SOLUTION What kind of plan do we need? How will we know if the work is on track to be done? How quickly can we get this done? How long will this work take to do? Do we really need an executive stakeholder?

Maximize your time – Have a Plan Methodology Leader’s Intent Gates Leader’s Questions

Methodology A framework and a path to follow for a project. Many type exist, this is an example of ‘one’. The use of common sense and the application of a methodology to a project is a must. Some items will be used and some may not Components Opportunity Evaluation – Gate 0 Define it Estimate initial costs & potential ROI Write it out – one page Scope – Gate 1 Define customer Define business need Do business case Context & Boundaries Critical Success Factors Roles & Responsibilities Analysis – Gate 2 Impact People Economic Risk Alternatives Design – Gate 3 Model it Integration strategy Construction & Testing – Gate 4 Build it Test plan Operational support plan Use & Training Manuals Stress Tests Destructive Tests Implementation – Gate 5 Fallback plan Post Project Evaluation Customer Satisfaction Run and Maintain – Gate 6 Assess project value Evaluate ROI

Leader’s Intent A checklist will help insure that all of the proper people are prepared to start the work. Process: Write a draft - alone. Review the draft with key people and modify the draft Finalize the plan Communicate the plan Components What is to be done, the “Goal” Why it is to be done What it should look like when done Components Situation Current problem, activity surrounding it Next higher business unit plan of action, peer business unit response or planned inaction. Mission – The Goal Execution Concept Specific roles & responsibilities Coordination instructions Administration & Logistics What paperwork is needed and who will do it What supplies or equipment is needed, how will they be obtained. Leadership & Communications By name, who is in each role Identify backups Identify how units will exchange information Times to report Format Frequency

Gates Helps to insure that a project will be on time, on budget and deliver what is expected. Tests the health of the project at the end of each phase, before it moves on to the next phase. To pass through the Gate, the project must be ‘certified’ or approved to pass through the Gate. This is a check and balance opportunity. This is a formal and auditable process. It is documented. Components Documentation Complete plan for next phase. Estimated plan for project remainder. Risk of next phase assessed, documented and remediated. Standard processes being followed. Executive Sponsor agreement Gate Review Team Best technical or business people possible. Executive Sponsor Project Manager Review Process Facilitated Meeting Material distributed prior to the meeting. ‘No holds barred’ discussion. Conducted professionally. Be careful, people will be emotionally sensitive to having their work reviewed.

Project Review Questions To quickly and effectively review the health and status of a project in under 30 minutes. The project manager prepares answers to the questions in advance of the meeting. The project manager submits the questions and answers to the reviewer prior to the meeting. If issues arise or more detail is needed, schedule another meeting for that purpose. Components Progress since project was last reviewed? How does progress compare to Plan? Time, milestones, $’s, deliverables Are there any changes in scope or plan? Have they been reviewed or approved? What are the project’s critical risks? What is your strategy to manage them? What assistance from management do you need? Will this project complete on time? Yes or No