Audit means compliant with standards. In this case not PMI or Hermes, but with my standards. It is how I would set up a new project based on my 20+ years of experience with large technology projects.
If you are in the early phase of a large and complex technology project my New Project Audit will deliver great value. Project success and project failure are mostly established in the beginning of the project. Not the end.
The New Project Audit is based on my Project Review Model ™ and will address the top reasons why projects fail. It is all about improving the probability of project success.
The New Project Audit covers the twelve areas of a project pictured below.
Typical Clients
People that buy a New Project Audit are:
> C-level Executives or Board Members that want to make sure their critical business project is off to a good start.
> C-level Executives or Business Unit Leaders in the role of Project Sponsor.
> C-level Executives or Business Unit Leaders in the role of Steering Committee Member.
Typical Projects
Projects that will benefit the most from a New Project Audit are large and complex technology projects in an early stage, like Conception, Initiation, or Exploration. In later phases like Implementation or Execution you will need a Project Review instead of a New Project Audit.
Examples of typical large and complex technology projects are:
> ERP, i.e. introduction or upgrade of SAP/Oracle/etc
> HC, i.e. introduction of Workday/SAP HCM
> CRM, i.e. introduction of Salesforce/MS Dynamics
> Modern Workplace, i.e. introduction of M365/G Suite
> Replacement of core banking / core insurance system
> Custom software development, i.e. a new product or service
The investment volumes of such projects are typically 5 mUSD or more.
Precondition for doing a New Project Audit is that your project has a Sponsor, a Steering Committee, and a Project Manager.
Input & Activities
The New Project Audit consists of a number of surveys, workshops, interviews, and documentation reviews.
> Project Complexity Assessment (30 min online): the project sponsor, all Steering Committee Members, the Project Manager, and Key Team Members have to fill in my online Project Complexity Assessment.
> Project Success Definition Workshop (3 hours): the project sponsor, all Steering Committee Members, and the Project Manager will need to participate.
> Project Complexity Reduction Workshop (3 hours): the project manager, the project sponsor, and the key team members need to participate.
> Stakeholder & Impact Mapping Workshop (3 hours): the project manager, the project sponsor, and key team members need to participate.
> Delphi Planning Workshop (3 hours): the project manager and key team members need to participate.
> Risk Assessment Workshop (3 hours): the project manager and key team members need to participate.
> Individual Interviews: project sponsor (2 hours), all Steering Committee Members (1 hour each, max 8 interviews), project manager (3 hours), key team members (1 hour each, max 5 interviews) and key stakeholders (1 hour each, max 5 interviews)
> Documentation Review: Review of available project documentation, StC meeting minutes, etc.
Depending on the availability of your team all these activities can take place within a two week period.
Participation
| Sponsor | StC Member | Project Manager | Key Team Member | Key Stakeholder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Project Complexity Assessment | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| Interviews | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Project Success Definition Workshop | 3 | 3 | 3 | - | - |
| Project Complexity Reduction Workshop | 3 | - | 3 | 3 | - |
| Stakeholder & Impact Mapping Workshop | - | - | 3 | 3 | - |
| Delphi Planning Workshop | - | - | 3 | 3 | - |
| Risk Assessment Workshop | - | - | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Outcome Presentation | 2 | 2 | 2 | - | - |
| Total | 10.5 | 6.5 | 20.5 | 13.5 | 1.5 |
Client Outcome
I have done many of these audits as part of my client engagements as well as with startups I have invested in.
Clients have seen the following results:
> Clarity on current probability of project success
> Clarity on risks and assumptions
> An expert and external view on your project and your team
> Guidance on how to close gaps found in the audit for all 12 areas
> Expert advice on how to proceed (sometimes this means to stop the project)
Duration
From commencement to completion, expect this to span 2-3 weeks.
Scheduling
A New Project Audit can usually be initiated within 2-4 weeks, depending on the time of year.
Pricing
CHF/EUR/USD 30.000,-
Payment terms: half upfront, half on delivery of final report.
Note: if you are interested in this service but are still unsure if I can deliver a multiple of my price as value to your organization you can start with a Project Success Definition Workshop or a Project Complexity Reduction Workshop. Both are priced at CHF/EUR/USD 5000,- and will be discounted from your New Project Audit if you decide to go for it after such a workshop.
Delivery
A mix of online and in house. I have experience delivering this audit and my workshops completely online. But in my humble opinion workshops are always better done in house if possible.
You pay for my business class travel and accommodation.
The Next Step
Thank you for considering booking me a New Project Audit. You can take the next step by contacting me. I will get back to you right away.