Project Lesson

Category of Systemic Lessons

Phase 3 commenced with the formation of the Alliance, a new organisational structure. Alliance based contracting offers significant advantages over traditional contracting methods but it must be recognised that it takes time and effort to develop the culture necessary to achieve improved outcomes. Visible high level management commitment is required from all parties. An external facilitator was engaged to assist in the initial and ongoing development of the Alliance and this has proved invaluable.

Governance

The Program Office was originally located in both Canberra and Adelaide with separations in functions and personnel. With the formation of the Alliance, the separate locations became an issue to the effective operation of the Program Office. The establishment of a single location in Adelaide involved considerable effort and a resultant loss in knowledge of staff who did not relocate. In hindsight, earlier consolidation of the Program Office would have been beneficial.

Resourcing

The interpretation of the requirements for fitness of purpose of drawings is different between contracting parties. A review of all product types prior to contract and interrogation of the delivery schedule to confirm sufficient time for reviews and incorporation of comments is necessary.

Contract Management