Models and Methods - Workflow

All of our projects are based on workflow, a concept familiar in the media industry, software development and manufacturing. We are able to bring a great depth of expertise and experience to create a seamless flow of activity through a project.  We do this by making sure different disciplines are integrated and there are no ugly and expensive gaps in communication and design. If we are bringing in another company to benefit the project, we select carefully and build a team ethos that is effective and gives clients value for their money.

We have designed a number of processes to fit the different development and implementation requirements for exhibition, new build and regeneration projects - these cover all or some of the project cycle.  Andrew is a PRINCE2 registered practitioner and our workflow system is based on PRINCE2 with adaptations to meet real world delivery requirements.

Four Project Types

We design and deliver a wide range of projects but they all have a common core - they are cultural - broadly directed towards learning and discovery, based on material culture.  They often also have a strong focus on their financial components in their initial funding, their delivery and their ongoing revenue requirements.  

Complete Workflow Cycle

Not all projects go through all stages, however, we much prefer to take a scheme through from inception to operation.  Our experience is that projects fail - in terms of time, cost and quality because they begin badly. So, we always recommend running development workshops - see below.  We encourage fluidity of thought and an emphasis on creative problem solving in these workshops. They are challenging and rewarding.

System Integration

This is a schematic representation of a large Excel workbook model which we use to develop and run projects.  This was used for the Jersey Heritage investment programme work, for example.  In practice these workbooks become large but this is a requirement if we are able to look across time, money and deliverables for a range of schemes for an organisation.

Balance Factors

In using our integrated approach we are always seeking, with the client organisation, to balance competing forces.  This is a diagrammatic representation of the process. The integrated system is invaluable here because we are able to look at project investment consequences over a range of factors - these need to be linked to the mission and purpose of the organisation.

An Application - Heartlands

Much of this thinking has come together for the Heartlands project.  We developed a framework for it which sought to create complementary groups of assets.  These were based on the Forum for the Future's Five Capitals - but assets has been substituted for capitals - since 'asset' provides a better description of what we have to pay attention to in developing resilient communities and projects for the future.

Workshops

We like workshops.  They are fun to run and great problem solving arenas. This is a typical sequence of events.  We use an adaption of Bolman and Deal's Reframing technique and apply the processes to project development, organisational change and interpretation planning.