Emmens.Biz - Programme Management

Programme Management

Companies undergoing major IT-based business change programmes face a dilemma. These programmes may involve large teams of outside suppliers, usually from the product suppliers or the large consultancies, sometimes both; and these suppliers need to be managed throughout the often prolonged implementation and cutover period. In any but the smallest programmes, this is a full time role.

However, at the same time, the existing business functions must continue. Managers of these functions are fully engaged with managing the ongoing business and do not have time to run programmes as well. Furthermore, there are different skills required in programme management from operational management.

But you do not want to hand this role over to one of the programme suppliers: there will always be a conflict of interests because they want to maximise their contract value.

This is where an experienced independent programme manager such as Roger Emmens can really add value to an organisation:

A long career with Systems Integrators and Management Consultancies mean that he understands the way that IT suppliers and System Integrators work, and can ensure that their objectives do not run counter to my client's interests
He can retain a focus on the overall business objectives, not just on the technical implementation
He can work with the existing management of the company to support them through the change, but without distracting their attention from the day to day issues
As an interim member of the team, he can manage goals, budgets and deliverables whilst remaining outside any inter-departmental tensions and politics
...and of course an incomer from outside always helps to bring a fresh perspective on the task at hand!

Take a look at this description of the Management Principles that should be applied to IT based projects and programmes.

You can also view a summary of the key experience and attributes that Roger Emmens can offer on the Skills page.

The Background page contains an overview of relevant experience. More details are available in the Resources part of the site.

You want a proven manager who can focus on the business objectives of the overall programme and ensure the programme deliverables support that end goal.

Case Study - Establish Systems Infrastructure - Start-up Mobile Operator

Reporting directly to the COO of the new Mobile Division to set up a GSM operation for an existing wireline operator, Roger managed the selection and then delivery of the implementation projects and vendors for the major BSS systems, with internal team of 4 and approx 70 from 2 integrators.

This included working with the existing IT director to make best use of synergies whilst at the same time setting up a separate Mobile IT department.

Roger's role was to set up the IT and Billing Operations functions, processes, objectives, teams and budgets through to in-service operation; negotiate and implement service level agreements with the relevant stakeholder directors; and hand over an operational in-service department to permanent successor.