LCMI’s Standard Project Approach
At Lifecycle Management Innovations, we take a five step approach to each project:
Step One is Data Collection. We sit down with each client to help assess the full details of the situation. We meet with the project sponsor to understand his/her goals and understanding of the project. In order to understand the full situation, we typically meet with the sponsor’s management, subordinates, customer(s), and peers.
Step Two is Situational Analysis. As consultants, we provide a neutral, “outside looking in” perspective on the situation. With the data collected for Step One, we analyze the situation to fully understand it. A result of the analysis is a list of areas for improvement and supporting documentation for each area.
Step Three is Implementation Plan. Once step two is complete, the implementation plan must be created. The creation of the implementation plan depends on the resources available. Funding is typically the main constraint for clients, but at times it is personnel or time. Other times, it might even be technical capability. We work with the project sponsor to understand what the constraints of plan are in order to develop an executable implementation plan to meet the sponsor’s goals.
Step Four is Execution. Once the plan is created and all parties agree, the plan needs to be executed. Depending on how the plan was established, we are either an active player in the plan, or strictly an advisor. Each project is unique. There is no single “right” answer. We help you assess how best to complete Step Four.
Step Five is Measure Performance. Measurement of the plan execution is important for a number of reasons. First and foremost, measuring performance of the plan execution helps you to understand how well you did, and what the likelihood is that you will be able to execute a similar plan in the future. As we have said elsewhere, Lifecycle Management Innovations’ ultimate goal is to teach each client how to perform steps one through five in future projects, on your own.