Benefit map analysis

A benefit map, a key feature in benefit realization management, is a tool that helps with the identification of benefits and their criteria in relation to specific organizational goals or objectives.

When there is a potential project or program to be undertaken in an organization, an important question is why it should be implemented. By conducting a benefit map the end document will results in a visual diagram that shows directly what the project or program will contribute and if it is worth the effort. When benefit mapping is carried out, it should be done in a group and with key stakeholders. The chosen stakeholders ought to either have the ability to make impact or have high chance to be impacted by the project. From this the stakeholders get a better overall idea of what the targeted goals are and how they will be reached.

Organization that conducts the process of benefit mapping will not only have a realization of the right benefits for a successful project, those benefits will also provide a measurement of how valuable the project is.

Background

Benefit realisation management (BRM) aims to ensure the implementation of value to organisations. In BRM the processes are divided in three main parts beginning with the identification of benefits, next the execution of benefits, and then the sustain of benefits. BRM has several support tools that can be used to assist in the realization of benefits, and to be able to identify benefits resulting from a change the so called benefit map can be of great help.

Execution

To be able to get the most out of the benefit map a need is to consider the process leading to its creation to get the best possible outcome. A brainstorming process is performed in a so called benefit workshop which includes the input of the key stakeholders of the relevant project.

Benefit Workshop

Groups working on a shared goal with a clear defined objective, tend to be more creative and give a rise to more diverse ideas reaching the surface which results in more broaden thinking than would be the case otherwise. From this opposite views could arise that can be discussed and debated in a constructive manner. The improvement resulted from the outcome of a particular project affects key stakeholders and therefore it is important to include them in the benefit workshop brainstorm.

The benefit workshop should be conducted at the start of a project. The end goal with the implementation of the workshop is to have a developed benefit map that identifies project aims, benefits, organisational changes and enablers.

Aims

The primary purpose of the project is summarised by it aims. For a starting point when it comes to identifying possible benefits, the two following questions should be considered: Why is this project being carried out? and What is the desired accomplishment by going through with the project?

Benefits

For the previous set aims to be reached, a need is to identify the right benefits that are required to be delivered.

The benefits identified can be all from operational benefits to more strategic benefits.

Enablers

Identification of enablers can be done when the project aims and benefits have been established. Enablers are the capabilities, forces, and resources that help to achieve the success of the project.

Changes

Benefits do not occur without organisational changes, therefore to be aware of the aforementioned benefits it is necessary to identify those changes.

In the end of the benefit workshop the stakeholders have a clearer picture of the project with a single visual of the aims and the benefits to achieve them. The organisation responsible for the workshop gets a better overview of what its stakeholders consider to be valuable and their expectations to the project.