As consultants, we are exposed to the operational culture and undertakings of a diverse range of organisations in both the private and public sectors.

We have noticed a growing trend, particularly among our more progressive clients, to pursue the goal of becoming "learning organisations".  They continually examine, reflect and explore options to improve.  They recognise that a detailed and objective examination of past projects offers amazing learning potential and opportunities to improve efficiency.

Over recent months there has been high demand for Project Review services.  We have facilitated a number of workshops, mainly for our public sector clients, which have involved the critical analysis of recently completed projects.

We worked with the NSW Department of Education and Training, and visited schools across the state where new or refurbished facilities had been built. -In each instance, standard designs and standard fixtures and fittings were used.

Our brief was to liaise with key players involved in the planning, briefing, design and construction stages, as well as the users (students and staff) and maintainers, to assess both the final product and the adopted project delivery process.  The purpose was to identify areas for improvement, in addition to areas of excellence, leading to number of lessons to be carried forward.

The client's overall goal was to support the concept of a "learning organisation" by accessing information that would ensure expenditure on future projects is spent wisely and effectively, and that value for money is achieved.

We facilitated series of workshops across Sydney and Regional NSW, which revealed a number of issues that consistently emerged.  Our client is now fully aware of these, and has used this information to tweak the relevant standards and reassess design of certain fixtures and fittings.

Lessons that defined critical elements for success have also been taken on board, some of these have resulted in fine tuning the contractual arrangements employed.

We also ran a number of Project Review workshops for Sydney Water.  In addition to the internal project delivery team, end users and maintainers, the contractor was also invited to attend.  This proved to be an effective way to engage in open and honest dialogue about the performance of all parties to the contract.  Contractors were provided with feedback about their work ethic, management style and workmanship - all in a setting that was frank yet non confrontational.

A survey distributed to workshop participants after the session seeking views on the effectiveness and value of the process, produced very positive results.

100% of respondents agreed the workshop objectives had been met, and 100% of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that the facilitator had kept the group focussed and on track.

We would be delighted to talk to you about helping you achieve success in your business endeavours.  Please contact us - initial consultations are cost and obligation free.