229 | Product-Focused Excellence: Navigating Projects with PRINCE2 Methodology

Welcome to another episode of "The Art of Consulting Podcast" with your hosts, Andy Fry and Cat Lam. As seasoned IT consultants, CPAs, and professional development connoisseurs, we aim to bring you inspiring messages to help you discover the X factor in your professional field, leading to the success you truly deserve in your career and life. About Our Guest Today:

Edmund Metera is a senior project manager at CWB Financial Group in Canada.

He firmly believes that the keys to delivering successful projects are not only founded upon expert project management and business analysis competencies but on recognizing, tailoring and applying the best-suited methodologies and techniques to suit the unique technologies, constraints and opportunities at hand.

That philosophy is loud and clear in Ed's book: Universal Process Modeling Procedure: The Practical Guide to High-Quality Business Process Models. He has taught and mentored project managers and business analysts in best practices for professional organizations such as PMI, IIBA, and CMMI. He teaches IIBA-registered business analysis courses and serves as an advisor to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology's Corporate and International Training department's Business Analysis Certificate Program. He is also the founder of www.ProcessModelingAdvisor.com and a regular BATimes, Modern Analyst and IRM Connects contributor.

Episode Summary:

• In this episode, Our host Cat Lam and our special guest for today, Ed Metera delve into the world of project management, specifically focusing on the PRINCE2 methodology. They explore the significance of shifting the focus from activities to products, and how this approach enhances project effectiveness and delivery.

Key Points Covered:

Introduction of Guest: Ed Matera

• Highlighting Ed's extensive experience in project management, including his roles as a book author, conference speaker, tutor, and senior project manager at Canadian Western Bank.

• Emphasizing Ed's dedication to advancing the practice of process modeling through ProcessModelingAdvisor.com.

Understanding PRINCE2 Methodology

• Comparison with the Project Management Institute's Body of Knowledge (PMI BOK).

• Exploring the seven philosophies of PRINCE2, particularly the principle of "Focus on Products."

• Ed's personal experience as a certified PRINCE2 practitioner and its impact on his project management approach.

Product-Focused Project Management

• Defining products within a project lifecycle, emphasizing tangible deliverables over activities.

• Illustrating the product-oriented approach through the example of implementing a mobile application.

• Assigning clear responsibilities to specialists based on product delivery, enhancing accountability and efficiency.

• Integrating the product-focused mindset into project planning, scheduling, and communication strategies.

• Addressing challenges and dependencies within the project by prioritizing critical path products.

• Managing risks and issues by aligning discussions with product delivery milestones.

Overcoming Resource Overlap

• Mitigating resource overlap by assigning single individuals responsible for specific products.

• Ensuring clarity in roles and responsibilities to minimize disruptions and prioritize product completion.

Product-driven Approach:

• Instead of focusing solely on activities, Prince2 emphasizes being product-driven.

• Each project team member is clear on their responsibility for a specific product or activity within the project.

• Collaboration is encouraged, but accountability remains paramount.

Accountability:

• Prince2 advocates for appointing one spokesperson or accountable individual for each micro-product or aspect of the project.

• This ensures clarity and efficiency in decision-making and progress tracking.

• The question of "Is it done yet?" becomes pivotal in assessing progress and meeting objectives.

Defining Success Criteria:

• Success criteria vary based on the type of product being delivered.

• For software products, success may entail functionality without defects.

• Paper-based or consulting products may require acceptance by stakeholders or consumers.

• Understanding the consumer's needs and expectations drives product quality and acceptance.

Early Definition of Products:

• Prince2 emphasizes defining products and specifications early in the planning phase.

• A clear understanding of each product's attributes and requirements facilitates effective project management.

• Consensus among team members regarding product definitions is crucial for project success.

Decision-Making Criteria:

• A simple decision-making framework in Prince2 assesses whether an issue is on the critical path and its impact on project timelines.

• Not all issues require immediate attention; those on the critical path demand urgency.

• This approach allows project managers to prioritize resources and efforts efficiently.

Shift in Focus:

• Traditional process modeling often follows a sequential flow, but Ed emphasizes a shift towards a product-driven approach.

• Processes are seen as collaborative networks of services, initiating in response to events and leading to expected outcomes.

Universal Process Modeling Procedure:

• Ed introduces the Universal Process Modeling Procedure, offering a modern framework for business process modeling.

• The procedure emphasizes understanding initiating events, expected outcomes, and consumers of those outcomes.

Benefits of the Approach:

• By focusing on outcomes, organizations can optimize processes more effectively.

• This approach saves time and resources by aligning efforts with desired results, rather than merely automating activities.

Practical Application:

• Ed encourages listeners to apply the principles of universal process modeling in various domains, from project management to personal interactions.

• Catherine highlights the importance of starting with the end in mind and understanding the cause-effect relationships in all activities.

Conclusion:

Catherine concludes the episode by inviting listeners to explore more about Ed Matera's work and the Universal Process Modeling Procedure. The conversation leaves a lasting impression on the significance of reimagining process modeling for enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in today's dynamic environments. The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the transformative power of product-focused project management in enhancing project outcomes and stakeholder satisfaction. The Prince2 methodology offers a structured framework for project management, focusing on product delivery, accountability, and decision-making. Integrating Prince2 principles with existing methodologies enhances project outcomes and fosters a culture of clarity and efficiency.