultural Revolution, the Chinese state would bill the families of executed dissidents for the ammunition used to execute their loved ones:

https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-the-Chinese-government-makes-the-families-of-executed-people-pay-for-the-cost-of-bullets

In end-stage capitalism, the dollars we spend to feed ourselves are used to capture the food supply and corrupt our political process:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/04/dont-let-your-meat-loaf/#meaty-beaty-big-and-bouncy

And the dollars we save for retirement are flushed into the stock market casino, a game that is rigged against us, where we are always the suckers at the table:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/07/25/derechos-humanos/#are-there-no-poorhouses

Everywhere and always, we are financing our own destruction. It's quite a Mr Gotcha moment:

https://thenib.com/mister-gotcha/

Now, anything that can't go on forever will eventually stop. We are living through a broad, multi-front counter-revolution to Reaganomics and neoliberal Democratic Party sellouts. The FTC and DOJ Antitrust Division are dragging Big Tech and Big Meat and Big Publishing into court. We're seeing bans on noncompete clauses, and high-profile government enforcers are publicly pledging never to work for corporate law-firms when they quit public service:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/09/nein-nein/#everything-is-miscellaneous

And of course, there's the reinvigoration of the labor movement! Hot Labor Summer is now Perpetual Labor September, with 75,000 Kaiser workers walking out alongside the UAW, SAG-AFTRA and 2,350 other groups of workers picketing, striking or protesting:

https://striketracker.ilr.cornell.edu/

But capitalism still gets a lick in. Union pension plans are some of the most important investors in private equity funds. Your union pension dollars are probably funding the union-busting, child-labor-employing, civilization-destroying Gordon Gecko LARPers who are also evicting you from the rental they bought and turned into a slum, and will then murder you in a hospice that they bought and turned into a slaughterhouse:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/26/death-panels/#what-the-heck-is-going-on-with-CMS

Writing for The American Prospect, Rachel Phua rounds up the past, present and future of union pension funds backing private equity monsters:

https://prospect.org/labor/2023-10-04-workers-funding-misery-private-equity-pension-funds/

Private equity and hedge funds have destroyed 1.3 million US jobs:

https://united4respect.org/press-release/people-who-work-at-walmart-sears-amazon-formerly-toys-r-us-more-join-forces-together-as-united-for-respect-2-2-2-2-5-3/

They buy companies and then illegally staff them with children:

https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/whd/whd20230217-1

They lobby against the minimum wage:

https://pestakeholder.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Insire-Brands-memo-on-15-wage.pdf

They illegally retaliate against workers seeking to unionize their jobsite:

https://www.hoteldive.com/news/dc-hotel-workers-enlist-us-representatives-to-fight-sofitel-union-busting/650396/

And they couldn't do it without union pension funds. Public service union pensions have invested $650 million with PE funds. In 2001, the share of public union pensions invested in PE was 3.5%; today, it's 13%:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1B0vv26VEFmwtfw5ur6dSDMY8NftvZKij/

Giant public union funds like CalPERS are planning massive increases in their contributions to PE:

https://www.calpers.ca.gov/page/newsroom/calpers-news/2023/calpers-preliminary-investment-return-fiscal-year-2022-23

This results in some ghastly and ironic situations. Aramark used funds from a custodian's union to bid against that union's members for contracts, in an attempt to break the union and force the workers to take a paycut to $11/hour:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-11-20/pension-fund-gains-mean-worker-pain-as-aramark-cuts-pay

Blackstone's investors include the California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS). The PE ghouls who sucked Toys R Us dry were funded by Texas teachers.

Then there's KKR, one of the most rapacious predators of the PE world. Half of the investors in KKR's Global Infrastructure Investors IV fund are public sector pension funds. Those workers' money were spent to buy up Refresco (Arizona Iced Tea, Tropicana juices, etc), a transaction that immediately precipitated a huge spike in on-the-job accidents as KKR cut safety and increased tempo:

https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/establishment.inspection_detail?id=1675674.015

Petsmart is the poster-child for PE predation. The company uses TRAPs ("TrainingRepaymentAgreementProvision") clauses to recreate indentured servitude, forcing workers to pay thousands of dollars to quit their jobs:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/08/04/its-a-trap/#a-little-on-the-nose

Why would a Petsmart employee want to quit? Petsmart's PE owner is BC Partners, and under BC's management, workers have been forced to work impossible hours while overseeing cruel animal abuse, including starving sick animals to death rather than euthanizing them, and then being made to sneak them into dumpsters on the way home from work so Petsmart doesn't have to pay for cremation. 24 of BC Partners' backers are public pension funds, including CalSTRS and the NYC Employees' Retirement System:

https://prospect.org/culture/books/2023-06-02-days-of-plunder-morgenson-rosner-ballou-review/

PE buyouts are immediately followed by layoffs. One in five PE acquisitions goes bankrupt. Unions should not be investing in PE. But the managers of these funds defend the practice, saying they "facilitate dialog" with the PE bosses on workers' behalf.

This isn't total nonsense. Once upon a time, public pension fund managers put pressure on investees to force them to divest from Apartheid South Africa and tobacco companies. Even today, public pensions have successfully applied leverage to get fund managers to drop Russian investments after the invasion of Ukraine. And public pensions pulled out of the private prison sector, tanking the valuation of some of the largest players.

But there's no evidence that this leverage is being applied to pensions' PE billions. It's not like PE is a great deal for these pensions. PE funds don't reliably outperform the market, especially after PE bosses' sky-high fees are clawed back:

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3623820

Pension funds could match or beat their PE returns by sticking the money in a low-load Vanguard index tracker. What's more, PE is getting worse, pioneering new scams like inflating the value of companies after they buy and strip-mine them, even though there's no reason to think anyone would buy these hollow companies at the price that the PE companies assign to them for bookkeeping purposes:

https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/2bstqfcskz9o72ospzlds/opinion/why-does-private-equity-get-to-play-make-believe-with-prices

To inject a little verisimilitude into this obvious fantasy, PE companies sell their portfolio companies to themselves at inflated prices, in a patently fraudulent shell-game:

https://www.ft.com/content/646d00f4-af5d-4267-a436-54fb3bc1697b

What's more, PE funds aren't just bad bosses, they're also bad landlords. PE-backed funds have scooped up an appreciable fraction of America's housing stock, transforming good rentals into slums:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/01/27/extraordinary-popular-delusions/#wall-street-slumlords

PE is really pioneering a literal cradle-to-grave immiseration strategy. First, they gouge you on your kids' birth:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/10/27/crossing-a-line/#zero-fucks-given

Then, they slash your wages and steal from your paycheck:

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3465723

Then, they evict you from your home:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/05/vulture-capitalism/#distressed-assets

And then they murder you as part of a scam they're running on Medicare:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/08/05/any-metric-becomes-a-target/#hca

As the labor movement flexes its muscle, it needs to break this connection. Workers should not be paying for the bullet that their bosses put through their skulls.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/10/05/mr-gotcha/#no-ethical-consumption-under-capitalism

My next novel is The Lost Cause, a hopeful novel of the climate emergency. Amazon won't sell the audiobook, so I made my own and I'm pre-selling it on Kickstarter!

[hideyseek]

well, instead of doing my job i have made a roadmap of my fic for the next couple months of this year

i am slightly embarassed to be like this but actually it's proving to be immediately super helpful?? like its way easier to see when i can pick up projects that have been om the back burner, it means im forced to assign priorities to different projects, AND it means that eventually i can review this and go "huh okay wow this did not happen in the timeframe i expected, what happened?"

not sure this will stick or whether i will remember to revisit this like. ever. but OMG SUDDENLY ITS SO EASY TO HOLD ALL MY PROJECTS IN MY HEAD AT ONE TIME (mainly bc i can consign like 5 of them to the "wait what about this guy?" corner haha

[iobartach]

not sure how active i'll be for the week ahead, but i do wanna try and work on some things here and there. 👋

i've been putting the majority of things i owe in my tracker, but it's likely i won't have time to take a go at doing drafts until the week of the 18th , after change freeze has come into effect and work has... finally... slowed to a trickle until the new year 🥴

[r0semultiverse]

These organizations supporting KOSA going through while claiming they want to help marginalized kids are actually so disgusting to me. The posts they make about Nex is just virtue signaling & words when their actions say let’s make things worse for these children.

I’m gonna be 100% honest, they should keep that kid’s name out of their damn mouths so long as they support KOSA. Like actually fuck you & eat shit. Actions speak louder than words, traitorous scumbags. You don’t care, you care about your stakeholders more.

Your organization can only thrive & exist so long as there’s a problem to donate towards solving. Of course you would support KOSA, you need a problem to keep existing in order to look like the good guys & solve it. Just go mask off & call us slurs & your “customers” at this point, it would be less disgusting than covering it up behind kind words.

[atmosphericradar]

Private Equity Stakeholder Project

Private equity firms increasingly own more and more of the USA. These financial firms will buy out the owners and leadership of smaller companies and businesses, and run the acquired business to maximize profit above all else. Private equity firms have control over an increasingly large pool of businesses in nearly every sector you can think of: retail, energy, infrastructure, journalism, housing, manufacturing, healthcare, and security to name a handful.

The Private Equity Stakeholder Project is a "non-profit watchdog organization" which tracks the impacts and growth of private equity firms controlling vast swaths of outwardly-separate companies. They also work to provide resources to communities and workers (the stakeholders) affected by the leadership changes private equity firms cause.

Keep an eye on PESP's work, and help support their projects. I don't know a single person who hasn't been affected by "corporate landlords", "for-profit" hospitals, "privately-owned" prisons, local news owned by "a corporation out-of-state" , or "bought-out-and-shut-down" retailers. These are all the work of private equity firms.

[rahulp3]

What Are The Major Factors Driving Retinal Biologics Market Growth?

The Retinal Biologics Market is experiencing a surge in demand, fueled by advancements in eye disease treatments and a growing emphasis on vision health. According to a recent analysis by Future Market Insights (FMI), a leading market research firm, the market is currently valued at an impressive US$22.25 billion in 2022. Looking ahead, the market is projected to witness a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.1% over the next six years. This translates to a staggering market valuation of US$41.92 billion by 2028, highlighting the significant potential of retinal biologics in revolutionizing eye care.The remarkable expansion of the Global Retinal Biologics sector is fueled by advancements in technology, innovative research, and a growing demand for cutting-edge treatments. As the industry continues to evolve, it presents unprecedented opportunities for stakeholders, investors, and healthcare professionals alike.Key Retinal Biologics Market Insights:

Rising Prevalence of Diabetes-related Eye Disorders and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) The prevalence of diabetes-related eye disorders and age-related macular degeneration is on the rise, underscoring the growing need for innovative solutions within the Retinal Biologics Industry.Substantial Investment in R&D for Biologics in Retinal Disorders The industry is witnessing a significant influx of research and development resources, aimed at advancing biologics for both infectious and non-infectious retinal disorders. This investment underscores the commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

Emergence of Specific Biologic Molecules as Therapeutic Targets Specific biologic molecules are gaining prominence as highly promising therapeutic targets, offering new hope for patients with retinal conditions.Gene Therapy as a Solution for Monogenic Retinal Illnesses With a growing number of monogenic retinal illnesses, gene therapy is emerging as a pivotal component of the Retinal Biologics Market, presenting innovative solutions for these challenging conditions.

Request a Sample Copy of This Report Now.https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-8663

[atozofsoftwareengineering]

Budget Control in Project Management: Strategies for Success

Unlock the secrets to successful project budget control and avoid overruns with these 10 essential strategies. #ProjectManagement #BudgetControl #CostEstimation #PMStrategies

Effective project management is a multi-faceted skill that requires a delicate balance of various elements, with budget control being a crucial aspect. Project budget overruns can be detrimental to an organization’s financial health and the successful completion of a project. To mitigate the risks associated with budget overruns, project managers need to employ a variety of strategies and…

[wallplanning]

Town planning Consultants are skilled in the smart layout and growth of towns and countryside spaces. They aim to promote balanced expansion and smart use of land and resources. They work alongside local government, builders, and the community to create balanced plans. These plans cover housing, transport, impact on nature, and community facilities. With their understanding of zoning rules, environmental laws, and urban design principles, town planners are essential in creating lively, user-friendly, and habitable communities for the coming years. Explore more https://www.wallplanning.com.au/

[imrovementcompany]

Strategic Project Management

Many discussions about project management overlook the significance of the crucial early choices that shape the project execution approach. Decisions such as employing Agile or Waterfall methodologies, or choosing between prefabrication and on-site assembly, may not alter the expected project output, but they can greatly affect the delivery process and the project’s likely success. There’s no…

[cyber-soul-smartz]

21st-century Project Management: The Power of Communication Skills

Unlock the secrets to successful project management with Hafsa Reasoner's latest guide on mastering communication skills. Elevate your leadership and team collaboration. Don't miss out—subscribe now for more insights and updates!

[123worx]

Advantages of Using Cloud-Based Construction Management Software

Construction is a complex task requiring intricate planning, coordination, and execution. It can be a complex enterprise. Successful resource and schedule management, along with budget and stakeholder management are the keys to achieving the goals.  

In recent years, cloud-based construction management software has been one of the tools changing the game for construction professionals.

As a leading provider of construction management solutions, 123worx understands that using cutting-edge technologies helps deliver streamlined processes and attain efficiency. Here are the top 10 advantages of using cloud based construction project management software.

Construction companies have traditionally been considered slow to adopt new technologies. They usually stick to old systems and hands-on tasks. However, the swift growth of cloud computing and speedy digital progress pushed these construction companies to rethink their position. Construction management software is like a one-stop shop for all industry challenges. It helps construction professionals handle projects effectively, work together smoothly, and achieve top-notch results.

10 Benefits of Cloud-Based Construction Management Software

1. Real-time Collaboration and Communication: 

Cloud-based construction management software enables easy real-time collaboration from all the key players involved and from anywhere and anytime. Team members, contractors, subcontractors, and clients can access real-time project data, share updates, and communicate in real-time. This cuts out the need for constant emails, endless telephone conversations, or setting up face-to-face meet-ups, thus reducing time consumption and lessening risks due to miscommunication.

2. Centralized Data Management:

Cloud-based solutions will store all the data relevant to a project at one location, which can be accessed from anywhere and anytime through an internet connection. This includes drawings, documents, schedules, and reports. This removes the literal filing of project details. Plus, each stakeholder involved is always up-to-date. This cuts down mistakes and do-overs.

3. More Mobility and Accessibility:

As construction sites are dynamic, workers and team members often need to access key project details when they're not at their desks. With a cloud-based construction management system, they can use mobile phones, tablets, or laptops or any device with an internet connection to access valuable information. The system helps on-site staff to access information and take action swiftly, leading to smooth operations and improved work. This also provides work-hour flexibility for employees, allowing them to work from home, in the office, or on the go.

4. Better Project Visibility and Transparency:

Cloud-based solutions offer a real-time bird's eye view of the project. This means it lets stakeholders monitor progress, find possible issues, and get information based on facts. Real-time dashboards and clear reports based on cloud data assist in spotting risks early and stepping in promptly when necessary.

5. Improved Cost and Schedule Management: 

Cloud-based construction management software allows top-notch budget supervision using tools to manage the budget, calculate expenses, distribute resources, and enhance schedules.

These tools can identify possible overruns in time and costs ahead of time, ensuring projects finish according to plan.

6. Integration and interoperability:  

Cloud-based solutions often allow easy integration with other similar software platforms and tools like accounting systems, project management tools, and Building Information Modeling software. It gives a chance to evade data silos and ensures a more coherent workflow. The impact is quite adequate as it significantly cuts down manual data entry and associated mistakes.

7. Scalability and Flexibility:

The cloud-based model is scalable; thus, companies in the construction sector can quickly scale their software capabilities according to the demands of a project. This flexibility ensures that companies can easily cope with growth or fluctuations in the volume of projects without incurring more costs on hardware updates or complicated software installations.

8. Robust Security and Data Protection:

Construction management software that utilizes third-party cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Microsoft, Google, and others benefits from the extensive investments these providers have made in top-notch security. These security features include encryption, controlled access, and recurring data backups. This ensures that project data is safe from unauthorized access, cyber threats, or exposure to possible data loss. The construction company and its clients don't have to worry about these issues, thanks to these measures.

9. Automated Updates and Maintenance:

Cloud-based solutions remove the tough job of updating software and maintenance from users. Users continuously receive the latest facilities supplied by the service. There is no need for the in-house IT team to spare any time or effort, without causing any interruption to work. This ensures that users always have access to the newest features and toughest security with no hiccups to your project.

10. Reduced IT Overheads and Costs

Construction companies can cut IT expenses and costs significantly with cloud-based software. There is no need to sink money into costly hardware, licensing, or dedicated IT personnel to look after physical systems. This cost-effective approach allows companies to allocate more resources toward their core construction activities.

There are numerous reasons why cloud-based construction management software is beneficial and persuasive. These solutions boost construction professionals by allowing them to work smarter, not harder, from real-time collaboration to centralized data management, increased mobility, and robust security. The industry is changing, so with this in mind, companies need to adopt cloud technology to stay in the industry's leading spot.

At 123worx, we understand the everyday issues construction professionals go through, so we've developed a cloud-based construction management software platform to help small and medium construction businesses.

Our solutions drive efficiency, enhance collaboration, and provide project delivery throughout the project life cycle. Cloud technology-based project management gives construction companies the edge, yielding better project outcomes and providing more value to their clients.

[anvispost]

Mastering Stakeholder Complaints: A Strategic Guide to Relationship Management

Effectively manage stakeholder complaints with our comprehensive guide. Prioritize solutions, foster transparent communication, and build trust for successful stakeholder relationship management. Explore expert stakeholder management services for project analysis. Read More : https://medium.com/@anviapte413/a-brief-guide-to-dealing-with-stakeholder-complaints-47c7745fe4f2

[jamaicahomescom]

Is design innovation the price of a client-focused construction industry?

Much has been written about customer contribution to innovation however, far less has been given to the potentially hindering innovation. This paper argues that strong client leadership may have negative consequences for innovation, Introduction The view that the customer should play a key role in the innovation process is deeply embedded in management thinking (Reich et al., 1996; Dahlsten,…