Survey, Plan,
Implement, Review.
That's the cycle that we follow in the pursuit of innovation in client firms.
Survey. The survey stage is where we try to understand the opportunity and the scope of solution available. A survey could be as brief as an Initial Scope and Requirements Meeting (ISR). It could also include the formation of a pursuit team to develop recommendations for solutions. It might include various meetings at various levels within the client organization. The deliverable for the survey is a list of possible projects to address the opportunity, and their relative returns on investment (ROI). Click here for an example survey form.
Plan. The client goes back to work. The planning stage is when we deliberate with the client to choose which project(s) will be undertaken, to prioritize them, and to schedule resources, if necessary. The deliverable for the plan is a written document that identifies the project(s) to do, as well as the goals, scope, budgets, review points, and roles for key participants.
Implement. The implementation stage is old fashioned project management. We prepare weekly progress and activity reports, and we keep the project moving.
Review. We realize that every project is a gamble. The client is attempting to create an outcome by following this path. There is no certainty that a given approach will produce the outcome desired, or that it is the best way to produce that outcome. That realization places special emphasis on the Review Phase. This is when we ask, "Is this working? Are we on the right course?" Hey, things change. We expect it, plan for it, and schedule time to assess the project in light of those changes.