It seemed like a good idea at the time!

05/01/2009 by Geoff.

If you’ve taken time out to read Phil’s article on continuous improvement techniques (http://www.emseff.co.uk/twoscompany.html) or if your business is just looking to improve then the danger is that you will have numerous projects on the go that probably never get finished. Your business never sees the benefit that was originally forecast!

First of all we recommend you answer the question ”what’s a project?” in our view:

• It’s something that generates an improvement?
• It’s not part of but is highly likely to impact your business process?
• It’s likely to be multi-disciplined?
• It’s a defined piece of work?
• It’s got a start and finish?
• It has specific targets?

But you still have a long list?

You now really need to know the benefits to the business from the project (value, impacts the constraint of the business etc), justify it and decide who is going to lead or manage the project.

If you can’t really identify the benefit of the project then don’t do it! If you decide a project is really worth doing the make sure you take it to conclusion and ensure your business realises the predicted benefits.

There will be more on our website on this subject during 2009.  

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