Gateway Lessons: Introduction

The approach of independent assessment of programmes and major projects using the OGC Gateway Process began in January 2001. The results of these reviews are evaluated in order to identify any trends in the types of issue emerging that would provide valuable information as 'lessons learned' for other programmes and projects to consider.

Set out below is a summary of the lessons learned and their constituent topics from reviews to date. Each topic is linked to relevant good practice that provides information and help to improve delivery performance.

Topic	Description of Weaknesses	Matrix Link
Roles and Responsibilities	Inadequately defined or ineffective project organisation/Governance arrangements/agreed roles and responsibilities	Programme Management Project Management Identifying a Programme Projects - Before you start
Risk Management	There is an inadequate framework for managing risk, ownership of risk and/or identification of risk	Risk Management Identify the risks, Risk Management Strategy
Stakeholder/Communication	Inadequate clarity of who the stakeholders are, whether they are supportive and understanding their needs, and/or inadequate management of expectations	Programme Management Project Management Identifying a Programme Projects - Before you start
Business Case	Business case incomplete or not used as a management tool	Business Case - High Level Strategic Outline Case Outline Business Case Full Business Case Implementation
Adequate Skills and Business Resources	Inexperienced team; insufficient resources for future needs; or insufficient planning	Programme Management Project Management Identifying a Programme Projects - Before you start
Improved Financial Control	Inadequate financial control of project/business expenditure; lack of an agreed budget; poor financial reporting	Business case Programme Management Project Management
Benefits Realisation	Inadequate identification of benefits; insufficient plans to realise, manage and measure the benefits	Optimising Benefits Benefits Management Strategy
Portfolio management	Inadequate understanding of the interdependencies with other programmes and projects; inadequate prioritisation of projects	Strategic Management Strategy - High Level Plans Strategic Management
Market Knowledge and Procurement Advice	Inadequate or inappropriate procurement advice e.g. wrong procurement approach, inadequate knowledge of potential suppliers	Procurement - Market assessment Procurement - Business Case Procurement Strategy
Contract Management	Inadequate forward planning for contract management Inadequate or inappropriate contract management approach	Procurement - Business Case Contracts - Preparation Procurement - Investment Decision Maker Managing Transition
Change Management	Insufficient recognition of opportunities and preparation for change	Managing change Managing transition

Related links

Gateway Lessons: Introduction