Project Delivery Process D230

D230 - Focus on delivery of Benefits

DEFINITION

Focus on the intended benefits of the project and monitor that those benefits are being realised.

SUMMARY

Throughout the delivery work, techniques are used to monitor that the desired business benefits will be delivered and to keep the team’s focus on delivering these benefits.  In this process, those techniques are first agreed and then applied throughout the life of the project.

PATH PLANNING GUIDANCE

Optional

DEPENDENCIES

Prerequisites (Finish-Start):

• definition of the intended scope, terms of reference and objectives for the project, as described in the Project Constitution (L010)

Prerequisites (Finish-Finish):

• definition of business needs and anticipated benefits (L020)

Dependent procedures (Finish-Start):

• none - process continues throughout project and, optionally, beyond

RECEIVABLES

• Delivery Approach Definition (DAD) or similar definition of high-level design
• Project Constitution (PCON) or similar definition of scope
• Definition of business needs and anticipated benefits (BNAB)

DELIVERABLES

• Successful project
• Revised / monitored Cost/Benefit analysis and/or Benefit Model

TOOLS

• Benefits Realisation” Guide
• Target solution’s consulting guides, such as provided by Software Supplier

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TASKS

Various techniques may be used to ensure that the progress of the project is constantly compared with the intended delivery of business benefits.   All decisions taken throughout the project may also be made upon the basis of delivering the best overall business benefits.

The approach to monitoring the achievement of business benefit may have been defined in Process L010 - Review / Confirm Business Needs and Anticipated Benefits.   A Benefit Model may have been established giving a balanced view of the various forms of benefit that are desired.  Alternatively, appropriate techniques should be defined and agreed with the project’s sponsor as part of this process.  See Process L020 and the Benefit Realisation Core Guide for further guidance.

The Project Manager and executive (eg Steering Committee, Project Director) will review the project’s status to ensure that it is on course and that decisions have been taken in the best interests of the client organisation.  These reviews will be performed on a continuous basis and reviewed in formal project review meetings.  They may be based around the Benefit Model.

The focus on delivering the benefits will be conveyed as a key message to all participants in the project.  Performance measures or other forms of publicity may be used to encourage all personnel to work towards the success of the project in terms of genuine business benefits.

Any proposed changes or deviations from plan should be assessed (inter alia) to see whether they increase the overall business benefit delivered by the project.  Particular attention should be paid to any events or decisions which impact upon the analysis of costs and benefits.  The Cost/Benefit Analysis should be updated as required.