Rigor-Testing Helps Gauge the Robustness and Consistency of Roadmaps Prior to Launch

Is the roadmap clearly defined, logically structured, and readily implementable?

• Is ownership and accountability for the roadmap clearly established? Does the ownership structure tie logically to the content of the roadmap?
• Is the roadmap logically disaggregated into regular milestones that are sufficient for review of main actions and progress against plan?
• Are the milestones tangible enough to describe how the roadmap will really be achieved?
• Is the timing and sequencing of milestones logical?
• DO milestones incorporate an executable change plan, including communication, training, and stakeholder engagement?
• Do those executing the initiative feel that they “want to” rather than “have to” be involved?

Are impacts, their sources, timing, and leading indicators clearly identified?

• Are the overall impacts disaggregated into financial and operational impacts and quantified along the timeline (for example, recurring cost reductions and downtime reductions)?
• Do the operational KPIs act sufficiently as lead indicators of subsequent financial-impact delivery? Do they test appropriately for any critical business-case assumptions (for example, cost, yield, or market assumptions)?
• Has the finance department identified all potential recurring and one-time cost implications and confirmed that they are measurable?
• Is the timing of impacts (benefits and costs) consistent with the timing of the milestones with which they are associated?          
• Is revenue uplift thought through in a practical and measurable way?

Are interdependencies and other risks and concerns addressed clearly?

• Would someone from another part of the organization be able to read tie roadmap and understand what to do and what is at risk?
• Are key issues, risks, and interdependencies adequately exposed and addressed in the qualitative roadmap description?
• Who are the key stakeholders for the initiative? Have their concerns and needs been factored in effectively?
• Have key issues, risks, and interdependencies been made explicit in milestone descriptions? Have specific milestones been developed to trigger conversations that assess confidence in delivering against key issues, risks, and interdependencies?
• Does a DICE assessment (BCG’s assessment of a chance of success) predict a favorable outcome for the roadmap?

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