- Foreword and Introduction
- 1: Putting projects in context
- 2: Entity arrangements
- 2.1 Strategic alignment
- 2.2 People and culture
- 2.3 Effective governance
- 2.4 Common APS Requirements
- Summary for entity arrangements
- 3: Individual project proposals
- 3.1 Clarifying the concept
- 3.2 The business case
- 3.3 Approving the project
- Summary for individual projects
- 4: Project implementation
- Appendices
- Quick reference card
PDF version of guide [3.0MB]
PDF of Quick reference card [0.3MB]
Tips for PDF and HTML versions [0.5MB]
Word version of checklists [0.1MB]
Support for independent assurance
Better Practice results: Independent assurance increases the reliability of information for decision-makers, which in turn contributes to a higher project success rate.
A common cause of shortfalls in projects is over-optimism on the likely time, cost and benefits. A related factor is insufficient review of important assumptions. These issues arise, in part, because there can be a tendency to accept some elements of a proposal as given (for example, because they are commonly accepted, or because it is incorrectly believed there has been competent review of the element).
To help address the risk of some planning elements not receiving sufficient review, it is useful for executives with responsibility for projects to periodically obtain independent assurance on the information being provided to them.
To help support independent assurance, it is better practice for entities to foster an environment where independent reviews are valued, conducted openly and sensitively, and are undertaken promptly at the right decision points.
Independent assurance activities can usefully be considered as one element in the spectrum of quality assurance processes for project planning and entity management. The basic steps of quality assurance include processes for internal review and clearance within the planning team. This internal review will usually then be supplemented by reviews and checking by other areas of the entity, such as the Finance, ICT, or Budget area. Another layer of quality assurance can be provided by entity processes such as internal audit and program evaluation activities.
Assurance activities can be arranged in a more timely way if an entity is able to quickly identify and engage suitable resources. One approach is a structured arrangement such as a panel of suitable consultants and pre-prepared contract arrangements. Alternatively the entity could maintain a network of contacts in other entities, and externally, that would allow a suitable resource to be quickly located. In addition, including project assurance activities in the entity’s internal audit work program will allow these activities to be undertaken in a timely manner.
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