"FOCUS" Method
Our FOCUS Method
ACP approaches each project methodically with FOCUS on the clients objectives. It is always important to realize the client's company culture should always be a part of it's success. Our FOCUS approach follows the PMBOK® guide to project management processes. 

When planned and executed properly, FACT- FINDING provides a solid foundation for conducting analyses, forming conclusions, generating options and formulating sound recommendations. The Fact-finding process aligns with the initiating and planning elements of the PMBOK® guide. It involves meeting with stakeholders, researching documents or existing data, interviewing employees and outside resources to develop the scope of the project. The techniques employed will depend on the project or issue under consideration. What is constant across all fact-finding missions is the need for a plan to guide your efforts.


Developing a good fact-finding plan starts with figuring out what you need to know – what information is needed in order to form an evidence-based opinion. The precursors to good fact-finding include scoping the issue and understanding the context within which the issue has arisen, and appreciating the “political” landscape (organizational and personal relationships often play a significant role in shaping objective input) – all of these things can influence the approach you take to any given fact-finding endeavor.

Often as project managers and business analysts, we are expected to dive into a project and start contributing as quickly as possible to make a positive impact. Sometimes the project is already underway. Other times there are vague notions about what the project is or why it exists. We sometimes face ambiguity and it’s our job to clarify the scope, requirements, and business objectives and desired deliverables as quickly as possible.


Taking some time to get oriented will ensure we are not only moving quickly but also able to be an effective contributor on the project.


Our key Objective Analysis responsibilities include:


• Clarifying our role as the business analyst so that we are sure to create deliverables that meet stakeholder needs. 

• Determining the primary stakeholders to engage in defining the project’s business objectives and scope, as well as any subject matter experts, to be consulted early in the project.

• Understanding project histories so you don’t inadvertently repeat work that’s already been done or rehash previously made decisions. Reviewing the lessons learned registers from previous projects is often helpful. 

• Understanding the existing project management information systems and organizational processes to gain clear picture of the current state that needs to change.

In order to lead a successful project, you must create an environment with open communication and trust.  Open communication allows the employees to be more engaged and understand that what they do matters in the success of the business. Making sure the employees understand the big picture and the part they play in the success of the organization will help them understand why decisions are made and how those decisions impact them specifically and the company as a whole.   Effective communication management will lead everyone to be on the same page; moving in the same direction toward the same goal.


Effective communication seems simple, but it does take effort.   When a new project is taken on everyone must also understand their specific roll, as well as, utilize the communication protocol that is put in place. During projects ACP utilizes the needed resources and software for real time collaboration with task accomplishments and project deadlines viewable by stakeholders and team members alike. These communications can be seen and interacted utilizing a any mobile device to track project progress.

Resources are Identified, acquired and managed during the Project resource management knowledge area. Time is money and it is best to plan for effective resource management from the very beginning of projects.  ACP will be able to fully gauge the types and amount of resources your project requires. 



Resource allocation considerations include: Team member availability and geographical location, communication systems available, critical equipment needs, outside vendor schedules and Enterprise environmental factors to name a few. These factors should be considered when planning schedules for the upcoming phases of the project. Projects that run longer than two weeks should be broken down into parts and resources must be assigned and allocated accordingly. ACP  will help determine if a predictive or adaptive life cycle approach is appropriate. 



The first and probably most obvious reason to use a Gantt chart is the ability to affect resources very effectively. With a Gantt chart you will have, at your disposal, a very clear view of all the activities scheduled / how long each activity is scheduled to last / where activities overlap with other activities / and where each resource is needed. ACP  also incorporates agile card view functions to simplify task views for agile team members. 

ACP's key responsibilities include:


During the Solutions and implementation phase, the project plan is put into motion and the work of the project is performed. This phase coincides with the Executing , Monitoring and contralling processes in the PMBOK® guide.  Progress is continuously monitored by ACP and appropriate adjustments are requested, recorded and approved as part of the change request protocol.  In any project, ACP spends most of the time in this step. During project implementation, people are carrying out the tasks, and progress information is being reported in real time with the use of mobile PM software as well as team meetings. ACP uses this information to maintain control over the direction of the project by comparing the progress reports with the project plan to measure the performance of the project activities and take corrective action as needed. 


Throughout this step, project sponsors and other key stakeholders are kept informed of the project’s status according to the agreed-on frequency and format of communication. The plan updates are published on a regular basis. Status reports should always emphasize the anticipated end point in terms of cost, schedule, and quality of deliverables. ACP  reviews each project deliverable for quality and measured against the acceptance criteria.
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