Process improvement is a complex task requiring careful planning and
implementation. It is important to identify the aim and objectives of the project
beforehand to make sure the project focus is on the right processes. A steering
committee was established consisting of a board level director, IT manager and a
process management consultant. Individual consultations were undertaken with the
senior managers of respective departments to identify their departmental priorities for
improvement. This was followed by several meetings between the senior managers
to share a common understanding and to develop a consensus on the priority areas to
be improved. Lessons learnt from previous business process modelling initiatives
indicate that the effort should initially focus on a small number of high priority areas
that will add the greatest value. The priority areas identified included
communications, estimating and tendering, materials and sub-contract procurement,
and business development. The steering committee then developed and approved a
plan that established the goals of the project and a schedule to complete the initiative
within two years.