Within the Routemap, there are a number of tools that step you through: first of all, assessing the complexity of the delivery environment, then the current and required capability of the sponsor, client, asset manager and market. And finally, the key considerations to enhance capability where gaps between complexity and capability, and other areas of misalignment are identified. We might think of this is holding a mirror up to a project to test readiness for delivery. To give an analogy, let's say I want to run a marathon. Preparing for a marathon is a complex undertaking, and I do appreciate this, but I think I just need to improve my endurance in order to be successful. So I go to a trainer and they help me to hold a mirror to myself, they get me on the scales and run a tape measure over me. They assess me and advise me on good practice for running marathons. They also suggest I need to eat better, get lots of sleep, lose some weight, address some old injuries and all of this comprises my personal training programme. Similarly, the Routemap begins with the diagnostic phase looking at the complexity of what a project is trying to achieve: the marathon. It assesses the organisational capability to deliver, that's my fitness, and frames that as a capability gap. Next, an alignment phase looks at what needs to be done to close these gaps; eating better, losing weight and so on. Finally, an enhancement planning phase, like a training programme, plans activity and understands how it all comes together. The focus is on getting project teams to a place where they have a clear training programme: a plan for optimising how the project is delivered. It doesn't assess whether running a marathon is the right thing to do. So to repeat, the Routemap tools are; the delivery environment complexity assessment, the sponsor, client, asset manager and market capability assessments, and the align for success modules. The assessments tell us where capability needs to be increased or complexity managed. Firstly, the Delivery Environment Complexity Assessment or DECA for short, identifies the strategic risks associated with the project and determines the trickiness of what you're trying to achieve. It's based on learning from the National Audit Office which is a UK public sector body, that scrutinises public spending for parliament. It lists 12 factors that are scored as low, medium, or high. This produces a project complexity profile which is used to inform project management and develop capability. Secondly, capability assessments are used to assess the existing characteristics of the four main parties; the sponsor, the asset manager, the client, and market organisations against the characteristics they need to manage the complexity profile. The sponsor assessment helps understand what is expected of their capability during the investment and delivery planning process. The client assessment considers clients' ability to engage effectively with the supply chain and to manage the delivery outcomes. The asset manager assessment highlights key operational constraints and needs. And finally, the market assessment reviews the market's ability and appetite to respond to requirements. Capability is then compared to complexity. Do the organisations involved in the project have the capabilities needed for successful delivery of a project of that complexity? Thirdly, the Routemap also contains seven align for success modules, that provide advice on enhancing capability and managing complexity in the following areas; governance, requirements, execution strategy, organisational design and development, procurement, risk management, and asset management. Other areas might need to be examined as part of the process of ensuring the capability to manage the delivery environment. But our experience has demonstrated that these areas are the foundation of successful delivery. They can also help you with your assignments. So, we have seen why it is important to consider the project's context, and to think about the project holistically in its early stages to increase the likelihood of successful delivery.
