Distinguishing a well-managed project needing support from a project on the verge of failure can be difficult. Forecast spend exceeded or a milestone missed is not a clear-cut sign; even the best run projects can face these problems.
Project reviews can help minimise the risks associated with large and complex programmes. Berkeley’s consultants are all highly experienced, having spent an average of 12-15 years working on and leading sizeable projects and major programmes.
They can quickly assess whether a project will achieve its objectives or stated benefits, assess where additional effort is needed and if required, make the strong interventions that are necessary to get it back on track.
Berkeley takes a pragmatic view and focuses on key elements that will improve the chances of success going forward. Wherever possible, the approach is to build on the positive elements already in place to avoid the need for a full project turnaround.
Typical Approach
Usually, a project or programme review will take between 3 and 6 weeks to complete, depending on the scale and complexity of the initiative.
While the emphasis may differ from one review to another, the approach is holistic, looking at:
- business case and rationale;
- sponsorship and engagement;
- strategic alignment;
- management controls and governance;
- quantity and appropriateness of resources (including use of third parties);
- the project approach and plans;
- use of tools and methods;
- quality of materials and documentation;
- business and systems readiness for change.
Step 1: The first step is to complete a diagnostic analysis of the project to understand current status, strengths, weaknesses, risks and issues. This usually entails a series of one to one meetings and workshops with key stakeholders. Sometimes a diagnostic tool is used to gather information and views from a range of people associated with the project. But Berkeley’s real value-add comes from the application of its experience to provide an insightful and independent perspective on the project or programme.
Step 2: Having agreed initial findings and areas that need to be addressed, Berkeley works with the project/programme management team to review options and identify remedial actions. Where significant interventions are required Berkeley will not shy away from delivering the tough messages, but it will also work with client management to identify solutions that are appropriate to their project and organisation.
Step 3: The final step is to agree recommendations, set priorities and implement a plan of an action that will set the project or programme on course for a successful outcome.
If you are a stakeholder in a project or programme and would welcome further clarity on the status, levels of risk and interventions that will increase the likelihood of success, please contact us at review@berkeleypartnership.com.
To find out how to spot a troubled programme and the steps you can take to ensure success, read our article “Reaching boiling point?” or our Project Assurance Case Studies below.