Part VI: Implementation Guide
This section provides practical guidance for implementing OCM capability in your organization, including roadmaps, best practices, lessons learned, and guidance for continuous improvement.
Overview
Knowing OCM theory is not the same as implementing it effectively. This section bridges theory and practice:
- Chapter 17: Implementation Roadmap - A phased approach to establishing OCM capability
- Chapter 18: Best Practices and Common Pitfalls - Lessons learned from successful and failed OCM initiatives
- Chapter 19: Moving Forward with Continuous Improvement - Sustaining and advancing OCM practice
Starting Your OCM Journey
Whether you’re:
- Starting from scratch with no formal OCM practice
- Improving existing ad-hoc OCM activities
- Optimizing mature OCM capabilities
This section provides relevant guidance for your situation.
Implementation Approaches
Organizations typically follow one of three approaches:
| Approach | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Big Bang | Implement full OCM framework at once | Large organizations with resources |
| Phased | Roll out OCM capabilities incrementally | Most organizations |
| Pilot | Prove OCM value on select projects first | Organizations needing to build support |
Success Factors for Implementation
Chapter 17’s roadmap emphasizes:
- Executive sponsorship for OCM capability building
- Quick wins to demonstrate value early
- Skill development for OCM practitioners
- Tool and template standardization
- Metrics that prove OCM contribution to project success
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Chapter 18 catalogs the most common mistakes organizations make when implementing OCM, including:
- Treating OCM as optional or “nice to have”
- Starting OCM too late in project lifecycle
- Under-resourcing OCM activities
- Failing to engage sponsors effectively
- Measuring activity instead of outcomes