London Life Insurance Company is a life insurance company founded in 1874 by the patriarch of the Ivey family, in London, Ontario. London Life has Group (benefits, pensions) and Individual Life (insurance and pensions) and Investments divisions. Best known for its "Freedom 55" slogan, evocative of saving money to an extent that would allow one to retire at age 55, the company reportedly had assets under management of $40 billion (Canadian funds) as at December 31, 2004, and 1.9 million participating life insurance policies. London Life is now a subsidiary of the Great-West Life Assurance Company.

Project Summary

As a Project Management Consultant, conducted Project Management training sessions for London Life staff on project management skills and project participant responsibilities.

Background

A number of IT projects were missing targets (late or over budget) and the trend indicated a need to upgrade Project Management skills for a number of individuals that had recently been promoted to project management responsibility level.

Requirement

Provide education, training and coaching on Project Management techniques to improve project performance and recover control of projects in progress.

Approach

• Meet with LL senior management to agree Terms of Reference and scope.
• Interview all project managers and team leaders to determine current practices and determine priorities, focus and exercises required.
• Define a program of courses, coaching, mentoring and monitoring. Tailor Project Management courses to address areas of particular weaknesses.
• Conduct courses and workshops. Review project plans as case studies.
• Set schedule of coaching meetings. Monitor project progress over six month duration to successful end of program.