BSR Solutions was selected by the Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) to undertake a review, and provide recommendations for a Research and Development Project Management System, including analysis of available PMS solutions in the market meeting the business requirements of DPI.
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Agriculture is responsible for managing the research and development project information for DPI. This includes detailed project information, budget and deliverables for research and development projects undertaken by DPI Agriculture, Fisheries, Forestry and Biosecurity.
The R&D data and information is used to:
- Report on DPI performance for NSW Government policy and DPI Strategic Plan reporting;
- Inform decision-making on R&D priorities and cumulative reporting by the DPI Agriculture Investment Panel;
- Inform branch decisions on forward R&D planning; and
- Provide project managers and researchers with regular reports to enable projects to be managed to quality, budget and time requirements.
DPI Agriculture used the Clarity Project Management System to capture, manage and develop reports of DPI R&D investment. This system was implemented in 2010 and has received limited maintenance since that time and is now superseded by several versions of the software. It was considered inadequate to address the current and evolving DPI Agriculture responsibilities.
BSR conducted extensive consultation with Research Directors, Project managers and Administrative Support personnel across the portfolio of some 980 projects in the four Agencies. Recommendations for improvement to policies and processes, in addition to specific PMS solutions were provided to DPI executive. The Department has completed the process of replacing the existing solution and is also reviewing the support function, roles and responsibilities of all functional groups involved.