Quay Bulletin | April 2013


Welcome to the April edition of the Quay Bulletin.

This month we are looking at some of the architectural red flags that can be thrown up when fast tracking new technology via pilot programs and the risks of a “just enough” approach to architecture.

Transformation programmes are generally deployed over time and in our second article this month we explore the need for transformation executives to be aware of the changing nature of projects, the appropriateness of governance structures and to adapt accordingly so that they remain fit-for-purpose.

Finally we’re looking at how to unlock the potential and reinforce the value of assurance to your project teams.  While some may see it as an exercise in ticking the boxes, the true value of assurance is often underestimated. Continue reading

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Pilot v Production – Architecture red flags?


Image of arrow and roadPilot deployment is often a fast-tracked way of getting new technology introduced into an organisation, usually within a particular department or business unit. The intent is to leverage the success of the pilot to deploy into a full-scale implementation. Continue reading

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Ensuring On-Going success for Transformation Programs


Image of planning projectsA key characteristic of transformation programs that sets them apart from most other large scale projects is that they tend to run for years rather than months, requiring a sustained effort and focus over a long period of time. Continue reading

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Unlocking the Value of Assurance


art-2-blogEffective assurance identifies potential issues and corrective action, opportunities for improvement and important lessons. Done properly, assurance is one of the most positive actions you can take to ensure the success of your projects and the achievement of their benefits. Continue reading

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Quay Bulletin | March 2013


Welcome to the March edition of Quay’s monthly bulletin.

This month we’re looking at the issue of subject matter expertise and how it can often tilt a hiring decision away from choosing the right skills for a project. We explore how blurring the lines between SMEs and project role definition can introduce risk into project delivery, in particular the role of Business Analysts in projects and the sway of specific technical expertise in choosing a project manager.

We’re also looking at the art of planning and the science of scheduling – how are they different and how can they work together?

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Do project BAs need to be a subject matter expert too?


There is an on-going industry debate and confusion within the project management profession about the true role definition of Business Analysts (BAs) and that of Subject Matter Experts (SME).

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When art meets science: planning and scheduling


While planning may be viewed as an art and scheduling as a science, it’s the way art and science meet that enables a high level of certainty in project delivery. And though planning and scheduling have many similarities, they are distinctly different functions in project management. Continue reading

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Buyer beware: Technical SME project managers


Project managers are often drafted into projects based on their relevant technical background. The intent is to mitigate risk of a knowledge gap and to ensure that subject matter expertise is readily available in the project. Continue reading

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Quay Bulletin | February 2013


Welcome to the February edition of our monthly bulletin.

In this month’s issue, we’re exploring how the factory approach to structuring project teams can inhibit successful delivery, while structuring multi-discipline teams for a more effective, collaborative approach can exploit the right expertise when and where it’s needed in your business projects. We’re also looking at cloud vs traditional infrastructure projects – where can the knowledge gaps appear for project managers? Continue reading

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All Together Now – Structuring Program Teams For Success


structuring teams for successIn the 21st Century “it is not really important what individuals know on their own, but rather what they can do with others in a collaborative way to effectively add value to the enterprise” . [1]

When you think about how work gets done nowadays it is usually in the context of multidisciplinary project teams rather than business as usual operations. Continue reading

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