Client Case Study

Panasonic Mobile

“We brought in John Schlicter (OPM Experts LLC) to Panasonic Mobile during a time when we were struggling to introduce project management techniques into our company. John provided an expert diagnosis of the situation, and developed a roadmap for us to take our organization to the next level. We could not have done it without him--and I would recommend John without hesistation. Top qualities: Great results. Personable. Expert.” - Jim Marion, President, Panasonic Mobile

Challenge
Panasonic Mobile is a multi-billion dollar research and development organization in the third-generation (3G) digital wireless and mobile communications industry, continuously pushing the envelope for next generation technologies such as GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA (UMTS), Bluetooth, and GPS. They needed to integrate local PMO's in America, England, and Japan, and the American operation was committed to doubling its capacity to develop new products.

Solution
OPM Experts performed an assessment of the PMO and the entire US research and development operation with input from its UK research and development arm. Included in this was an analysis of the organization's product line strategy and its organization structure. We recommended a new product planning process, a new organization structure, and protocols for project management. When these recommendations were accepted, we orchestrated their implementation.

Results
Panasonic-Wireless formalized its PMO, implemented new project management tools and processes, and was transformed from a functional organization structure into a balanced matrix structure empowering project managers. A new process was implemented for negotiating the product line strategy with the parent company. Executives were aligned regarding strategic objectives, and the organization implemented a robust yet scaleable project delivery methodology. Jim Marion, the President of Panasonic Mobile, said "The actions that resulted from the maturity assessment by OPM Experts transformed our company."