Project Management is a core skill at Waterstons and underpins the delivery of most of our services. As a consequence we have built up unrivalled skills in the delivery of projects of all types and scales to time and to cost.
Our Project Management experience includes the execution of a complete range of IT Software and Hardware initiatives designed to satisfy our clients' declared IT strategy, comprehensive office moves and much more. Projects that Waterstons have undertaken vary in value from tens of thousands to millions of pounds. All projects are subject to comprehensive planning and are fully documented throughout their life cycle.
Many organisations undertake projects with the intent of adding value to the business, so why do a large number of projects fail?
Some common causes include:
- The skills, experience and methodology for implementing projects is not available in the organisation - this fact is normally overlooked.
- Project risks have not been identified early enough thus there are no mitigation or contingency plans.
- A clear scope is not defined and business benefits are not identified, leaving a moving project with no end target.
- Setting of unrealistic timescales.
- The project is not planned, milestones have not been set and resource requirements (external and internal) not identified.
- Lack of sponsorship and commitment from management.
- Ineffective management of expectations due to poor communication.
- Inadequate testing to ensure the project meets it requirements and business objectives.
- Ineffective management of changes leading to scope creep, delays and an increase in cost.
Once confidence in the project is lost by senior management and the user community it becomes extremely difficult to develop trust again. The project is normally abandoned or implemented badly, none of the project benefits have been realised and the outcome of the project is causing further problems.
So, how can Waterstons help?
- Waterstons know a project is a big investment and therefore imperative to get it right first time.
- We have the skills, people and the experience to deliver your projects to an agreed scope, timescale and cost.
- Waterstons can clarify the business objective and project requirements to ensure the benefits and business case are clear and all risks to the project are identified and continually assessed.
- Waterstons utilise PRINCE2 as the methodology for project management.
- 12 year history of delivering successful projects.
- We know all the issues with implementing projects therefore we can make a bad experience into a good experience.
- Provide constant and effective communication to people across the business and other 3rd parties. Senior executives do not want to hear that a project is 3 months late, 2 days before it goes live.
- Provide a practical approach to project management and delivery – putting theory into practice.
Nadine Crich; Executive Consultant and Project Management specialist.
To take advantage of Waterstons Project Management skills call 0191 3845891 or e-mail consultancy@waterstons.co.uk