CPM Execution:Running a program to get results

What is it?

Our CPM Execution solution provides management services for our clients’ critical programs and investments.  We approach Program Management as a risk management discipline with a focus on the people, process and technologies involved.  Understanding and managing the complex interaction of these three factors is critical to the success of any IT initiative and the mitigation of associated risks.  Our approach relies heavily upon working as a true partner with our client to ensure that we are consistently meeting our contractual objectives while providing comprehensive performance management transparency.  Our methodology for oversight integrates Project Management best practices and incorporates these principles:

• Oversight and review of all processes and metrics (Change Management, Performance Management, and Financial Oversight among others) and repeatable, consistent evaluation to ensure program success
• Validation of program progress using generally accepted program management and quality management metrics (EVM, etc.)
• Verification and assessment of documentation and deliverables prepared for each contractual and/or SDLC phase gate requirement
• Verification of delivery capability to meet future requirements for program service delivery
• Application of industry best practices and standards to meet the unique needs of the program
• Support for any PMO-based risk management efforts through assessment, monitoring, reporting and providing recommendations based upon the Program Management Institute (PMI) guidelines, an internationally recognized authority on Program Management and their Program Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)

Why do you do it?

Often, program managers and governing bodies fail to recognize critical problems emerging in complex programs until the window for timely and cost effective remediation has passed.  The downstream effects of the outcropping of problems encountered but not addressed along the way are generally underestimated, resulting in unintended (and generally serious) consequences and perhaps even program failure.  Independent IT research firms have documented many cases of project and program failure, where “leading” indicators were present but unrecognized, or only addressed as minor (symptom) problems rather than holistically (root cause) for their potential compounding effect.  The compounding effects can build from an early issue, such as expanding requirements (scope creep) and evolve into unfunded requirements and missed milestones, which may lead to a suspension of program funding resulting ultimately in program termination.  The same results can occur if the program has a poor or ineffective approach towards oversight.

What do you get?

Octo has managed several programs that vary in scope and mission.   The expected outcome is an effective program office that is able to successfully execute its mission.  The outputs largely depend on the scope and mission of the program.  Examples of representative products are listed below.

• Program Dashboard
• Project Management Plan
• Risk Management Plan
• Communications Plan
• Quality Assurance Plan
• Conflict Resolution Plan