Depending on whom you talk to, the change order process is either an orderly system for the fair distribution of risk, a subversive strategy for contract inflation, or the opening gambit in a three-dimensional chess game of litigation in which the whole project team can play. One of the keys to keeping the change order process a positive force is to clearly perceive and document what happens, and that is at the heart of a lot of project management technologies on the market today.

We will talk with two experts from the global claims consultant and construction project management firm Hill International, about the principles they stand by for change documentation and the technologies they apply to facilitate it.

Maha R. Harrison, PMP, LEED AP, has more than 15 years of engineering experience, including project management, design, process controls and engineering of petroleum refineries, gas stations, infrastructure, building systems, office buildings, retail banks and historical renovation. In her current role for a leading, global project and construction management consulting firm, Maha provides a vital link between the company’s information technology initiatives and construction consulting services. Maha coordinates Hill’s project management system launches and upgrades, facilitating communication in the field, initiating and troubleshooting project management software, identifying project management system deficiencies and implementing solutions.

Rocco Vespe, PE, FCMAA , is a Vice President in Hill International's Claims and Consulting Group. Rocco has over forty years of experience in the construction industry. He started his career as a contractor and transitioned into construction consulting in 1989. Rocco is an expert in claims and disputes, project management, construction management, delays and delay analysis, damages, and evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of the parties on a construction project including construction managers. He was recently inducted as one of 49 Fellows of the Construction Management Association of America, recognizing his knowledge, experience, and professionalism. Rocco is a registered professional engineer in 7 states and regularly provides expert testimony at litigation, arbitration and mediation. Rocco also presents seminars and webinars on construction topics and has coauthored a book on construction estimating.

Procore Technologies, Inc. provides cloud-based construction software to clients across the globe. Using its award-winning suite of project management tools, thousands of Procore users manage all types of construction projects including industrial plants, office buildings & more. www.procore.com