Project Management

Project Management

Organisations are migrating more business functions from a business-as-usual environment to project based initiatives. This has resulted in an increased demand for project management services. Unfortunately, we find that many projects are still over budget and take longer than expected. One of the main problems start at the beginning of projects through lack of proper planning. Our project management services range from assisting organisations to define and implement the appropriate project management structures, systems and practices to better manage individual projects or manage programs of work. We also provide provide experienced project managers to assist clients with the management of projects.
There are various frameworks and methodologies available within project management, and we have found that a combination of the Project Management Body of Knowledge and PRINCE2 provides a rigorous framework and process for project execution. Our project management support includes:
  • performance of diagnostics to assist with identification of issues and opportunities, as well as benchmarking with other organisations;
  • methodology development, including assistance with the implementation of appropriate project management environments (organisational structure, people, policy and processes, and performance management);
  • development of project management manuals, training material and delivery of project management training;
  • provision of project managers i.e. provide appropriate resources to deliver project management services that conform to accepted industry project management guidelines; and
  • conduct of post implementation reviews to assess the success of a project or program.
Lynnwood can help to minimise the project management risk by assisting either in the establishment of project management systems, or managing projects on your behalf.

Case Studies

Contract Mining Operations Establishment Plan

Project Management Methodology

A South African based contract mining company required the development of an operational start-up guide, essentially how to establish and operate a mining contract through its life cycle.
A generic project schedule was developed capturing the activities associated with the contract life cycle phases:
  • Establishing a contract, which covered the stages of contract formation, detail planning for the establishing and operating phase, and sourcing of sufficient funding;
  • Operating a contract, which covered the stages of site preparation, site establishment and then site operation. In terms of life cycle the site operation phase typically covers 70-80% of the life of a contract; and
  • Terminating a contract, which covered the transition from the site operation stage to contract closure. The approach to contract closure is typically defined during the initial contract formation stage.
The aim of the guide was to ensure that the complete project and all phases were documented. To supplement the detail captured on the individual contract phases key learnings were collected from operational staff instrumental in delivery of the first project, which included detail on:
  • Specification of equipment;
  • Ordering of equipment;
  • Delivery of equipment;
  • Financial control of deliveries;
  • Record keeping of all the equipment deliveries;
  • Transportation of equipment;
  • Installation and assembly of equipment;
  • Assistance from the client; and
  • Commissioning of equipment.
The guide also captured lessons learned to assist with improved pricing of future contracts.
A state infrastructure provider required assistance with the development of a common project management methodology.
The organisation’s programme and project management practices were reviewed using input from project stakeholders including project managers. Key areas addressed in the development of the project management methodology was the inclusion of a programme governance framework, the assignment of priority for projects, their integration into the overall works programme, and the management and approval procedures required at initiation and project stage boundaries.
The final deliverable was a documented project management methodology that included a complete set of project documentation templates as well as an improved project tracking and reporting system to better manage the overall works programme.

Regulatory Reporting Project

A NSW based utility provider initiated a project to enable the company to meet the Australian Energy Regulators reporting compliance requirements. At the same time it required the improvement of the internal fixed asset management processes i.e.:
  • streamlining the use of asset types and project types;
  • ensuring that system assets are classified under AER classifications;
  • improving the integrity of data that captured in the Fixed Asset Register; and
  • streamlining the accounting processes to reconcile assets and generate regulatory reporting.
The company required on-site project management support to coordinate both internal resources and external service providers ensuring that the objectives were achieved in a timely manner. The project was delivered in two phases, with a key Go/No-Go executive decision point at the end of the first phase:
Phase 1 - Requirements Phase
  • Conduct detailed business impact studies
  • Conduct a detailed analysis of business, resource, systems and technical requirements to deliver against the project’s objectives
Executive Checkpoint
  • Provide decision on proceeding to Implementation Phase
Phase 2 - Implementation Phase
  • Implement the solution as well as a complete knowledge transfer, including appropriate documentation
  • Provide a plan for further activities required
Lynnwood provided on-site project management support and assisted the client to complete the project on time and within budget managing both internal resources and external service providers.