Sometimes the problem with an under-performing project is inexperienced leadership. An independent Project Director will take a fresh look at the problems and issues to steer a course that someone deeply ensconced in the organization may not be able to see.

Our key objectives relate to establishing:

Business buy-in and ownership

Business case rigour

Clear scope definition and effective change control

Realistic planning and budgetting

Active management of risks and issues

Effective communications

Key Benefits - project direction

We are purely focused on the success of the project, with no hidden agenda items
Developing the skills and knowledge in the project organization will allow them to take ownership of subsequent projects.

Case Study: corporate knowledge management deployment

During a period of restructuring for Alstom, we were asked to manage a number of projects to ensure that they remained on track and that the outcomes were successful. The main one of these was the Alstom Intranet Catalogue - the tool by which the IT centre will do its business in the future. Successful implementation of this software demanded that service level agreements be established between the ITC and the businesses and also drove such issues as account management and standardisation.

Outcome

The visibility gained enabled Alstom to save Euro 3m in the identification and removal of legacy systems and non-standard offerings. The improved reporting also enabled the group HQ to have visibility of IT commitments across 14 countries.

Case Study: integration of business unit’s systems into corporate architecture

British Gas wanted to integrate the Communication arm into its Customer Relationship Management programme and systems at a time the fledgling unit was replacing its own systems. One of our team was appointed project director. The priority was to:

Understand the true objectives and constraints of the parties involved
Create options for discussion that could break the impasse

The this led to a pragmatic way forward that led to interim functionality going live within 6 months.

Outcome

Identified £7M in savings by selecting the best strategic architecture.

Customer comments on project direction service

Centrica

“Andrew worked on the most significant customer programme within the Centrica Group at that time, representing the Telecommunications Division. He worked extremely hard, acting as business champion to ensure sufficient resources and the correct technical solutions were determined. He was challenging and assertive with suppliers whilst always remaining thoroughly professional at all times. He always demonstrated a balanced approach to issues, often having to deliver innovative, yet pragmatic, solutions for integrating multiple businesses and their associated requirements.”

NHS Direct website

“Andrew is a determined and energetic project leader whose professional approach and interpersonal skills were well used in negotiating competing priorities and liaising with the many varied stakeholders required to get this business critical transformation project completed. His experience, flexibility and good humour were greatly valued during this challenging work.”