Issue - Products not delivered on-time, generating employee stress and customer dissatisfaction
- Lack of a well-defined product development process
- Too many projects in the pipeline; resources were spread too thin
- Projects continually reprioritized leading to inefficient resource utilization
- Lack of visibility to project status
- Missing key resources to drive product development
- Lack of strategic direction
- Poor hand-offs between departments
| Solution - Designed a portfolio management system that determined the right projects and optimal number of projects based on available resources
- Developed a robust lean product development process with integrated lean/agile techniques
- Implemented cross-functional teams with defined roles and responsibilities
- Standardized project management processes and improved project visibility across the organization
- Coached the product management team on developing product strategies and roadmaps
- Trained both senior management and project team members
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Why it Worked - Strong senior management buy-in and participation
- Built organizational understanding that too many active projects and multitasking slow project completion
- Placed projects on hold until resources became available
- Effective project planning and maintenance was facilitated by cross-functional teams
- Strategic direction was provided through the development of product strategies and roadmaps
- Daily stand-up meetings conducted by cross-functional teams using virtual project boards kept project work front and center
- Adapted implementation timing based on the organization’s ability to change
| Outcome - Within a 9 month period, eleven projects were completed on-time (some early); client was overjoyed
- Client secured a significant contract from a major customer due to improved on-time delivery
- Improved communication using a common language and coordination across all departments
- Senior management is able to evaluate and prioritize the most important projects while optimizing resources
- Weekly “Flash Reports” provide visibility to project status
- Product development process and lean/agile methods are embedded into the organization
- Less internal conflict between team members and departments
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