Programme and Project Recovery focuses on the structured assessment, stabilisation, and turnaround of troubled programmes and projects that are at risk of failing to deliver their intended outcomes and benefits.

Our recovery engagements provide organisations with an objective, independent view of project health and a clear recommendation on whether a programme or project should be recovered or responsibly terminated.

In our experience, many organisations lack a formal, repeatable methodology for recovering failing initiatives, often resulting in wasted investment, prolonged delays, and diminished benefits.

Project Failure Reality (South African Context)

Our research into project failure within the South African environment revealed that:

• Over 50% of projects fail
• Approximately 10% are terminated
• Around 40% are implemented, but many do not fully realise their intended benefits

This highlights the critical need for early intervention, structured recovery, and decisive governance.

PM Academy brings experienced programme and project management professionals who provide objective assessment, practical recommendations, and hands-on recovery support to get initiatives back on track or to exit them in a controlled, value-protecting manner.

Our 7-Step Programme and Project Recovery Methodology (PPRecovery)

1. Confirm Scope and Contract

We confirm and finalise the Programme or Project Recovery scope, execution approach, governance structure, reporting requirements, and timelines.
 Project Delivery contracts are prepared and formally signed by both parties.

2. Recovery Planning

A Project Charter / Project Initiation Document (PID) is developed, clearly defining the recovery engagement.
 The assessment is aligned to either PMBOK® or PRINCE2®, depending on organisational preference.
 A detailed assessment plan is agreed and formally signed off.

3. Conduct Assessment

Using our 5-step PPINSIGHT methodology, the programme or project is assessed through:

• A review of all relevant documentation
• Interviews with key stakeholders
• Analysis of the current “AS-IS” state versus the intended outputs, outcomes, and benefits

4. Compile Draft Report

A draft assessment report is prepared, including:

• Clear findings and root-cause analysis
• A recommendation to recover or terminate
• A prioritised recovery or termination plan
• Immediate stabilisation actions where required

5. Agree Draft Report

The draft Programme or Project Assessment Report is presented to management for discussion and validation, ensuring:

• Accuracy and relevance of findings
• Executive alignment
• Buy-in to recovery actions or termination recommendations

6. Implement Recovery Plan

Approved recommendations and actions are implemented.
 Progress is monitored through regular reporting to management.
 This phase concludes once defined recovery milestones have been achieved.

7. Handover and Closure

All updated programme or project documentation is formally handed over to the client’s team.
 The recovery engagement is formally closed with clear accountability and ownership established going forward.