Digital Transformation Project Review Report

Introduction

Over the past three years, AusIMM has significantly modernised the organisation through its investment in a Digital Transformation (DT) project. With a phase of the project concluding in 2021 and in line with our commitment to continuous improvement and good governance, the AusIMM Board instigated an external, independent review of the DT project.

Through member engagements (in particular our 2021 AGM, 2021 Regional Congress Series and regular Community of Interest leader updates), the material nature of and outcomes from AusIMM’s investment (exceeding $3m) in the DT project has been communicated. Considering the scale and importance of this investment, the Board considers it important to review the project at an appropriate level of rigor and share key outcomes with our members.

Review process and outcomes

Global professional services company, PwC, was engaged to undertake the independent review in Q4, 2021. Six areas of focus formed the basis of the review, including: project management; program expenditure; program governance, program value, organisational impact and return on investment.

Following a desktop review and interviews with a selection of AusIMM staff, Board directors and members, PwC prepared a report for the AusIMM Board, including findings, lessons learned and key recommendations.

The following provides a summary of key outcomes with respect to the value and organisational impact of the project, linked to the areas of focus and review scope:

• There has been significant improvement in the AusIMM’s financial position and performance since 2017, when the project commenced, indicating that many of the DT project outputs have had a significantly positive impact on the long-term sustainability of AusIMM.
• The DT project built solid foundations for AusIMM to be more contemporary, with a stronger brand presence; and it significantly uplifted AusIMM’s organisational digital maturity.
• New capabilities have been developed, including the digital delivery of online courses, generating new revenue streams for AusIMM.
• The implementation of the DT project enabled AusIMM to quickly adapt its products and services to online delivery near the start of the pandemic and continue to engage with and provide services to members.
• The project has transformed several of AusIMM’s systems and internal processes as well as delivering an enhanced member experience.

The Board and management team acknowledge that some processes could have been managed better. The review identified several areas for improvement for AusIMM to take forward to future projects:

• Improve the upfront project planning phase to identify a range of success metrics including non-financial measures and provide a clearer project budget incorporating project delivery risks (and / or contingencies).
• Deliver consistent and clear communications with members and other stakeholders as part of a more robust stakeholder engagement plan to help clarify project scope, progress and outcomes.
• Establish stronger program governance and oversight structures at the project’s commencement (noting these were developed as the project matured).
• Strengthen reporting of overall project forecast costs to complete (outside of scope and cost updates provided and annual budgeting processes).

The report includes a series of recommendations to assist AusIMM to learn, improve and guide its processes for any future significant projects that it may undertake. These recommendations have been accepted by the Board.

A key recommendation is for AusIMM to continue to invest in its digital program of works (at least 10% of overall project budget i.e. $300,000 per annum) to enable technology to remain current and deliver high member value through our digital offerings.

Forward program

Over the next 12 months, AusIMM digital programs will continue to develop enhanced member management systems, including updated renewals, dashboards and enhanced systems for partnerships, sponsorships and events management. Also ongoing are improvements to our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system as well as our Content Management System (CMS - website) to support an enhanced and personalised online experience. Key deliverables to support the careers of our members will be the further expansion of online professional development offerings and AusIMM’s digital library.