30th Annual Conference – Choosing the right delivery model

Decisions made at the inception stage, or initiation, of a project have a profound impact on the likely success later. Together with establishing appropriate governance, the client body has the opportunity to be aware of the various delivery models and, provided there is enough knowledge and experience at that level in the organisation, to set the path to ensure the maximum potential. Conversely, without a clear understanding of the needs and consequences of choosing the best model for the project or the client body, the very earliest decisions have the potential to constrain the Project Leader and the team charged with taking the major project through development to delivery.

Persuading an organisation to commit capital to acquiring a new asset requires a convincing business case and this in turn depends on project delivery arrangements and risks. That’s why a discussion of delivery options and their acceptability or otherwise to the Client or Sponsor’s decision making body is so important.

The very broad membership of Major Projects Association covers all types of business sectors, ranges of client types and delivery partners. The 2012 Annual Conference will bring many senior professionals with extensive experience together to debate, learn from each other and to determine the parameters and boundaries for choosing the right delivery model for the circumstances faced.

We shall devote as much time to shared in-depth dialogue as we shall to hearing from key sector experts. We intend to include 3 case studies to learn why each project was deemed successful; and what lessons can therefore be drawn to help key decision makers in the future.

The title of the Annual Conference should attract interest and attendance from every sector and should be particularly valuable to the most senior executives who can influence or decide upon the right delivery model.

There can have been nobody more important to ensuring the UK delivers its much needed investment in major projects than the recent Chief Operating Officer of the Cabinet Office, who had direct access to The Treasury and Number 10. We are privileged therefore to have Ian Watmore, former COO Cabinet Office, as our after-dinner speaker on 19th September.

The 2012 Annual Conference will be essential for leaders of our businesses and organisations, to learn best practice, compare lessons and meet and learn from a number of key-note leaders from our industries.