Manson 101
This program is all about engaging new noncraft employees early and often in their first weeks of employment. We all know that starting in a new position is challenging: trying to master new processes, meet new people, and jumpstart productivity. It’s a tall order, but Manson 101 alleviates some of the stress by giving basic instructions for Microsoft Teams, Manson Hub including eTime, Manson culture and heritage, and how to navigate SharePoint, among many other topics. You can find more details about Manson 101 in the Spring 2024 issue of Navigator.
Project Management & Operations
The PMO program constitutes nine courses that impart the basics of Manson project management for early-career engineering and administration staff. The PMO continues to evolve toward more effective instructional activities. Several modules offered this fall and the first quarter of 2025 utilize new formats for better learning. Module 8 – Project Planning is breaking new ground by moving the basic concepts to a short new eLearning module. This will be a pre-requisite to attending the virtual class, where those concepts will be practiced for better skill development. Module 4 – Project Scheduling is a completely redesigned program and will leverage that same hybrid instructional model. Module 11 – Small Business Practices rolled out three different courses in 2024: a basics 100-level for all project staff, and two 200-level courses on Small Business Subcontracting for estimators and project teams. Finally, Module 2 – Change, Delays, Disruptions, and Time Extensions is also newly redesigned and will be available in January 2025.
MOLLy — The Manson Online Learning Library
You may recall hearing about our Talent Learning Management System. It’s still a workhorse for us, but we gave it a better name! Now called the Manson Online Learning Library (MOLLy), it contains more eLearning programs than ever. We are now subscribed to OpenSesame, the Amazon Marketplace of eLearning courses, which offers more than 22,000 courses on topics such as business skills, software skills, safety, team management, leadership, and more. Manson supervisors can request courses for the professional development of their teams by sending an email to the Manson Learning Network.
Compass — Leading the Way at Manson Construction
In November, MLN launched its pilot course for the Compass leadership program. The initial cohort includes 24 participants from across the company, including operations and departmental staff. Compass is a hybrid program: it blends short eLearning modules with online forums to explore leadership topics. A main feature of the program is its virtual sessions, where participants can interact with leaders from around the company. The first level of Compass is called Leadership Foundations and aims at assisting early-career employees to develop personal leadership styles and skills. Leadership Foundations is made up of four blocks, each spread over 2-3 months, so the whole course covers most of a year. The design is nearly complete for a second level called Teaming – Taking Care of People, to develop leadership skills for people who currently or will soon lead teams.
Barge Loading and Stability Basics
Have you ever wondered why the metacenter is such an important concept at Manson? The MLN has been working with the Equipment department to bring that answer to you. Coming in early 2025, we are excited to deliver the first course under the Construction and Dredging Technical Education (CDTE) Program Area called Barge Loading and Stability Basics. This course explains metacenter and numerous other concepts and shows how to apply them to create a safe barge loading plan. Additional CDTE courses are planned for 2025.
Learning Pathways
Finally, in 2025, Manson will begin to see the development of learning pathways, which are sequential training requirements assigned to job families or job titles. The Engineering Department will begin associating learning pathways with the new structure for engineering positions. The purpose of a learning pathway is to specify learning experiences necessary for the development of knowledge and skills critical to a position. Pathways may include course work, job experiences, milestones, assessments, and/or certifications, depending on the position. While it will take some time to get pathways established for all positions, we will continue to develop and offer courses à la carte to all of Manson.
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