Why is your project important? What goals are to be achieved? Who will subsequently be responsible for the improved process? These and other questions are asked at the start of the guide used by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to structure key ThyssenKrupp best projects. “It’s about concentrating on what is important from the outset,” says Norbert Schulz. He is responsible for process improvements at ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and one of several internal coaches on this subject. They support the project managers throughout the term of the project on questions of methodology - the second tool alongside the guide used to secure the success of projects.

Focus on practical work
Before a project is launched, a definition workshop is held in which the internal project initiator and the project manager develop a project outline in association with the coach. In this workshop all key questions must be fully answered so that the project can proceed to the next stage, i.e. presentation to the management. The management then decides whether and when a project will be initiated. After this the project can be implemented over a maximum term of three months. Schulz: “By defining clear targets and customer requirements, assessing risks and involving all those concerned from the outset, we can meet this tight schedule.”

Another key factor is maintaining a close focus on practical work. The project managers are trained for their role directly “on the job”. They are trained in moderation and discussion techniques as well as in methodology, “to the exact extent required by the project,” says Schulz.

“Useful framework”
Four projects were completed on this basis at Blohm + Voss in the first three months of this year: Standardization of the placement of welding orders in yacht building headed by Jens Keil; Controlling of contractor services under Imke Kahl; Establishment of costing skills in production under Jörg Glimm; Development of standard processes for special yacht components under Martin Pree. Schulz: “The goals defined for the project term have been achieved, the aim now is to sustain this achievement.” To help with this, the coaches will continue to support those responsible up to the end of the year. The project managers like the strict organization: “It provides a tight but useful framework. You know where you stand at all times,” says Martin Pree. “The coaching is important to ensure you stay on track and plan and conduct discussions efficiently,” adds Imke Kahl. Jörg Glimm feels the same way: “The coaches ease the project managers’ workload considerably. I also found the two-day moderator training very helpful.” Jens Keil sums everything up: “This method makes it possible to address extensive topics and find good solutions in a relatively short time.”