As any contractor will attest, a construction project is a constant juggling act. From scheduling to cost controls, communication to technology, it takes skill (and perhaps a good dose of patience and a little humor) to maintain control over the various parts that create the overall performance. It requires mental agility and coordination. In juggling, there are a few key things to remember:

* Develop a stance and keep it steady (this requires flexibility and concentration).
* Anticipate where the ball will drop.
* Take your time—don’t rush.
* Monitor your breathing and don’t panic.
* Ask other jugglers for tips.

Simply put, these same principles hold true for project controls:

* Set a goal and look for solutions to attain it.
* Plan ahead for possible problems.
* Proper planning will help yield project success.
* Keep your cool.
* Stay up to date with industry news and developments.

This month’s set of articles will help you keep all the balls in the air. For example, Larry True helps you anticipate the fallout of soaring material costs. John Jurewicz reviews of a solution-driven software package that helps you keep your eye on the ball (and important documents). Jerry Laiserin discusses the ultimate goal for information modeling. And, Gordon Aronson reminds you to think before you act when you schedule your project. Remember, whether in juggling or in project controls, the success of the performance is only as good as the sum of its parts.