Technology Projects: Ownership

When conducting a health check or a lookback on a technology project, it's important to assess the ownership aspects, including direction and executive support. Ownership refers to the leadership and guidance provided by senior management and stakeholders throughout the project. Here are some key ownership questions to ask:

1. Project Sponsorship:

• Who were the project sponsors, and what was their level of engagement throughout the project?
• Did the project sponsors provide clear direction and support to the project team?
• Were there any gaps or deficiencies in project sponsorship that impacted project success?

2. Executive Support:

• How involved were the executive leaders in the project?
• Did the executive leaders actively support the project and its objectives?
• Were the necessary resources and authority provided by the executives to ensure project success?

3. Strategic Alignment:

• How well was the project aligned with the organization's strategic goals and priorities?
• Were the project objectives and outcomes clearly linked to the overall business strategy?
• Was there a clear understanding of the project's strategic importance among the project team and stakeholders?

4. Decision-making Authority:

• Were the project team and stakeholders empowered to make decisions and take necessary actions?
• Was there a clear delegation of decision-making authority within the project?
• Were there any delays or challenges in decision-making that affected project progress?

5. Change Management Leadership:

• How effectively did the project leaders drive and manage the required changes?
• Were they proactive in addressing resistance to change and ensuring stakeholder buy-in?
• Did the project leaders effectively communicate the need for change and manage expectations?

6. Resource Allocation and Support:

• Did the project receive adequate resources (financial, human, technological) to meet its requirements?
• Were the necessary resources made available in a timely manner?
• Was there active support from senior management in securing and allocating resources?

7. Risk Management and Issue Escalation:

• How were risks and issues escalated and addressed at the executive level?
• Were the project leaders proactive in identifying and mitigating risks?
• Were there any challenges or gaps in risk management and issue escalation processes?

8. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Did the project leaders effectively engage and manage stakeholders at the executive level?
• Were the expectations and concerns of key stakeholders adequately addressed?
• Were there any gaps in executive-level stakeholder engagement that impacted project success?

9. Lessons Learned and Improvement:

• Were lessons learned captured and documented regarding ownership and executive support throughout the project?
• Were the lessons learned shared with relevant stakeholders and future project teams?
• What steps have been taken or will be taken to improve ownership and executive support in future projects?