Partnering and collaborating are our strengths.
Approach
KasCott resources works in unison with the client to build project plans. Consider us an extension of your project team with experience working under several methodologies. We understand that no matter the philosophy that an organization adopts, the methodology will evolve into its own. The key is to ensure the process has controls in place to drive success.
We have expertise in and will help you complete any of the following phases:
Initiation
This first step will define the project scope and goals. It includes an in-depth review of the project requirements. We will craft the project overview and build the strategy to achieve the desired results. During the Initiation phase we will appoint a project manager, build the team, identify the stakeholders and discuss the general structure of the project. The high-level project plan and process will be disclosed at the project kickoff meeting.
Planning
We will help your team delved into the details and organize the approach during planning. This phase includes a detailed breakdown of the high-level project plan and resource assignments for each task of the project plan. The detailed project plan will be reviewed and finalized. Meeting structures, reporting frequency and expectations will be defined. The Planning Phase will also include risk assessments and define the criteria needed for the successful completion of each task.
Milestones
Milestones are accomplishment checkpoints. Our project plans are structured with recognition points for each logical milestone along the way. To maximize the potential value, every SOW and/or project charter must incorporate “milestone definitions” stated in sufficient terms to set expectations and allow for informed consent. KasCott Consulting prides itself in recognizing the small wins. A team is fueled and motivated by achieving goals – no matter how big or small. We help our clients build accomplishments and recognition points into the project plan in the form of realistic project milestones to help keep the team motivated.
Execution
When it comes to the project management cycle, execution may be the most crucial of the project phases. It is typically the longest since this is where deliverables will be constructed and presented to the stakeholders. As the Execution phases progress, groups across the organization become more deeply involved in development, configuration, testing, production, and support. KasCott consulting resources have expertise in each of these areas and will help compartmentalize them into manageable components.
Governance Group
The goal of the project Governance Group is to evaluate processes, plans and procedures to ensure the project is progressing in accordance with the master project plan. This includes consistent monitoring of potential risks, schedules, project status, quality assurance and change requests associated with the project.
Procurement
Procurement process involves narrowing down a specific seller, settling on a contract, and signing an agreement. To do so, the stakeholders must assess whether to make or buy, consider the criteria involved in source selection, understand the criteria of their seller, and finalize a statement of work. KasCott Consulting resources are experienced in communicating with vendors, ranking vendor RFP responses, scheduling POCs and grading POC results to identify the best solution.
Quality Assurance
The Quality Assurance Management process involves auditing and monitoring all requirements involved with the project. Tracking measures and coverage documents must be maintained to link specifications, source control systems, development, test scenarios/cases, test scripts, defects, enhancements and necessary changes to the requirements. KasCott Consulting has an arsenal of tools and matrices to ensure that all standards are met and tracked while the project is being executed.
Managing Stakeholders
This part of the execution phase involves managing expectations of the stakeholders. A primary component of this process is informing the stakeholders of change requests and potential impact to time and budget. When managing stakeholders, it’s a good idea to know and understand what your stakeholders need to know about your project. Otherwise, you’re wasting your time—and theirs.
Monitoring
According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), “the Monitoring and Control Process consists of those processes performed to observe project execution so that potential problems can be identified in a timely manner and corrective action can be taken, when necessary, to control the execution of the project.” KasCott Consulting adheres to this premise. Project Monitoring and Control activities should take place in parallel with the Project Execution activities so that, while the project work is being executed, the project is being monitored and controlled by implementing the appropriate level of oversight and corrective action.
Closure
This phase is the culmination of the project. The Closure phase is highlighted by a written formal project review report containing: a formal acceptance of the final product (by the client), Weighted Critical Measurements (a match between the initial requirements laid out by the client against the final delivered product), a quality report including the measurement against the quality controls, the lessons learned report contribute to by project resources, and a formal project closure notification to higher management.
How do we do it? Learn more…