What is Objectives Driven?

Objectives Driven is a new way of thinking about the delivery of IT projects and systems, that prioritizes, and maintains the focus on, objectives before during and after the implementation project.

This focus helps drive improved outcomes (soft benefits & financial outcomes) that are better aligned to objectives.

Objectives Driven:

  • Clear and thorough preparation for projects
  • Closes the loop around objectives, deliverables and outcomes.

There has been considerable focus on delivery methodologies (agile vs waterfall) and management approaches (PMBok Vs Prince2), but less focus on achieving business/organisation objectives.

IT & Systems projects are complex, they take time and usually require (external) specialists. More often than not these factors lead to a disconnect between the intent and enthusiasm of project initiation, and the delivery people/process; this results in project outcomes shortfalls.

Shortfalls are the norm rather than the exception (>65%), and project teams are often seen as the cause of the issue.

However, many studies have shown that the majority of the causes of failure (Critical Success Factors / CSFs) are associated with poor preparation and lack of clarity of objectives.

The Objectives Driven approach brings the focus back on to preparation, objectives setting and creating a platform for success.

Stats on project shortfalls. Critical Success Factors / CSFs for midsized projects.

Why run Objectives Driven projects?

IT & System project failure rates are high (~75%) and not reducing.

Studies indicate that ~70% Critical Success Factors (CSFs) are linked to:

  • Poor preparation & definition
  • Unclear objectives & lack of strategic alignment
  • Disengaged sponsors and team

In our experience all but the most turn-key projects lose their way as time passes. Clients and suppliers alike have their focus diluted, and need re-orientation.

Five Phases

  1. Set Objectives: Clearly capture your desired outcomes in a structured / detailed format
  2. Scope & Specify: Specify requirements at a detailed level and capture the relationship between each requirement/deliverable and the objectives
  3. Track & Test: Track progress of individual deliverables and their contribution to objectives. Guided User Acceptance Testing as a foundation for system adoption.
  4. Adopt: Objectives focused & structured approach to system adoption by users & teams. Tracking and verification of adoption levels, and any shortfalls.
  5. Maximize: Structured maximization process for getting the most out of new systems. Approach uses objectives as targets / goals for the system and teams.

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