Projects are the bread and butter of A&E firms and well executed ones are an absolute necessity to remain competitive. Based on the results of the 41^st Annual Deltek Clarity Report, A&E firms are aware of the need for project management responsibilities to be more clearly defined. Project information processes must be improved and there should be more investment in project manager (PM) training. Additionally, PMs require more visibility into KPIs to meet performance expectations. Here are some snippets from this year’s report.

Project Management Challenges

The 41^st Deltek Clarity Report showed the top three project management challenges facing firms to be the same for the third straight year. Those challenges are inexperienced PMs, staff shortages and competing priorities. PMs are at the center of project management, so they need to be better trained and be knowledgeable of firm and industry wide best practices. For firms to deliver successful projects, PMs across all projects should be keenly aware of their responsibilities. They should also become experts in their practice and to bring in other members that complement the team.

Project Status

According to this year’s report, the number of projects that came in on or under budget is slightly higher than last year. With a six-percentage point increase to 72% for architecture firms and high performers coming in with 75% of projects on target or under budget, project status appears positive. Additionally, two-thirds of projects were recorded as being current or ahead of schedule which is up two percentage points from last year. Visibility into project financials and KPIs plus targeted PM training positively impacts project execution.

Tracked KPIs for Project Management

In the survey, and consistent with last year, most A&E firms track profitability (92%) and net revenue (91%). Next is average collection period (87%) and multipliers (80%). The least-tracked KPIs remained on-time delivery, schedule variance and earned value management. The report again indicated, based on these findings, that there was a need for greater project visibility. Increasing efforts to track those KPIs would in fact improve project success, business performance and client satisfaction. In particular, the failure to track schedule variance would be reflected in the percentage of projects determined to be behind schedule.

Measuring Client Satisfaction

Based on the 41^st Deltek Clarity Report, 54% of surveyed firms do measure client satisfaction. The majority of those which are not currently doing so are considering it for the coming year. Engineering firms are more inclined to evaluate client satisfaction, and the larger the business, the more likely it is considered. Of those firms that measure client satisfaction, 58% do so for all projects. Firms use a variety of means such as in person to electronic surveys. While the executive team is usually in charge of contacting clients (50%), large firms rely on the PMs (56%) to monitor client satisfaction. Lastly, firms that do not regularly measure client satisfaction will not be very effective with process improvement.

Well Executed Projects

As seen in the 41^st Annual Deltek Clarity Report, A&E firms understand that improving project management training and providing access to KPIs will lead to improved project performance. Additionally, leveraging tools to streamline project delivery and investing in both PMs and the whole project team will make the process much more efficient. When projects are well executed, clients are likely more satisfied, and firms earn repeat business. This ultimately keeps firms competitive in the A&E industry.

As a Deltek Partner, Full Sail Partners looks forward to networking, teaching, and learning at Deltek Insight each year. However, due to current circumstances, this year’s Deltek Insight conference will be VIRTUAL and held on September 15^th and 16^th. Though the conference will look different as a virtual event, we know it will be a success. You may also notice that the dates are slightly earlier in the year than in years past. One benefit to that is having more time to incorporate new initiatives as 2021 nears. Even if your home or office may not look like a Gaylord resort, you will want to participate in all aspects of this FREE virtual experience. Let’s take a look at some of the incredible reasons why you should attend Deltek Insight this year.

Expand Your Understanding

Deltek’s product line up is beneficial to professional services firms. Technology has truly helped firms continue operations and keep business flowing this year. Deltek products have played a vital role in that. The robust systems can streamline processes and increase efficiency for your teams. Conference sessions will help you better understand the many areas of Deltek. In addition, you will learn about many exciting features as firms upgrade from Deltek Vision to Vantagepoint and as Deltek enhances other products.

You will have ample opportunities to meet with Deltek experts throughout the conference. In addition, our experts at Full Sail Partners will be available at our virtual kiosk. We will have Rick Childs, Scott Seal, Scott Gailhouse and more to answer your questions about the finance side of Deltek; Kevin Hebblethwaite and Lindsay Diven will be online to cover CRM topics; and Rana Blair will have Resource Planning covered! Additionally, if you have questions about the transition from Deltek Vision to Vantagepoint, we have that covered as well.

If you need a little more help with a certain area, you can meet with a Deltek expert who can assist you. “Meet the Experts” is a 30-minute 1 on 1 session with a Deltek expert. These meetings are first come first serve and the slots fill up fast. Getting one on one expert advice provides new insight on your products and is another great reason to participate in Deltek Insight. For more information about these sessions click here.

Be Inspired

Deltek has secured some strong keynote speakers. As our business environments shift, you will want to hear the experiences and advice of Dr. Shirley Davis, Mike Robbins, and Mike Corkery. Here is a little about each:

• Shirley Davis is a diversity & inclusion thought leader who will talk about embracing workplace diversity. She will share tips on how to work effectively in a diverse environment and manage workplace conflict.
• Mike Robbins, host of this year’s Deltek Insight, will take the reign on navigating attendees through Deltek’s first-ever virtual Insight. He will also share his perspective on managing stress and enhancing mental and emotional well-being.
• Mike Corkery, President and CEO of Deltek, will speak about persevering through uncertainty. He will share how Deltek has enabled customers to continue their success and address questions from attendees.

Network the 2020 Way

Everyone has had a different business experience than originally planned for 2020. Learn from each other and grow your skillsets as you talk with industry peers. Sponsors will have virtual kiosks so be sure to stop by each one! Be on the lookout for other networking opportunities as Deltek Insight nears.

One way to get some visibility is to shine on Deltek Project Nation’s Got Talent. This attendee participation event gives you the microphone and an opportunity to showcase your skills for a chance to win a $2,500 cash prize plus a $2,500 donation to a Deltek charity of your choice. Bring your talent on this one - singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, and more! Submission deadline is August 21^st, so get your acts in!

Register Now for Deltek Insight 2020

There’s so much to look forward to with this year’s virtual Deltek Insight. Be sure to register NOW for this FREE event! You can network with industry users, learn from the experts, collaborate with peers, and get a stronger grip on the Deltek ecosystem.

While many consider satisfied clients to be the most important factor for a business to be successful, they often overlook the significant contribution that satisfied employees make to the bottom line. Employees need to feel that they are not only a part of the process but see their efforts result in positive results. If employees are left in the dark regarding firm strategies and outcomes, they are more likely to just go through the motions in their jobs rather than be engaged. The best way to make sure your staff is engaged and therefore motivated towards firm success is to set goals. Let’s see what this entails.

Set Clear Expectations

If employees know what they are expected to achieve in their roles, they will be more inclined to work hard. When you clearly state goals and explain the strategic direction your team will be taking, you provide needed guidance which forms a connection. The individual employee goals established should be aligned with the overall firm goals whether short-term or long-term. Short-term goals work particularly well as the results can be more quickly seen by both employees and managers and provide a way to offer more continuous feedback ensuring employee engagement.

Stay SMART

In identifying particular objectives, it is best to be SMART about them. The guidelines for setting goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time bound. A specific goal should address what is to be accomplished and what resources are involved. A measurable goal looks at when it will be accomplished while achievable focuses on how realistic the goal is. A relevant goal decides if it is timed correctly and if it meets a firm’s current needs. Finally, time bound establishes when the goal should be met. Goal milestones should be set to hold employees and teams accountable, and there should be a way to track the goals using a talent management system like Deltek Talent.

Recognize Employee Impact

Employees want to see how their contributions impact their team and their firm overall, and it is easy to become disillusioned when they cannot see the end result of their actions. With a tracking system in place, managers can show employees what they have accomplished, and employees can understand how their meeting of goals benefits the company at present and down the line. When you recognize the efforts of employees, they feel like they are part of firm success and will be motivated to continue these efforts.

Put a Goal System in Place

Employee engagement is necessary for the success of your firm and setting of goals is the best pathway to ensure such engagement. This way, employees will be informed of their expectations and given an opportunity to show what they can accomplish. Tracking these goals with a talent management system like Deltek Talent will keep employee goals aligned with firm goals and provide a way for employees to see their contributions to firm growth. Put a goal system in place today.