Release date: October 2023

This month we take a quick look at the role of a Project Management Office (PMO).

The PMO is a dedicated team or function that creates and maintains Project Management Methodology and standards, including project governance, assurance and review, for the organisation. 

A basic PMO may provide a range of services such as documenting project's status, monitoring project timelines and data analytics, which can allow teams to complete projects on time and within a set budget. A more advanced PMO may act as a centre of excellence and cover elements like project selection and prioritisation aligned to the organisation’s strategic objectives, capacity and resource planning, risk profiling, scenario planning, audit, compliance and knowledge management etc.

A PMO can operate at a project, functional, or organisational level. Its remit can also vary depending on the needs and culture of the organisation. Three common types of PMO are Directive, Supportive and Controlling. The differentiating features of these will be discussed in a future update. However, if you are thinking of introducing a PMO in your business, it's important to choose the right type for your objectives.

Do any of the following sound familiar; poor project governance, no standardisation during the delivery of projects, project delay and cost over-runs, lack of data transparency, and poor customer feedback. If so, then implementing a PMO may be the answer to solving the problem.

Email us if you would like to have a more in-depth insight into creating a high performing PMO in your organisation and we’d be happy to arrange a call to discuss.

Release date: September 2023

The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) is upon us. Before we delve into the detail, let us look back in history to understand how we got to where we are today:

• First industrial revolution – (circa 1784) the introduction of mechanical production facilities with the help of water and steam. (e.g Mechanical looms etc).
• Second industrial revolution – (circa 1870) the introduction of divisions of labour, mass production and automated lines with the help of electricity and advancement in transport.
• Third industrial revolution – (circa 1969) the introduction of nuclear energy, electronics, IT systems and the internet.
• Fourth industrial revolution – (circa 2013) seamlessly interconnects the digital and real world.

Industry commentators predict that the speed of change associated with Industry 4.0 technology will allow innovation to increase exponentially. 10 Years on from its inception in 2013, the adoption of Industry 4.0 within SME’s is still within its infancy. Why is this? Well, for a long time these new innovative technologies and applications where reserved for large organisations with big budgets.

The good news is that we have now reached an economic tipping point that will allow everyone to benefit from the numerous Industry 4.0 solutions that have been developed. That said, many SMEs are still reluctant to introduce these emerging technologies into their business due to the lack of a digital strategy.

K2i’s focus in this space is currently around how Industry 4.0 technologies associated with “The internet of things, systems integration and the use of big data analytics” can create value to improve our business performance and facilitate business growth for our customers – particularly in the areas of project delivery, process optimisation and team integration.

Embarking on a new digital strategy should not be taken lightly and it is wise to seek the advice of subject matter experts before implementing changes to existing systems. However, there is a huge opportunity for SME early adopters to gain a competitive edge if they get it right.

The fourth Industrial Revolution is here - are you ready?

Contact us if you would like to discuss how we can help you develop your digital strategy, and we are happy to share our lessons learnt, so you avoid the pitfalls that we made on our journey.

Release date: July 2023

It’s not every day that you look out of your window and see an international fleet of Tall Ships berthed adjacent to the K2i office.

In July 2023 Hartlepool welcomed the Tall Ships Race for the second time. Hartlepool first hosted the Tall Ships fleet in 2010 when they berthed at Hartlepool Marina and Victoria dock. It was reported that 2010 visitor numbers exceeded 900,00 people over a five-day period.

This year’s race will see the international fleet of Tall Ships and Small Ships return to Den Helder, Hartlepool, Fredrikstad, Lerwick and Arendal.

The event combines four days of activities in each port with racing or cruising-in-company between ports. During the race series, the crews get the chance to gain new skills and experience by sailing with people from other countries. The event is also a fantastic opportunity to boost the local economy and put Hartlepool firmly on the national and international map.

Well done to all the organisers, volunteers and thousands of visitors for making the event the success that it was!

Release date: June 2023.

None of us are good at seeing ourselves as others see us. We all need people who can give us constructive feedback and offer an alternative perspective. That's how we improve!

A characteristic common with high performing individuals, from executives through to business professionals and athletes is the fact that they all have a coach. This is how they can keep their competitive edge! 

In an inspiring TED Talk, author and surgeon Atul Gawande provides a powerful personal insight into how coaching helps professionals get better at what they do.  He speaks about how even the highest-level professionals need a coach because often we don't recognise the hurdles and obstacles in our way to allow us to progress. He speaks passionately about his own experience of hiring a coach and the benefits that it brought him to advance his surgical skills.

If this post has sparked your interest about the benefits of 1:1 executive coaching feel free to send us an email at enquiries@k2i.co.uk and we'll try to answer whatever questions you may have, or visit our website at www.k2i.co.uk for more details.

Release date: May 2023.

We are pleased to share that K2i have been appointed to provide management consultancy and advisory services to Logic-i.

Logic-i are a leading ‘Project Controls’ service provider within the energy, utility and construction sectors across the UK and Europe. Their service offering is uniquely positioned to provide either a seamless and fully integrated service solution or deploy project control professionals into an existing customer team to provide support.

K2i will support the executive team of Logic-I in the development and implementation of their strategic plan to build organisational capability and facilitate business growth.