Developing and Implementing Insurance Software
Shawn O'Rourke
Former Account Executive at Electronic Data Systems (EDS). Current Vice President Business Applications at UnumProvident Life Insurance Companies
At EDS, Shawn O'Rourke worked for Fred Englert on a project to develop and implement a property and casualty insurance software product that handled both automotive and homeowners' insurance lines. Fred was brought into the project midstream to handle difficulties and solve problems that had developed. He took over the role of "program manager" managing multiple projects underway concurrently.
"Fred brought a level of energy and creativity to the project that didn't exist before. He is also very versatile: He can get right down and work on the front line with people or talk with high level people when there are problems or questions.
He brought an atmosphere of partnership to the project and allowed us to work as a team. Fred is extremely detail oriented, and on this project, there were a ton of moving parts. He had a view of all of them and all of us. He knew if all the parts and people didn't succeed, none of us would succeed.
In my career, the projects I've seen succeed have two key hallmarks. One is a commitment to the project management process and deliveries. The other is an understanding of the value of project management on the senior level. A program management office or program manager captures both hallmarks. They maintain the focus on project management and without that, I've seen many large-scale projects fail. Fred has that focus.
Project management is important because you can improve what you can measure. As you go through a project, you must measure what you are delivering, or you may get to the end of the project and find you have nothing to deliver. Without project management, success is haphazard."
