Philosophy

We formed Project Agency approximately ten years ago. We saw managers were given substantial tasks. These tasks (often tied in with the strategy of the organisation) were in fact major projects, were frequently delivered late, were often over budget, and did not always meet the needs of the client or stakeholders. Rework was often needed which added to costs sucking in scarce resources to ‘get it right-. We identified a lack of training in this important area for staff at all levels.

Our philosophy was developed early in our formation and is still with us today. We work in organisations:

• demystifying project management for professionals at all levels e.g. accountants, lawyers, social workers, chefs, managers, administrators etc
• developing core skills of Project Managers, their teams and Project Sponsors
• providing guidelines and protocols for staff to follow
• helping those involved in the project management process to recognise the need to further develop their “people skills” as well as their project management skills.

We work with clients across all sectors our aim is always to provide the professional [managers, actuaries, lawyers, administrators, social workers educationalists etc] with the relevant skills to deliver projects effectively.

Click here to see the types of services The Project Agency provides to clients.

We have developed this over the years we have traded. This includes the 4 stage model below:

Creating an in house project management system

Ensuring there is consistent project management system in the organisation

Having a project support office [PSO]

Providing a centre of excellence for project management and a group who own the in house project management system

Project management governance

Ensuring that all that is promised to be delivered is delivered. This will involve the use of some support software

Targeted project management training

[Is your training really hitting those who need it?]

Ensuring that all those people who are engaged in key projects are trained to deliver them.

The following pages briefly describe our approach. Please call for supporting documentation or if you want further information.

Creating a project management system – Project Agency Template Approach

“Organisations that keep to the rules of their project management system with stringent compliance, reported a project failure rate of 20%, while those with moderate compliance reported a failure rate of 80%” – KPMG

Project Agency has developed a unique and effective process for producing your own project management system complete with templates.  The process will involve key internal stakeholders in your organisation attending brief workshops and completing a simple questionnaire.

Call 020 8446 7766 for more information.

Having your own Project Support Office [PSO]

What is a PSO? Put simply, it is a function charged with providing the organisation with the necessary infrastructure and services to ensure that its portfolio of projects are being effectively and efficiently directed and delivered.

Many organisations already have embryonic support functions such as a person keeping an Excel register of projects, or someone reporting general progress to senior managers or Executive Boards. There are many ways a PSO can provide excellent support to your organisation.

For a brief paper on the benefits of having a PSO contact us.

Project Management Governance

A key issue in project management is how to ensure all projects deliver against the schedule [including costs] as well as delivering key project benefits.

You need a mechanism for quickly viewing project progress, ensuring risks are monitored and managed alongside ensuring there are inbuilt approval processes e.g. for setting up a project or ensuring changes are managed effectively.

Contact us for support in developing a robust project monitoring and control process

Training is an expensive process and needs to be targeted:

• at those who are involved in key projects [including senior managers]
• to include all elements within your own project management system

Project Agency has extensive expertise in project management training working in some 60+ organisations. Please call 020 8446 7766 to discuss your needs