• Development of a streamlined project governance structure for greater control and predictability (120+ projects)
• Introduction of a monthly cycle for timely discussions and decision-making
• Simplification of management reports for sharper steering at every level
Together with Vitens, we developed a clear structure for project governance, ensuring progress, risks, and decisions are consistently and timely managed. The result: greater predictability, faster decisions, and better support for project managers.
Stay in Control of Large Capital Projects
Every day, drinking water company Vitens supplies about one billion liters of drinking water to 6 million people and businesses in the provinces of Flevoland, Fryslân, Gelderland, Utrecht, and Overijssel, as well as several municipalities in Drenthe and North Holland. Vitens is working toward a future where everyone has access to sufficient, clean, and reliable drinking water, while minimizing the environmental impact of water extraction, purification, and distribution.
Vitens faces the challenge of successfully delivering an increasing number of large-scale projects. With growing scale and complexity, the need for predictability in project execution has significantly increased. Controlling deviations in terms of money, risk, organization, time, information, and quality is essential for effective steering. Accelerating decision-making processes is also a key priority, enabling projects to be managed more decisively and ensuring project managers feel better supported.
How did we help set up a streamlined project governance structure?
To achieve structural improvement in project performance, we started with a small group of project managers to develop a renewed discussion cycle and project progress reporting based on the principle of giving space to the project manager and having the right conversations. This new approach was extensively tested and evaluated with a group of frontrunners. Based on the insights gained, the setup was further refined and optimized.
What began as a pilot has grown into a structural approach within the Design & Construction department: a monthly governance cycle where progress, risks, and decision points are clearly discussed and promptly escalated so decision-making doesn’t stall but accelerates.
"Together, we developed a clear structure for project and program management that ensures timely and consistent monitoring of progress, risks, and decisions."
The Impact: Simplicity in Reporting, Precision in Steering
A key principle is creating clarity for project managers and ensuring they feel heard. In the renewed reports, we focus on simplification and automation while simultaneously bringing the right information to the surface for managers and executives to steer effectively. This creates both overview and insight at every level and with that, the ability to make timely adjustments where needed.
"Predictability starts with clarity: clear reports, a consistent rhythm, and space for meaningful dialogue ensure everyone is aligned and in control."
