Micro Planning International Asia Pacific Pty Ltd (“MPI”)

MPI is the Asia Pacific partner of Micro Planning International Inc and experienced Australian/NZ management consultants who are internationally recognized authorities on project management processes and systems.

An industry leader in end-to-end project management

MPI offers a complete range of project management services, expertise and proprietary methodologies. We offer a full spectrum of consulting and instructional services, all designed to help you invest efficiently in projects and turn opportunities into valuable resources.

Resource Center

With a full range of services and access to an entire staff of experienced project management specialists, MPI is the resource center you can count on to dramatically improve project performance.

Training from Micro Planning International Asia Pacific Pty Ltd

MPI has provided project management training to more than 2,000 professionals from 6 countries. Our training classes can be either held at our own facilities or yours, and our custom training programs can be conducted at the location of your choice.

What we offer

MPI can move your company forward through Scenario Analysis, Risk, Program and Project Management consulting, product, training, and/or contract services. Do you have a list of critical business initiatives or projects that absolutely must get done to succeed in the marketplace? Most companies know what those “hot projects” are, but lack the tools, methods and skilled resources for getting them done.

MPI provides Scenario Analysis, Risk, Project and Program Management Products and Services to get — and keep — your company going! We can train your staff in what they need to know to be practical and successful Business, Risk, Project and Program professionals with proven courses for practical success.

MPI provides Scenario Analysis, Risk, Project and Program Management resources on a contract basis, working under your direction with MPI’s training, methods and tools.

MPI can outsource your whole project to minimise any impact on your organisation which allows you to focus on your core business.

Background

Micro Planning International Asia Pacific Pty Ltd is a specialist ‘Project Management’ company with over 30 years of practical experience gained working with clients around the world. $Billions of projects have been delivered “On Time and On Budget” using MPI’s unique range of software and services. They have been tested and honed over the years to provide clients with the best possible combination of power, flexibility and ease of use.

History

The MPI group was founded in the UK in 1978. MPI’s USA office was opened in 1984 followed by our Australian business in 1987. We also have offices in Germany and New Zealand. One of the original founders is still actively involved with the day to day running of the three companies.

MPI released the first project management software for the Apple II personal computer in 1979. Later, we were the first company to release a GUI project management system (for the Macintosh in 1984) followed by the first cross platform compatible system (“Version 6″ for Windows and Macintosh) in 1988. Our first DOS version was released in 1982 with the development continuing until now.

Today, Micro Planner’s quality makes it the premier system for Macintosh, and Windows.

Clients & Industries

MPI’s skills are focused on enhancing our clients time, resource and schedule control capabilities. We deliver the appropriate combination of skills, training, software and methodology. MPI’s software systems and services are scaled to meet the needs of every individual client including…

  • Major Engineering & Defence Contractors
  • Software Developers & IT Organizations
  • High-Tech & Aerospace Companies
  • Small & Large Construction Firms
  • Individual & Professional Consultancies.

MPI Methodologies

5-STEPS:
Five Steps To Ensure Project Success is the distillation of 30 years experience assisting sophisticated clients. 5-STEPS is designed to enhance the planning, control and delivery of individual projects within matrix organizations.

OPM

Organizational Project Management builds on the unique features of Micro Planner to facilitate the integration of multiple projects. Project data is communicated both laterally and hierarchically to optimise corporate outcomes.

The Project Office

Provides major corporations with the skills base required to manage the array of projects in progress within their organization.

Expertise

Effective project management delivers the framework within which people can combine their talents and work towards achieving common goals. MPI’s systems and services enhance the ability of business to harness the skills of their staff to, plan and track projects, spot new opportunities, reshape services and seize the competitive advantage.

Software

MPI’s award winning range of software is based on a common philosophy. We aim to allow people to choose the level of software sophistication, and the computer platform, best suited to their needs.
Giving people the chance to move up the Micro Planner facility range as their confidence and requirements increase.
The software encourages organizations to develop a multi-level project management system designed to hand control to the people responsible for completing the work.
The integrated Micro Planner project management tools allows the communication of vital project data in both lateral and hierarchical directions between different levels of software, different computer platforms and different sections of management.

Consultancy

Our “on site” consultancy services are designed to provide value added support to the client`s “in-house” project team. The level of assistance offered by MPI is tailored to meet the specific requirements of each client.

Training

MPI trainers conduct a wide range of courses teaching basic and advanced project management techniques, MPI’s operating methodologies, the features of our software and its effective implementation and use.

Support

All of MPI’s clients have access to our full range of support services. Our experienced Project Managers assist callers with practical project advice as well as providing effective software support.

Objectives

MPI’s business is dedicated to making our clients projects function effectively. We only consider ourselves successful when our clients are bringing their projects in “On Time, On Budget and On Micro Planner”.

E.G. Brisbane’s International Terminal building was completed 5 months early. MPI assisted with the delivery of both software and “on-site” consultancy services to the project.

Powerful Software

Philosophy:
The Micro Planner software has been developed using an underlying philosophy that requires  our software to:

  • Be easy to use and operate effectively at a simple level.
  • Integrate with other software via data output using XML. TXT, DIF and CSV formats.
  • Work to recognize standards e.g. AS4817:2006 for Earned Value.

Micro Planner is designed to organize and analyze in a logical way all of the operations which make up a complex project – whatever the project, and in whatever the industry.
Our commitment to quality and the advanced design of our software have consistently achieved international recognition as the industry leader in our field of professional management. For over ten years we were Apple Inc’s Resource Management of Choice.

WBS & Outliner

These features allow the entire project scope to be progressively decomposed into a series of elements, enhancing the understanding of its structure (deliverables) and assisting the input of network logic. After analysis the WBS summarizes cost and performance data.

Network View and Sub projects

The network is the center of Micro Planner’s Critical Path logic. All of the operations that need to be finished to complete the project are arranged in a logical sequence for analysis. Large projects and multi-project analysis benefit from utilizing Sub projects. Each Sub project holds a discrete section of logic. To ensure accurate analysis, any operation in any Sub project can be connected to any other operation in any other Sub project via the use of interfaces events.

Bulk Data Entry

Data can be imported to Micro Planner from almost any source including opening Microsoft Project (MPX) files. Within Micro Planner, data can be copied and pasted (using auto or preset N° prefix’s) or ‘Merged’ from other (Library) files. The Table View is specifically designed for bulk data entry and editing.

Micro Planner calculates the overall project duration, Critical Path and project float values. Time analysis takes into account: durations (time units can be as small as minutes), imposed dates, multiple calendars, work cycles, task types and deadlines. The result is an accurate assessment of how the project will run.

Resources

Resources can be specified as individual people, Teams (e.g. 4 Electricians), Groups (a number of people with the same skill), cash (money), or Pools (material stockpiles). All resources can have their price and availability changed over time, work to nominated calendars and have up to four nominated cost rates.

Easy to Use

Resource Management – Analysis:

Micro Planner has four resource analysis options, early aggregation, late aggregation or resource leveling with, either resources critical (ie analysis delays deadline dates to fit in with resource availability) or deadline critical, (ie analysis overloads resources to meet deadline commitments). Sophisticated controls provide users with a wide range of refinements to optimize analysis outcomes and meet corporate requirements.

Cost Control

Micro Planner provides users with a complete range of cost management reports including ‘S-Curves’ and cost performance reports. Micro Planner calculates standard EVPM and C/SCSC (CS’) ratio’s including BCWS, BCWP, ACWP and Cost Variances. Department of Defence requirements for EVPM and C/SCSC calculations are achieved. The results are exported for formal CSSR and EVPM reporting.

Managing Progress

Time, Resource and Cost performance is monitored at the level of detail appropriate for each project. Based on actual progress to date (Time Now) Micro Planner will calculate the amount of time the project is over running (or under running) target completion dates and update resource requirements, the critical Path and projected completions. Trend and variance reports give management the information needed to maintain control, whilst “Turn-round” reports keep the team working to schedule.

Reporting

Micro Planner’s powerful report writers combine standard options with a wide range of custom features to assist managers with project communications. Report options range from summary and Milestone reports to detail task statements. When linked to Micro Planner’s flexible coding and labeling system accurate, targeted reports can be produced for every team member and contractor. All report formats and options can be stored for reuse within the same project or transferred to others.

Multi Project Integration

Transmitters and receivers allow diverse project files to be automatically linked across LAN’s and WAN’s. Project data can be amalgamated or disseminated within a project or department using Micro Planner’s Merge facility. These unique features allow matrix management to operate effectively whilst at the same time providing department managers with the capability of genuine multi-project resource analysis.

Micro Planner complies with the requirements of AS 2443, AUS(DEF) 5664 (MIL STD 881B) and AUS(DEF) 5655. Continued development ensures compliance with current standards.

Endorsement

All our staff and contractors are individually endorsed by MPI’s Board of Quality Management to operate in the area(s) of his or her specific expertise. Our team members offer clients a range of skills including project management and schedule planning through training and QA to sales and support. The structure of the team ensures continuity of service and back up is available to team members and clients whenever and wherever required.

MPI Services

Consultancy

Each MPI TEAM contains experienced project managers and other resources from a range of backgrounds including IT, Defence, Construction and Government. The form of consultancy offered is varied to meet the specific requirements of each client. Options include:

  • Full planning and monitoring service.
  • Start up planning (preparation of the initial plan only).
  • Tender planning and other peak load relief.
  • Project overviews, etc.

Services offered by the MPI extend beyond basic scheduling requirements to include contract claims advice, project database development, EVPM, Extension of Time claims, and other ancillary services.

Training

Training is customized to meet the specific requirements of each client. The topics covered may include basic and advanced project management (theory & practice) as well as the features and effective use of our software. Training styles can range from standard classroom presentations to specialist one-on-one sessions.

Mentoring

Many smaller clients find mentoring offers better value than formal training. Mentoring sessions usually involve the joint development of a client’s project plan from scratch with the level of assistance from the mentor diminishing as the clients’ skills develop. The major advantage of mentoring is the rapid deployment of a completed project plan.

Sales and Support

All members of MPI’s endorsed sales team have a practical project management background that allows real problems to be identified and resolved during software demonstrations. In most cases, we expect the Team Member who initiates a sale to be the person responsible for supplying the initial mentoring and training requirements of the client’s organization, working in conjunction with MPI’s standard client support services.