Logistics and Operations Management

Problem: The client was working on redesigning the operational processes for managing a series of workshops it conducts for thousands of high school students at different sites throughout the US.  During that work, the client team realized that, due to the complexity of the effort, they needed support in process optimization, and especially in managing the development of software to support the new processes.

Goal: In order to ensure that all the preconditions for a successful workshop series were in place, the client engaged Fitzgerald Analytics to coordinate the overall efforts of the team, and to take the lead in managing a vendor that customized a software package to support the new processes.

Approach:

• Software Development Standards: Our team led the client in applying a Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) management process to ensure that different stages of software development, from structure requirements to system implementation, were executed according to the strict deadline and client priorities.
• Process Optimization: The team highlighted the necessary process maps, the system requirements, and worked with the key stakeholders to develop a system to successfully coordinate the flow of information between the different workshop groups and the head office.

Result: The revised processes supported substantial growth in the size of the community served, at a lower per capita cost than in previous years. The appropriate software was in place on time, and supported the coordination of a larger-than-ever student and volunteer population.