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Setting your project up for success must be placed in context

  • Writer: Navaz Chichger
    Navaz Chichger
  • Aug 16, 2024
  • 3 min read
How can your project management approach respond to your specific project needs
 

No matter what the aim of your project, be it high street regeneration, developing new community facilities, upgrading local transport links or restoring a local theatre, project delivery is a demanding task.  Success requires the effective handling of a multitude of issues such as stakeholder and community engagement, land access and acquisition, compliance with planning and regulations and the management of construction delivery – which will inevitably vary from project to project.  An appropriate management approach, supported by an effective delivery capability, is key to bringing all the elements together and driving progress throughout the lifetime of the project.


Project management is a weighty topic and there are  a myriad of project delivery models, methodologies, standards and technical guidance that can be accessed and applied. In considering which approach is best for you, here are three things to consider which will help to ensure your project setup and delivery are placed in context. 


Each project is unique, so tailor your approach to suit

Each project’s characteristics and the context in which each local authority operates are different. While project management arrangements and processes can vary greatly in practice, whichever model is applied, it will be more effective when the methods used are tailored to the project context and the work at hand. Key steps to tailor your approach can look like:


  • Taking the time to consider your management approach at the business case stage;

  • Establishing a clear picture of the environment in which the project will be delivered;

  • Thinking through practical arrangements for implementation in that context; and,

  • Setting out a clear rationale explaining why your project management approach supports successful delivery.


Be clear on your role and involvement in project delivery

Typically, as a local authority, you may have a number of important project roles and accountabilities to perform. For example, you may be the relevant asset owner, the planning authority, acting as a developer, or likely the contracting authority for project delivery partners, and so on. The role you play, the accountabilities that brings, and by extension, the degree of control that you wish to exercise are important factors to consider in determining your approach to the management and delivery of your project.


Moreover, the role you play should also inform the provision and management of the resources required for project delivery. In setting up your project, take the time to be clear on roles and responsibilities at an organizational level, and ensure your project has the right resources in place from the outset.


Integrate the project with wider organization structures

The scale and complexity of the project being undertaken can often require setting up temporary structures and ways of working to meet the specific needs of the task. However, this doesn’t mean that project delivery should be standalone. Regardless of your chosen delivery model, it is especially important that your project governance arrangements and management controls are clearly defined and embedded within wider local authority governance. Where possible, adopt standard processes and methods, and aim to keep project governance structures simple and under regular review.


You know your own organization and local governance requirements better than anyone else. Therefore, you are best placed to ensure that project decision-making processes are integrated, with clear ownership and lines of reporting for project performance.


In summary

Project delivery is a demanding task and success requires effective project management to handle the issues and bring everything together. Whichever model approach you choose, it is important that project setup and delivery are placed in context. Each project is unique, so tailor your approach to suit, be clear on your role and involvement in project delivery, and last but not least, ensure project governance arrangements are mapped and embedded within wider organization structures.

 

Navaz is a Chartered Project Manager at Arup with extensive advisory and project delivery experience at both project and major programme level. Navaz is skilled at planning and managing projects and programmes for client organisations.


If you have any questions on this topic, or would like support, please contact your Delivery Associate, or email DeliveryAssociatesNetwork@Arup.com
 

Links to useful information:


 


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