Project Management at SABC

The key principles for a successful project are:

• A project is a finite process with a definite start and end
• Projects always need to be managed to be successful
• For genuine commitment to the project all parties must be clear about why the project is needed, what is it intending to achieve, how the outcome will be achieved and what their responsibilities are in that achievement.

SABC uses the Prince 2 methodology, a structured method for effective project management. Without a method those who commission, manage and work on a project will all have different ideas about how things should be organised and when the different aspects of a project will be completed. Those involved will be unclear about how much responsibility, authority and accountability they have, and as a result there will often be confusion surrounding the project.

Without a project management method, projects are rarely completed on time and within acceptable cost.

SABC determined the need to devise and implement a project management system using the PRINCE 2 principles in the autumn of 2002.

This was a response to Senior Officers and Members concerns about the Council's capacity to manage the large number of "Big Issue" Capital Projects coming on line in the wake of LSVT. Also development of a project management system was an element of the EFQM Business self-assessment Action Plan derived from the assessment done as part of West Midlands LGA. Peer Assessment Scheme in 2001/2002.

The Chief Executive and the Project Manager for the Single Office Accommodation Project commenced drafting the system in the context of that Project from September 2002 onwards.

In a statement from Cabinet in January 2003 Members requested that a management system designating roles and responsibilities in advance of projects commencing must be applied to 4 Big Issue Projects as with the Single Office Accommodation Project.

SABC's project and programme management system represents the culmination of the development of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council's response to Member's requirements. The system is applied as described and at the discretion of CMT and Members.

If you would like more information please contact the project team.