The Transformation Program was the integration of a Queensland based and a Melbourne based energy retailer.  This change resulted in the doubling of the mass market customer base for the Melbourne based retailer.

Core Consulting Group was engaged to provide Master Scheduler services to the Transformation Program. The main objective of this was to provide visibility and traceability of the program’s progress & performance from both a schedule and financial perspective.  

Core Consulting Group implemented a series of standardised processes and tools to monitor and control program performance and provide reporting.  A a simple and pragmatic Earned Value Management System was proposed to provide improved indicators of project performance.  Core Consulting Group’s systematic approach and attention to detail was a major enabler for successful Program delivery. 

 

Alcatel-Lucent was engaged by Telstra to deliver the multi billion dollar Titan Program. Core Consulting Group was asked to provide a Master Scheduler to take overall responsibility for Program Scheduling for a period of time, until a permanent replacement could be found. While there, it was requested that Core Consulting Group define some standards and improve the planning and reporting.

The Master Scheduler role was a difficult one which included leadership of the six person scheduling team, liaising with the Program Management team, analysis and oversight of all reporting and hands on running of the interdependencies.  The large Program included approximately 80 schedules rolled up to a Master Schedule using MS Project to its extreme limits.  Using innovative macros and a defined customer reporting environment, the role required direct liaison with Telstra as well as numerous Project Managers to ensure data quality and consistency.

For a period of six months, Core Consulting Group delivered effective Master Scheduling.  In a high stress and high workload environment, we managed to deliver timely reports as well as a number of changes including an initiative promoting Project Manager data ownership.  Undertaken in conjunction with the Training and standards engagement, Core Consulting Group handed over a documented scheduling standard as well as updated templates and standards documentation.  Upon handover to a permanent Master Scheduler, Core Consulting Group exited the role leaving the PMO in a much improved state.
 

Through consultation with both Sales and Delivery groups Core Consulting Group developed an Estimating Standard that provides agreed processes and business rules for estimaion of effort and cost. It also provides a strucutre for using historical cost data to inform future estimates.