Project recovery & turnaround
Establish the condition of a troubled project and the decisions needed next. We review the evidence, compare recovery options and support an approved reset or controlled close-out.
How we can help
When a project is repeatedly late or over budget, the sponsor needs a dependable account of what is complete, what remains and what further delivery would require. We conduct an independent health assessment that brings together the schedule, cost position, outstanding scope and quality concerns. Differences between reported progress and supporting evidence are made explicit.
The assessment leads to options for the sponsor to consider. These may involve changing scope, resequencing work, revising resources or strengthening oversight. In some circumstances, a controlled close-out also needs consideration. We explain the assumptions, additional commitments and trade-offs behind each option, then support implementation of the course that the authorised decision-makers approve.
When this may be useful
- The project has missed several milestones, and successive revised plans have not explained how remaining work will be completed.
- Reports from the delivery team, suppliers and sponsor give conflicting accounts of cost, progress or quality.
- Leadership needs to decide whether to continue, reduce scope, pause or close a project before committing further resources.
What the work involves
Establish the current position
Review the approved scope, schedules, expenditure information and available delivery records. Discuss progress with relevant parties and distinguish completed, accepted and outstanding work, including uncertainties that need further verification.
Examine causes of difficulty
Trace significant delays and changes through the project records. Consider planning assumptions, dependencies, resources and governance to understand which problems are still affecting delivery and which corrective actions have already been attempted.
Develop recovery options
Prepare practical alternatives with revised scope, sequencing, resource needs and indicative cost implications based on available evidence. Identify the approvals, external dependencies and risks associated with each option so the sponsor can make an informed choice.
Support the approved decision
Translate the selected option into an updated plan, named responsibilities and closer reporting where needed. Support recovery execution or an agreed close-out, with clear records of remaining actions, handovers and decisions.
How the assignment runs
Agree the review
Define the sponsor's immediate decisions, the scope of the assessment and access to the people and records needed.
Assess and compare options
Establish the project position, test explanations against evidence and develop the available courses of action.
Make the reset
Document the sponsor's decision, update the delivery plan and confirm who is accountable for the next actions.
Support follow-through
Review progress against the revised arrangements and bring unresolved decisions or dependencies to the appropriate owner.
What to prepare
These details will help us understand the starting point and agree a useful scope:
- Approved scope, contracts and the latest schedule and budget records
- Progress reports, change records and outstanding quality or acceptance issues
- Sponsor's decision requirements and access to key delivery parties
If some information is still being developed, we can discuss what is available in the first conversation.
Questions about this service.
For anything specific to your organisation, get in touch. We can discuss the requirements before you decide on an engagement.
Can you review a project without replacing its manager?
Yes. An independent review can be scoped as an advisory assignment. Any subsequent role in managing recovery is agreed separately, with clear responsibilities for the existing team and sponsor.
What if important records are missing?
We identify the gaps and use available evidence to establish what can reasonably be concluded. Assumptions and unverified information remain visible in the assessment and in any recovery estimates.
What happens if continuation is no longer justified?
We set out that option and its implications for the sponsor's consideration. If close-out is approved, support can cover the remaining delivery actions, records and handovers within the agreed assignment.
Let’s talk about what you need.
Share a little about your project, the challenge you are facing and where you would like some help.