PM Connect: Project Management Press Releases
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Tuesday, February 20, 2007
NSW Election: Major Parties Challenged to Outline Project Delivery Strategies
NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA- February 20, 2007 -
The President of the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) challenges both major political parties to put forward strategies to deliver the projects underpinning their election policies, prior to the March 24 State Election.
Dr David Dombkins said both the Federal and State Governments, along with many governments internationally, had consistently experienced difficulties in identifying, prioritising and delivering projects.
“Recent audit reports by both the British and United States governments have revealed that, despite much talk, there has been no improvement in the delivery of project outcomes in more than 20 years,” Dr Dombkins said.
“Based on international experience, the use of existing approaches to project management in NSW will continue to deliver little or no improvement in project performance.
“A key issue facing NSW is deciding where our very limited funds for projects are employed. Fortunately, we can tap into international experience from processes implemented by the World Bank and governments.
“These processes ensure that projects not only satisfy strategic policy objectives and community needs, but, more importantly, that those projects are actually capable of being implemented. Value at Entry processes ensure that projects are selected according to community needs and value for money.
“Another powerful initiative, called GATEWAY, has been recently implemented by the British, Australian and Victorian Governments,” said Dr Dombkins. GATEWAY ensures that projects remain strategically aligned, and that project implementation either remains on-track, or is adjusted as necessary.
“Internationally, GATEWAY has delivered 6.5 per cent per annum value for money gains in projects.
“The Federal Government has publicly recognised the importance of project management to Government with the establishment of the Project Implementation Office within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the introduction of GATEWAY.
“The Australian Department of Defence has provided national leadership in formalising a competency-based policy for mandatory project management certification, and, in conjunction with the UK Ministry of Defence, has developed world-leading Complex Project Management competency standards.
“While AIPM applauds NSW Premier Morris Iemma’s establishment of a Project Implementation Unit within his office, this initiative as it is structured today suffers from the same flaws identified in recent British and United States audit reports, and will not improve project outcomes.
“AIPM calls on both major parties to put forward formal policies on project management that incorporate Value at Entry, GATEWAY and project management certification as key elements in their strategy to deliver their election platforms and policies.
“Failure to address and incorporate these initiatives in their policies will undoubtedly result in the usual marginal seat-based model of project selection, and a repeat of the ongoing saga of project failure NSW has experienced under both parties during the past 20 years.
“If the NSW Government is to deliver the key initiatives that this state desperately needs in power, water, health and infrastructure, then both sides of politics need to recognise Project Implementation as a key government policy.
“We look forward to seeing both major parties present their strategic project management policy initiatives to the public prior to the election,” Dr Dombkins said.
The President of the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) challenges both major political parties to put forward strategies to deliver the projects underpinning their election policies, prior to the March 24 State Election.
Dr David Dombkins said both the Federal and State Governments, along with many governments internationally, had consistently experienced difficulties in identifying, prioritising and delivering projects.
“Recent audit reports by both the British and United States governments have revealed that, despite much talk, there has been no improvement in the delivery of project outcomes in more than 20 years,” Dr Dombkins said.
“Based on international experience, the use of existing approaches to project management in NSW will continue to deliver little or no improvement in project performance.
“A key issue facing NSW is deciding where our very limited funds for projects are employed. Fortunately, we can tap into international experience from processes implemented by the World Bank and governments.
“These processes ensure that projects not only satisfy strategic policy objectives and community needs, but, more importantly, that those projects are actually capable of being implemented. Value at Entry processes ensure that projects are selected according to community needs and value for money.
“Another powerful initiative, called GATEWAY, has been recently implemented by the British, Australian and Victorian Governments,” said Dr Dombkins. GATEWAY ensures that projects remain strategically aligned, and that project implementation either remains on-track, or is adjusted as necessary.
“Internationally, GATEWAY has delivered 6.5 per cent per annum value for money gains in projects.
“The Federal Government has publicly recognised the importance of project management to Government with the establishment of the Project Implementation Office within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, and the introduction of GATEWAY.
“The Australian Department of Defence has provided national leadership in formalising a competency-based policy for mandatory project management certification, and, in conjunction with the UK Ministry of Defence, has developed world-leading Complex Project Management competency standards.
“While AIPM applauds NSW Premier Morris Iemma’s establishment of a Project Implementation Unit within his office, this initiative as it is structured today suffers from the same flaws identified in recent British and United States audit reports, and will not improve project outcomes.
“AIPM calls on both major parties to put forward formal policies on project management that incorporate Value at Entry, GATEWAY and project management certification as key elements in their strategy to deliver their election platforms and policies.
“Failure to address and incorporate these initiatives in their policies will undoubtedly result in the usual marginal seat-based model of project selection, and a repeat of the ongoing saga of project failure NSW has experienced under both parties during the past 20 years.
“If the NSW Government is to deliver the key initiatives that this state desperately needs in power, water, health and infrastructure, then both sides of politics need to recognise Project Implementation as a key government policy.
“We look forward to seeing both major parties present their strategic project management policy initiatives to the public prior to the election,” Dr Dombkins said.
