Strategic Planning
Municipal Government Quality Services Initiative
PROJECT PURPOSE
A Business Unit within the Municipal Government was directed by Council to initiate activities to become self-sustained. To do so, it was necessary for the Business Unit to establish a reserve fund at appropriate levels so as to ensure its future sustainability.
AULD & COMPANY’S ROLE
Auld & Company assisted the Business Unit in becoming self-sustaining by performing an in-depth review of its current fee structure. After careful strategic benchmarking and category analysis, recommendations for improving the fee process were made. Auld & Company supported the Business Unit in a strategic re-planning effort designed to ensure a targeted focus on maintaining and improving customer service quality. Auld & Company also developed a Reserve Fund Report that outlined the principles necessary to ensure the Business Unit can operate with future financial sustainability, without any tax-based support.
STRATEGIC PLANNING FOCUS
Auld & Company’s strategic planning resulted in a detailed three pronged approach to the required redesign. Once the initial strategizing was complete, Auld & Company assisted the client by:
researching current fee structure and establishing a redesigned structure,
developing internal efficiencies and innovative service delivery channels, and
restructuring the organization to create capacity to manage fluctuating costs.
Auld & Company worked with the client to streamline activities, standardize processes, establish procedures and form a strategic partnership with private industry. Doing so enabled the client to increase efficiency and competitiveness by taking a business-like approach when formulating strategy.
PROJECT RESULTS
The Business Unit achieved its primary reserve fund goal of $15 million within two years which allowed for substantial re-investment into such areas as E-Commerce. As a result, our client has successfully become self-sustained.
Business Development for New Venture in Sports & Recreation Industry
PROJECT PURPOSE
Auld & Company has an ownership stake and consulting engagement with a start-up organization that is attempting to create a niche market-place for goaltender training and development. The project will require significant business case development and operational focus to build up to 17 regions in North America, each with their own facilities.
AULD & COMPANY’S ROLE
Auld & Company developed a comprehensive financial model to assess financing requirements and regional cash flows for the next five years. In addition, a strategy was both formulated and implemented to raise capital for this new venture initiative. Auld & Company aided the client in crafting a marketing plan to strengthen the firm’s brand, establishing an entry and growth plan (to help the client strategically pursue opportunities), and designing a manufacturing and development plan. Additionally, Auld & Company will initially manage the operations of the first regions developed.
STRATEGIC PLANNING FOCUS
Significant strategic planning has been undertaken to determine a sustainable and standard approach for each region to operate within. Auld & Company has strategically determined the objectives for kicking off this business initiative; has defined and refined these objectives in order to select the best course of action; has coordinated resources to execute the game plan; and regularly monitors and measures progress to ensure these objectives are being met.
PROJECT RESULTS
To date, the organization has attracted numerous investors and stakeholders interested in managing a region, with multi-millions of dollars raised. Financial controls have been developed for the organization to manage their growth and meet its strategic objectives.
Portfolio Management for a Municipal Government Business Unit
PROJECT PURPOSE
A Cost Recovery Initiative and Quality Services Initiative lead a Business Unit to recognize its need for establishing a coordinated approach to business improvements and future initiatives.
AULD & COMPANY’S ROLE
Auld & Company assisted the Business Unit in the development of a Program Management Office (PMO), including establishment of a project and program management system in alignment with Corporate direction. Auld & Company supported the PMO in developing a coordinated approach to better manage business improvements and future initiatives. Auld & Company also created a PMO training package and provided training to Business Unit staff.
PORTOFLIO MANAGEMENT FOCUS
Auld & Company assisted with the vision, strategic plan and strategic objectives put forth by the management team. Auld & Company then assisted with the identification, categorization, evaluation, selection, prioritization, associated balancing and resulting authorization required. This allowed the appropriate staff to engage in the implementation of the project. Doing so enabled the client to achieve a significant change in culture to a portfolio management approach and development of intellectual capital.
PROJECT RESULTS
Our client’s Program Management Office was successfully established in 2004 and has assisted in the coordination, reporting and tracking of 86 projects (to date). The PMO system includes a series of tools that have assisted project teams in successfully achieving high impact results for the Business Unit. Auld & Company is currently analyzing the benefits associated with transitioning the PMO to a new model, the Performance Support Office.
Project Prioritization Initiative for Municipal Government Business Unit
PROJECT PURPOSE
To effectively prioritize all initiatives, programs and projects for five divisions within a Municipal Government Business Unit.
AULD & COMPANY’S ROLE
Auld & Company will assist the Business Unit in its project prioritization planning by ensuring that the projects being prioritized align to the strategic objectives of the Business Unit as well as the Corporation; that the resources are fairly distributed; and that the prioritization is performed by the management team.
PORTOFLIO MANAGEMENT FOCUS
Auld & Company will manage the prioritization of the Business Unit’s portfolio of projects and programs. Portfolio Management will focus on achieving the strategic plan of the Business Unit by meeting its objectives and goals. Auld & Company will assist with the identification, categorization, evaluation, selection, prioritization, associated balancing and authorization of the Business Unit’s portfolio.
PROJECT RESULTS
The Business Unit has successfully identified, categorized and evaluated the projects of all five divisions. Pre-prioritization has been completed and the prioritization phase is currently underway.
