EADS Global Website - Programme Management

The drive to improve programme management gathered pace. Actions included implementing best practice policies across the Group, formalising approaches and developing expert competencies. EADS considers programme management to be a core competency and is aiming to foster a culture of excellence in this field.

Focusing on programme management as a core competency, the Group is enhancing its capabilities in this field, leveraging best practices developed in one area of business to make improvements in others.

In 2010, actions to improve programme management were focused on introducing new policies for solving challenges and training employees in programme management disciplines.

Programme management policies

Targeting specific areas that are critical to the success of programmes, twelve policies for improving programme management were introduced during the year 2010 in areas such as how to allocate resources and decide on leadership of programmes, offer and bid management, and risk management.

The policies outline high-level rules and recommendations, based on Group best practices. Individual businesses started to apply them, and progress will be monitored in 2011.

The policy on programme management organisation, for example, introduces a reference model enabling managers to adapt a proven model to new projects rather than designing entirely new programme structures.
A further policy defines principles for EADS businesses trading with one another, enabling programme managers to spend their time focusing on fundamental technology and engineering tasks, rather than negotiating ad hoc agreements.

Capability development

A330/340 Final Assembly Line, Toulouse

To improve levels of expertise and support the task of identifying and allocating required competencies, a specific programme management career path was initiated during the year. Clearly defined and certified competencies will ensure that programmes are assigned to managers with the appropriate expertise to deal with the specific levels of complexity, risk and challenge.

The first candidates passed through qualification in 2010. Over a hundred are currently training for qualification. From 2012, all programme managers of new programmes at Airbus will progressively need to be certified. The other Divisions will follow.

In total, over 3,000 individuals received training. In most cases, this was training in programme management fundamentals. Approximately 1,000 were taught programme risk and opportunity management. Moreover, 100 programme management executives were trained in dedicated courses at group level and provided support through a network of peers enabling a constructive exchange of experiences.

Supply chain

Improving supply chain management was another area of focus. Work began on a common hub with suppliers. Analysis was conducted into how suppliers can be supported in delivering programmes to specification, by anticipating the difficulties they may have and fostering their development.

Learning from experience, a study is underway into practices that contribute to more successful supplier relationships. There are also plans for evaluating supply chain maturity.