Posts Tagged ‘strategy implementation’
Transformation creates value. Are you transforming or tinkering?
Transformation creates value while tinkering just keeps us busy. Transformation is driven by a strategic focus on being in a different place in the future. Strategic transformation redefines an organisation’s operations, identity and direction. That can mean entering new markets, shifting from products to services, digitalisation at scale, switching from physical stores to online etc.…
Read MoreProject success vs organisational success
Projects implement strategic change. If a project meets its goals (succeeds) then the organisation meets its goals (succeeds). Right? Well maybe. Let’s take a closer look at success, value, strategic goals and what they mean for projects and organisations. What does success look like? Are project managers responsible for project delivery or for strategic goals…
Read MoreThe Value for Money (VfM) gap
What is the Value for Money gap? The value for money gap is a lack of confidence that money is being spent on the right things and in the best way to get desired outcomes. It arises when spending choices do not reflect perceived priorities and when spending is seen as wasteful. It is subjective…
Read MoreWhat is a feasibility study?
A feasibility study is an early examination of the merits of an idea, proposal or project. It looks at whether or not it can be done, its likelihood of success and, perhaps most importantly, identifies the factors that could lead to success or failure. It gives an independent assessment that examines all aspects of a…
Read MoreBack office key to delivering strategy
The back office is key to delivering strategy. Operational excellence is a deliberate state created by people, processes and systems aligned to create value. It doesn’t happen by accident. We know that making back office functions work better is more effective than wholesale cuts. Optimising back office operations is strategically important. In fact, a well-designed…
Read MoreERP return on investment (ROI)
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems promise benefits but it takes time and effort to achieve the promised results. You need a recipe for success. An ERP system return on investment (ROI) is not guaranteed. In 2012, Auckland city forecast a NZ$10 million per year return on its SAP ERP system investment of NZ$71million. By 2014…
Read MoreCollaboration drives strategic success
Some ideas bear repeating to get the message across. Collaboration is one of them. If we reflect on research, our own observations and the experience of successful people and organisations it is clear that collaboration is key to success. Patrick Lencioni said “Teamwork begins by building trust. And the only way to do that is…
Read MoreEnsuring value for money when hiring consultants
Consultants are an obvious target for cost savings. Why are you paying these people all this money? Fair question. Sometimes you shouldn’t. On the other hand, consultants are called in at short notice to do complex tasks in short timeframes and are expected to meet high standards. They do jobs that are only required occasionally,…
Read MoreDon’t start a project you can’t finish
Many projects go over budget and take longer than expected. Some just fail or need to be rescued. The Corinth Canal was a fascinating project. Read the story below and consider the lessons at the end. The strategy and strategic abandonment Periander, ruler of Corinth In the 7th century B.C., was losing many ships in…
Read MoreWhy a Data Strategy is good business
All organisations need a strategy to achieve and maintain a sustainable competitive advantage. Data collection, analysis, and derivation of insights is critical to creating value, and thus critical to strategy. There are many excellent publications and models on data strategy. Some of the best include: For most executives, data governance will not be a core…
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