Bestoutcome deliver complex change programme for Marks & Spencer
Bestoutcome worked for me to implement systems delivery and project management methodologies, across Marks & Spencer’s 600-person IT Group and parts of the business. This was a complex engagement, which included integrating a range of internal groups and processes, such as financial approvals, test management and IT service management. Bestoutcome were also central to delivery of knowledge management for IT methods and standards. As a result of these engagements, our delivery projects are using a common approach and terminology, as well as being more closely aligned to business needs.
As part of the engagement Bestoutcome provided highly experienced ‘project mentors’, who worked with our delivery staff to support and explain the practical application of the methodologies on real projects. This mentoring, and the communications programme Bestoutcome worked on with me, were key to winning the ‘hearts and minds’ debate which underpins any successful change programme.
Bestoutcome are strong at skills and knowledge transfer. They did an excellent job of developing a group of Marks & Spencer staff as mentors. They gave this group a really strong sense of what was needed and left them with the capability and confidence to sustain use of our new approach.
Bestoutcome are easy to work with. They worked with us as part of a team, while proactively suggesting ways of enhancing the implementation. I’ve been consistently impressed with their professional and relaxed, but conscientious, style. I’d say their track record of high quality delivery to schedule, combined with their open working style, makes them good value for money and an excellent consulting partner.
Bestoutcome deliver major relocation programme
Bestoutcome have been instrumental in delivering our Head Office change programme (the Grand Union Programme), which has included a successful relocation from Baker St to Paddington Basin. This major change programme has involved the introduction of new business processes and working practices. Bestoutcome consultants are effective ‘deliverers’ who have worked in partnership with our people to:
lead and co-ordinate the overall programme;
refresh and upgrade the IT infrastructure;
work closely with business units on key changes including;
a new business configuration;
new ways of working including working with products and documents;
change management and communications;
headcount tracking and management;
implementation of an effective migration programme
This programme has been one of the most significant programmes in terms of scale and complexity that we have managed in recent years.
It has been a resounding success and a testament to the pragmatic programme management skills of Bestoutcome and their collaborative working style. They are one of our preferred consultancy suppliers”
Bestoutcome deliver complex change programme for Marks & Spencer
We have been using an Outcome Driven Project Management (ODPM) approach for a number of years. In complicated projects and programmes it provides a structured way for helping managers to see the wood from the trees by placing a focus on meaningful and measurable outcomes. This focus on outcomes, supplemented with traditional activity planning, has enabled us to deliver changes with the anticipated business benefits.
Bestoutcome have helped us by running a number of programmes using ODPM and by mentoring our project and programme managers in these techniques. It has proved valuable in delivering some of our largest change programmes and can be used to gain a greater involvement of the customer, improving the quality of the solution and business relationship.