|
|
|
Taking control...
February 2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
February. Already. Amazingly, 17% of the year is over. And what have you done. With apologies to John Lennon, of course... The economic climate remains uncertain. Competition remains fierce. Inflation continues to rise. Profits are under pressure. The tax burden increases. What to do... Our belief is that because we can't influence the things beyond our control - we should concentrate on the things we can change. Such as managing costs, improving quality, implementing change, and protecting your investment. What will you change in 2011 - with only ten months left, will you make a decision in time to make a difference? John |
|
|
 So...what is stopping you?
Change. A little word with a big impact. Some welcome it; some resist it - and many fear it. Even those promoting its need - which is why, we think, many organisations approach it with trepidation, doggedness, or [charge at it/bull in a china shop].
Yet Heraclitus, a Greek philosopher who lived ~2500 years ago, noted that - "Change is the only constant." Perhaps the more things change...well, you know.
We're taken with the approach of John Kotter, who proposes eight steps to make change effective. Described in more detail by Mind Tools, he suggests a journey from Creating Urgency, through Creating and Communicating a Vision, Removing Obstacles and Creating Short-Term Wins, to Building and Cementing Change.
It can be difficult, especially when those pushing it are also experiencing the uncertainty of change. Which is why we like the approach of Flint Consulting, who have worked with some amazing organisations, to make change happen.
And projects are all about change. Next month, we'll explore why we think those who say projects are only about managing risk, are wrong. Projects are far more radical, and more successful, if project managers and sponsors focus on what should happen, rather than on what can happen. |
|
PRINCE2 - what's the point?
Everyone seems to have heard of it - and lots of people want it, when looking for a Project Manager. But what is it, and is it any use?
To us, the answer is that...it depends. And, before you ask - yes I do!
So - what is it? Officially, it is the practice of managing PRojects IN a Controlled Environment. Which is kind of the first issue - because most projects seem to be in anything but a controlled environment! On the upside, PRINCE has clear methodology, provides project control through documentation, and when used effectively, creates the controlled environment claimed. Providing you don't get swamped in paperwork, lost in documentation, or driven (mad) by filing structures and naming conventions...
Yet we like it, because it works. Whilst some clients think it means increased admin and costs, it can save both. It focuses the mind, and gives structure to project management. Frankly, we use it (appropriately!) for every project - even if we don't tell!
For another view, read here. And in the interests of fairness, the official view here.
And remember - no matter how good the qualification, you still need competence. Simply having a qualification doesn't mean you can do the job. Indeed, twice in the last month, we've seen Linked In discussions started by people who have been appointed to a project, asking the general community how to start. Scary... |
|
Still Blasé?
We're puzzled. Why do SME business owners think that Business Continuity is not for them. A recent survey from Aviva, which shows that over two-thirds of businesses surveyed either do not have a plan, or don't think they need one.
That's despite the Federation of Small Businesses stating that 80% of businesses affected by a major disruption close within eighteen months, and 90% will close within two years.
Some things to consider: increasingly volatile weather; uncertain economic climate; a fire in a neighbouring building; inadequate back-up, when you need it. It's only in the last six months that the Buncefield disaster, which affected 600 nearby businesses, saw some resolution.
Take a quick HealthCheck here, and look at the Aviva 5 step process here. Think about your business needs - and consider the CMI survey which showed that every year some 40% of businesses suffer disruption.
Call us on 08448 484853, or email us at Oakview if you'd like to discuss your requirements, or just need some clarification about costs or timescales.
|
|
 The EU and Data Protection
Well - whilst we're told that Cameron and the coalition want less regulation; the EU seem equally keen on increasing it!
There's been an ongoing and interesting debate on the meaning of Union-wide Data Protection, with a big consultation exercise launched at the end of last year, and further revisions to the main Directive expected in Summer 2011. There is a long list of 'discussion points'...
However, a little noticed change has already been introduced through the EU Telecoms package. From May, new laws will include the so-called 'cookies rule' which requires organisations to get consent from the user before deploying cookies or other similar files.
The new rule is an attempt to give users more control and choice over how the information is stored or accessed on their computer, but compliance with the new laws could prove a challenge to organisations with anything more than a very basic online presence.
It'll affect you and your users - look here to see why, and how to say your piece! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
