Welcome back to our series on the OPTIMA framework for construction innovation. In Part 1, we introduced the framework and explored the importance of clear objectives and the right people. Now, let’s dive into the next two elements: Targeted outcomes and Integrated processes

Recap of OPTIMA

As a quick reminder, OPTIMA stands for:

  • O: Objective
  • P: People
  • T: Targeted outcomes
  • I: Integrated processes
  • M: Modern tools
  • A: Accurate measurement

Today, we’ll focus on the ‘T’ and ‘I’ of this powerful framework.

 

Targeted Outcomes: The Key to Measurable Success

Targeted outcomes are specific, measurable results that indicate you’ve achieved your objective. They’re the signposts that tell you you’re on the right track.

Todd Wynne emphasises the importance of clear outcomes:

“We put a lot of focus and investment around alignment of what is it that we’re really trying to achieve? What is our MIT? We call that our most important thing. And then let’s obsess around how we solve that problem

This approach ensures everyone is working towards the same goal. But how do you set these targeted outcomes?

 

 

Setting Clear, Achievable Goals

When defining your targeted outcomes:

  • Be specific: “Improve efficiency” is vague. “Reduce project completion time by 15%” is specific.
  • Make it measurable: You should be able to quantify your progress.
  • Align with your objective: Every outcome should directly contribute to your main goal.
  • Make it time-bound: Set a deadline to create urgency and focus.

 

Here’s a real-world example from Todd:

“At Rogers O’Brien, the projects that we’ve analysed over the last five years have not gone well, 60% of those were schedule related. So that then was a great data informed insight that has now made us start to say, okay, well, we need to optimise or do better in the way we do scheduling at RO.“

This data-driven approach led to targeted outcomes focused on improving scheduling processes.

 

Integrated Processes: Aligning Innovation with Existing Workflows

Once you have your targeted outcomes, you need to integrate new processes into your existing workflows. This is often where innovation efforts stumble.

Todd explains:

“You can’t change people. You can’t. It’s impossible to change people, but you can change something. You can change their environment. And we’re all products of our environment.

This insight is crucial when integrating new processes. Instead of forcing change, focus on creating an environment that supports innovation.

 

Strategies for Successful Integration

  • Involve key stakeholders: Get input from those who will use the new processes.
  • Start small: Begin with pilot projects to test and refine your approach.
  • Provide training: Ensure everyone understands the new processes and their benefits.
  • Continuously improve: Regularly review and adjust your processes based on feedback and results.

 

Todd shares an example of how Rogers O’Brien integrated a new process:

“We’ve even innovated our org structure around scheduling. Scheduling now lives under my domain. We’ve pulled it out of operations. And we’re even creating new people and processes around that we hope will have a positive lagging result over the coming years.”

 

The Interplay Between Outcomes and Processes

Targeted outcomes and integrated processes work hand in hand. Your outcomes guide your process changes, while your processes help you achieve your outcomes.

“We know by investing in these leading indicators, we know that we’ll have more predictability in the lagging. So it’s not saying, OK, this cost us a ton. Like I’ll give you an example. I’ll give you a vulnerable example. At Rogers O’Brien, the projects that we’ve analysed over the last five years, have not gone well, 60% of those were schedule related,” Todd explains. 

By focusing on the leading indicator (scheduling processes), Rogers O’Brien aims to improve the lagging indicator (project success rates).

 

Conclusion

Targeted outcomes and integrated processes are crucial elements of the OPTIMA framework. They provide direction and structure to your innovation efforts. By setting clear goals and carefully integrating new processes, you increase your chances of successful innovation.

In our final installment, we’ll explore the last two elements of OPTIMA: Modern tools and Accurate measurement. We’ll also look at how all these elements work together to drive innovation in construction.