Tarun Gohel
Director, Project & Portfolio Controls (Global)
Catalent Pharma Solutions
United States
About
Tarun Gohel is a seasoned executive in project portfolio management and controls, with over 25 years of international experience leading complex projects across the oil and gas, energy, life sciences, and infrastructure sectors. Known for his expertise in engineering project controls, commercial contracts management, and risk assessment, he has a proven track record of ensuring compliance and driving successful project delivery.
Throughout his career, Tarun has conducted numerous project controls audits and implemented best practices that have significantly enhanced decision-making and improved project success rates. Passionate about fostering a strong project controls culture, he is dedicated to empowering teams and optimizing performance.
He holds multiple credentials from the Project Management Institute, along with a Master of Science in International Construction Management, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Laws in Construction Law and Arbitration. Additionally, he is a professional member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb).
To connect with Tarun, visit her LinkedIn profile.
Technical Speaker
The Art and Science of Cost Forecasting in Project Controls
In the dynamic field of Project Controls, cost forecasting stands as a critical activity that ensures projects remain financially viable and predictable. At its core, cost forecasting involves two key areas: periodical forecasting accuracy and forecast to complete. These areas drive informed decision-making, enabling project teams to proactively manage risks, optimize resources, and maintain financial discipline.
Discover how cost forecasting plays a critical role in Project Controls and how it connects with cost estimation and cost control to keep your projects financially on track. You’ll learn how to navigate the entire forecasting lifecycle—from setting up an initial budget to developing a time-phased spending profile, tracking actual expenditures, and refining the Estimate to Complete (ETC).
We’ll tackle common challenges in cost forecasting and share industry best practices to help you improve accuracy and financial predictability. More than just predicting future costs, effective forecasting minimizes variances and strengthens financial control.
Here’s what you’ll gain by attending this session:
- Understand the Fundamentals of Cost Forecasting – Learn the core principles of cost forecasting, how it differs from cost estimation and control, and the role of Earned Value Management in accurate projections.
- Master the Forecasting Process and Techniques – Explore how to develop a time-phased spending profile, refine periodical forecasts, and enhance Estimate to Complete (ETC) calculations.
- Analyze & Interpret Cost Data Effectively – Learn how to track actual spending against forecasts, identify cost trends, and pinpoint root causes of deviations.
- Minimize Variances & Strengthen Forecasting Accuracy – Explore best practices for integrating historical data, benchmarks, and industry trends into your forecasting models.
- Develop a Forecasting Mindset for Project Success – Learn how continuous forecasting, stakeholder collaboration, and proactive adjustments can drive financial discipline and project success.
Through this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of how effective cost forecasting supports overall project success, enabling proactive decision-making that aligns with business objectives and project constraints.
Presentation Category: Planning / Scheduling
Competency Level: Intermediate