Project Management

Projects don’t always go as planned. The number one reason new technology – like an AMS, CMS, or website – doesn’t meet hopes and expectations is because an organization lacks adequate project management resources.

Most association staff already have a full plate. According to industry experts, a typical project management role demands 50-100% of a person’s time. Where does that time come from? What happens when project oversight is added to an already stretched-thin employee’s responsibilities? Projects end up behind schedule and over budget, shortcuts are taken, and the Tylenol runs out.

DelCor consultants relieve system implementation stress. With our help, your organization can free up internal resources (so they can continue to focus on your members and mission), while minimizing the risks of going off schedule or over budget. Our consultants hold the Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, the industry-recognized certification for project managers. Because of their background in association management, they also understand association operations, processes and practices, culture, and politics.

Here’s what we do when providing implementation oversight on a project:

Define the scope of the project and roles of everyone involved.
Develop a project management plan.
Facilitate communication and coordination of work.
Review ongoing work to ensure contract compliance.
Monitor and update the project management plan.

Most association professionals aren’t project management experts like we are, yet are expected to take on that role and succeed. We know, from the stories we hear in the association community, that frustration is more likely than success, so we decided to do something about that. We hosted Progress U. – The Project Management Edition, an unconference to share “next practices” for project management, in May 2011. You can still check out the day’s takeaways and resources on our Progress U. website.

If your team needs a project management specialist, we’re ready to get on board. Put down the Tylenol and contact us today.

Take a deeper look at our cradle-to-grave project management approach:

Requirements Analysis

A DelCor requirements analysis provides the knowledge you need to select a system that will live up to your expectations. You won’t have to sink time and money into making adjustments later. You’ll have a solution that meets your current needs and allows room for future growth.

RFP Development & Review

Issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) is the foundation for finding your best match. But RFP development and review can be a complicated and time-consuming project to take on alone. With DelCor by your side, you can depend on our consultants’ technical expertise and association management background to get you through the RFP process with confidence.

Design Study

Just because you purchase the best technology on the market doesn’t guarantee it won’t turn into a disappointing money pit. Before you bring new technology into your organization, make sure you’re going to work well together. How compatible are your technical infrastructure and business processes with the new system?

Contract Negotiation

An iPad under the Christmas tree or an upgrade to first class – we love surprises like that. But when surprises come from a technology vendor, that’s a different story. A well-negotiated contract minimizes costs and risks, keeps everyone on schedule, clarifies expectations, and prevents unwelcome surprises.

Implementation Oversight

Why settle for a job only halfway done? Completing a technology selection project only gets you halfway to progress. Will the system be implemented properly, in a timely fashion? Will your staff use your new system to its full potential? Will your business processes be impacted? A PMP-certified consultant, versed in association management, will see your implementation project to successful completion, so you can focus on your mission.

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Take the IT Maturity Self-Assessment

What is IT maturity and how does it affect organizations like yours? Helping you advance along the path toward IT maturity is our way of helping you accomplish your mission. We help you grow beyond a point where everything functions, to help you actually put technology to work for you and help you advance your organization – and your industry. That’s what we call the innovative state. You can get there, following the guidance of our IT Maturity Model for Associations & Nonprofits.

First, find out where you are on the IT maturity spectrum, and how you compare to other organizations. Answer a few questions in our quick self-assessment to find out if your technology is restrictive, functional, effective, or innovative. You’ll get a full report with suggestions for improving your IT, to help your organization prosper.