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How to ensure project success and programme delivery



Successful programme delivery and project management are vital to achieve an organisation’s strategic goals, manage resources effectively and open opportunities for collaboration. However, unlocking the benefits of programme and project management requires a clear vision and a well-thought-out plan. Studies show that organisations lose 11.4% of their investment in projects due to poor performance, and that well-managed projects are more likely to succeed than those that are poorly managed. So how do you ensure that your organisation’s programme delivery is optimised?


Ensuring the successful delivery of a programme relies on various elements. As directors or senior leaders who oversee project and programme managers, you must consider how PMO, programme managers and senior leaders contribute to project success and the importance of assurance management.


Role of senior leaders and programme managers in project success


Role of senior leaders

Strong leadership with clear accountability is a key factor in organisational success and fruitful project delivery. And so, if you’re a senior leader or director, it’s crucial for you to set the overall strategic vision of a programme. As part of an organisation’s top management, senior leaders act as “programme sponsors” and are committed to enabling the programme’s success and delivering value. They’re responsible for, among other things:


  • Allocating sufficient and appropriate resources and support for the team,

  • Aligning the programme and project(s) with wider organisational goals, and

  • Providing oversight and guidance.


Their direction and decision-making are necessary to resolve complex issues and ensure that the deliverables of a programme meet the needs of the organisation.


Role of programme and portfolio managers

Programme managers and portfolio managers are responsible for overseeing a portfolio of projects to deliver a set of strategic objectives. They’re responsible for coordinating time, budget and resources, directing project managers, and managing interdependencies between different projects. A programme manager’s aim is to deliver long-term value and benefit for the organisation.


Senior leaders and programme managers are also essential in managing risks, communicating the vision in line with the overall strategy, and crucially, to obtain and sustain buy-in for the programme throughout its lifecycle as programme needs may change and develop over time. They are also key in keeping the project on track and play a significant role in assurance management.


And what about PMO? Organisations benefit from programme or project management office (PMO) functions which are an important part of a programme’s infrastructure. PMOs improve programme maturity within the organisation and can be responsible for significant supporting activities such as providing training or mentoring, developing programme management methodologies, defining procedures and policies, supporting programme communication and analysing the performance of a programme or project.


Importance of assurance


At its core, assurance is the process of providing confidence to stakeholders that a project or programme is progressing as planned to meet its objectives. Integrating an assurance management framework into programme delivery can improve success rates. Assurance management often includes identifying and managing risks, measuring progress against baseline requirements, and conducting regular reviews of the methodologies.


In addition to risk management, assurance management is also about creating opportunities for the project and being proactive in educating the project teams on metrics, expectations, and any complexities.  It’s important to be transparent and to tailor assurance management to each project to realise its full benefits. Another key element of assurance management is perception management. Each stakeholder will have their own perception on the project which could lead to unrealistic expectations and conflicts if there is a lack of communication.


Essential tips for directors, programme managers and senior leaders


Clear goals and objectives

Ensure that every programme supports broader organisational goals and that each project outcome leads directly to a strategic objective. It’s essential for stakeholders to be aligned to the aims and timelines of each project, and senior leaders and managers can work with teams to review and update these goals regularly to reflect changes.


Communication

The importance of timely, relevant and adequate communication cannot be understated. Leveraging a variety of communication tools can make sure that all relevant parties are on the same page. This can include using dashboards, project management platforms and repositories for organising programme/project material. Updating team members via emails, sharing weekly reports and holding regular meetings are also important ways to ensure everyone is in the loop.


Adaptation to change

It’s inevitable that unexpected obstacles arise during the lifecycle of a project. The way you deal with these obstacles can make the difference between a project failing or succeeding. Senior leaders can ensure that they promote a culture that embraces change and provide programme and project managers with the autonomy to respond to shifting priorities rapidly. Additionally, senior leaders can ensure that programme managers have the resources available to manage hurdles.


Conclusion


To achieve project success, organisations need a strategic approach with strong leaders, excellent communication and proactive risk management. Integrating assurance management adds another layer of oversight into programme delivery that significantly increase the rates of success for your projects.


Now’s the time to reflect on your current practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement these strategies to strengthen your approach to project and programme delivery.


Want some expert advice on how your projects or programmes are performing? Contact us today at info@firewoodltd.com.

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