TOP Ideas

If you compare the Blackberry and iPhone on a features and functions basis there is not that much that tells them apart; yet they are as different as chalk and cheese.

The Blackberry is a phone with a screen.

The iPhone is a screen with a phone.

This difference seems like semantics but betrays the fundamental difference. With the Blackberry, the screen is essentially an output device, displaying what is received or about to be dispatched.

With the iPhone, the screen is whatever the context needs it to be; an email address input screen, a phone number input screen; an email text input screen or movie output screen. Although most of the world hasn’t cottoned-on to it yet, the iPhone has revolutionised phones. (One of my sons, who admittedly works for Apple, cautions me when I refer to my iPhone as ‘a phone’; “it’s a portable computer!” he reminds me; and he is right.)

This seeming similarity yet fundamental difference is what Value Delivery Management is bringing to project delivery.

On the surface, PMBOK, Prince2, MSP, ValIT and other approaches can claim similarities with VDM based on feature and function comparisons; yet they are radically different.

Traditional methodologies approach projects from a cost and control viewpoint.

VDM approaches projects from a business strategy and value viewpoint. The difference is as great as the iPhone difference described above. VDM expands the opportunities to deliver value exponentially. It changes how you think about, deliver and measure projects and their success. It equips and enables the business to lead their own projects. It revolutionises project delivery.

Over the next few weeks the new complete VDM framework and materials will be unveiled. And you’ll have a chance to participate in their development. Watch this space!