Fast Forward Model – An Overview
The Fast Forward Model comprises 6 stages:
Initiation – define the project boundaries, scope, objectives and end goal.
Planning – a plan that delivers the objectives/end goal.
Organise – everyone understands who is responsible for what.
Implement – deliver the capability.
Embed Change – make sure the changes are embedded and sustained, business benefits are being realised.
Close – Review and capture lessons learned. Transfer knowledge to other projects.
Initiate the Project - Clarify, develop and agree the boundaries, scope, SMART objectives and end Goal with the Sponsor and project team using an Executive Brief to outline the project purpose. Gain active commitment from the Sponsor using a formal Sponsor Contract. The project should be end Goal focused. This is the purpose or ‘Why’ the project is required.
Milestone Planning – In GDPM planning is a team activity. Those who will deliver the project should plan the project.
- The Milestone Plan separates the ‘What’ from the ‘How’. Use up to a maximum of 14 or 15 achievement based Milestones – states that the project must pass through. Wording should be expressed in outcomes (When we have / We will have). As they are ‘what’ is required they are more robust to changes. Once agreed they should not need reworking. Use Rolling Wave for long term projects – detailed planning of later Milestones is done within a rolling e.g. 3 month planning window.
- MS Contract Definitions – are used to precisely define the scope and completion / success criteria of each Milestone.
Organise the Project – The ideal Project Team comprises 3 to 7 people. Magic number is 7 for best engagement. Each team member takes responsibility for one or more Milestones - Milestone Owners.
- Who needs to be involved & in what capacity is captured on a People Responsibility Matrix using RACI indicators.
- Once role/skills are identified, agree the preferred candidates with Line Manager. The Line Manager 'sells' the role to the individual, agree Resource Contract with Line Manager. Embed into personal objectives linked to end goal.
Implement - Milestone Teams – are built to deliver Milestones under the MS Owner. Team members also contracted into the project. They develop detailed Activity / Task Plans - the ‘How’ using their team skills and innovation.
Embed the Change – Ensure that the people that will be affected by the changes (targets) are involved. Use Stakeholder analysis / plans to keep them on your side with good communication.
Close the Project – Review the project, project team working and capture both good and less good lessons learnt. Reward & recognise good work.
Project Control – use PM processes combined with the Tin, Bronze, Silver & Gold multi-dimensional Health-check ‘Conscience’ –– to ensure your project is kept on track, moving from 'tick in the box' to a 'doing' mentality. Use MS Plan and MS Contracts for regular exception based progress reviews. Apply honest and objective RAGB status. Invoke corrective action plans where progress is under threat.