Project Recovery Services! Call 01923 854 873 for details.
The Service Station specializes in Structured
Project Management and the use of Microsoft Project for planning,
scheduling, tracking and communicating project information.
We
provide facilitated workshops for project related events such as
Stakeholder Analysis, Initiation, Planning, Risk Management, End Stage
Assessments, Lessons Learned sessions and Rescue & Recovery services.
What's New
"For Successful Risk Management: Think M_o_R" has been published! The book presents a practical introduction to the Office of Government Commerce's (OGC) publication "Management of Risk: Guidance for Practitioners".
The book was co-authored by Mike Ward of Outperform and John Humphries. Find out more at the OGC website.
John has also produced a short Risk Management article which can be seen at PMFinder.com , a project management recruitment site designed to help put employers directly in touch with UK project staff.
The article prompts you to ask the right questions, get qualified answers and take action!
More News
Risk Management remains a hot topic and bookings for workshops and M_o_R® Foundation and Practitioner classes are indicative of the growing recognition of the importance of this activity.
Microsoft Project is proving ever popular, with in-house courses being delivered countrywide.
MindManager®, the business (mind) mapping system, is now being used in all of our facilitated workshops.
It's one of those products that once used you wonder what you ever did without it!
Click on the logo to learn about MindManager® and download a trial copy, and if you can't do without it, call us for pricing.
We have Certified Trainers for MindManager® Pro, and classes can be arranged on request.
Visual Technology Solutions' product, Visual Project Maps for PRINCE2™ sits brilliantly with MindManager®, facilitating document storage and simplifiying use of the methodology. Click here and request details.
The Service Station - Who are we?
From its beginnings in 1993, The Service Station has been passionate about three business fundamentals:
- Simplicity
- Communication
- Delivery
Simplicity - because life is complicated enough, communication - because people need to know what's happening and delivery - because we love seeing results! MindManager®, a mind mapping software program, provides tools which support all aspects of this philosophy - see www.mindjet.com for information about mind mapping software.
The Service Station is a professional services organization providing clients with specialist resources to successfully complete their projects and reap the benefits.
Projects have been delivered in the following sectors: Central and Local Government, Manufacturing, Printing and Publishing, Software Development, Network Technologies, Geographic Information Systems, Education and Training.
Specializing in Project Management, sub-specializations have emerged in several areas such as localization and technical authoring services. To find out more, click the links on the left.
Let us help you and your team achieve more. Get in touch today.
Back to top
What we do
We specialize in the delivery of Project Management Services for the whole lifecycle from defining requirements to evaluating results. Putting it simply: working directly with the client, at every step we find out what is wanted and what results are expected; determine what needs to be done; plan how to do it, do it - ensuring it's being done right; deliver; check that we've got the intended results.
We have an intimate understanding of the mechanics of projects and the human inter-relationships needed to achieve successful outcomes. This means that we are uniquely positioned to provide objective and independent advice and guidance to all project stakeholders. Again, putting it simply: we know how projects work and how people need to work together to make things happen.
If you were expecting a magic formula we can certainly provide one. It's really expensive and totally unnecessary. We recognize that projects can be complicated and may have many complex deliverables and involve intricate inter and intra-organizational matrices. However, there is always a way to simplify matters. Simple stuff is easy for everyone to understand, easy to do and control and perhaps most importantly, easy to know when it's finished - cheque please!
To find out how to get your projects simplified click here.
Back to top
Project Management
There is a body of opinion which claims that badly planned and unplanned projects are destined to fail. There are also statistics to suggest that most projects fail because of poor control. Whatever. The fact is that many projects do not deliver what they originally set out to do, cost more than anyone ever thought possible and missed the deadline by months (and someone's going to mention quality specifications in a minute!).
Enough of this doom and gloom. Project Management heaven is almost as easy as project management hell and is much more fun for sure. It means taking on some hard work up front. This is much easier than doing hard work at the end when there are less people around for some reason.
Believe in the 7 Ps: Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Pretty Poor Performance.
Our approach is outlined in What we do, so take a quick look to get a flavour. Client involvement is the key to our approach, ensuring that all stakeholders appreciate the "big picture" and share an understanding of quality criteria and expectations.
If you would like to have more successful projects then contact us to discuss how.
Project Services:
- Jump Start Your Project: don't rush in where angels fear to tread
- Microsoft Project Core Skills: get the most of out your tools
- Project Risk Workshop: what's our exposure and what are we going to do about it?
- Project Status Workshop: where are we and where are we going?
- Lessons Learned Workshop: what did we do right, can we improve? what should we never, ever do again?
- Health-Check: is everything ok?
- Recovery: get back on track - fast
- Methodology audit: are you really compliant?
- Interim project managers: placement service
- Training Workshops: best practices, methods and tools
- Coaching: bringing out the best in your project teams
Testimonials
Back to top
Facilitation
The PinPoint Facilitation Process is a flexible, creative and structured approach which is both an effective and efficient means of achieving fast results in decision making, resolving issues, managing change and business development.
Using external facilitators assists in formulating the key questions to move your discussion forward. They act as objective and independent catalysts for your group.
PinPoint Facilitation:
- is mainly used for groups of 3 - 40 although can be used for 1:1 coaching and conferences of hundreds
- balances input, allowing participants to work in their preferred style, whether it be active, quiet or within any of the multiple intelligences through the use of colour, sound and pictures
- stops waffle as PinPoint activities limit the desire or perceived need to over-talk
- highly visual presentation allows focus and rapid processing of issues by breaking down barriers to communication
- assures outcomes and ownership because the event is driven by the group
- achieves a productive outcome making it a positive use of valuable resources and time
- provides a photo-record of your program and progress
Learn more about the PinPoint Facilitation Process and/or organise a facilitated event by contacting us.
Back to top
Training
Individual and team development is essential for the continued growth of any organization. Training enables teams to respond to continuously expanding and changing organizational needs and gives individuals the knowledge and skills they need for their personal growth. Contact us for a proposal.
Training Services
- Training Needs Analysis
- Training Program Development
- Courseware Development
- Train the Trainer
- Training Operations and Delivery
- Training Evaluation
Skills Training and Workshops
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- Bid Management
Applications Training
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Office
- Uniplex
- FrameMaker
- Interleaf
- QuarkXpress
- MindManager® - in conjuction with Mindjet Certified Trainers
Testimonials
Back to top
Authoring Services
Supportive and easy-to-use manuals are a key element of high quality products and processes. These may take the form of hardcopy, CD or Web based documentation. The important design features are ease of finding relevant information and ease of understanding.
All documentation projects start with a set of simple questions. Who is going to read it? Why are they going to read it? How are they going to read it? When are they going to read it? Where are they going to read it? What will they want to know? When the answers emerge writing the documentation is easy.
Authoring services: 
- Reader profiling
- End-user, technical and service documentation
- On-line help systems
- CD and Web based guides
- Computer based training
- Proposal Management and Production
Testimonials
Back to top
What is Localization? 
Localization (US English), Localisation (UK English) or L10N (lazy English) is the process of translating and adapting a product for use in a specific locale, such as for European French or Canadian French, UK Welsh or Patagonian Welsh.
Internationalization (US English), Internationalisation (UK English) or I18N (lazy English) is the process of designing "localizability" into a product. This means enabling a product to be used in specific international settings, for example power connectors, operating voltage settings, safety notices, user guides, packaging and pricing. In a software product context the international settings refers to aspects such as the user interface, on-line help, support information, date formats, currency support and paper sizes.
Translation is the process of changing the language for the target locale.
Globalization cannot be achieved without I18N and L10N.
You've probably noticed that this subject is full of long and interesting words. In order to be able to effectively localize a product, maintaining a consistency of expression, it is necessary to develop a glossary of terms in the source language and to establish the corresponding word or phrase in the target language.
OK, well if that's all there is to it why aren't we all global organizations? Click here and call or email us and arrange a meeting to discuss your localization needs.
Testimonials
Back to top
Desk Top Publishing
For DTP specialists in :
- Word
- FrameMaker
- Interleaf
- QuarkXpress
Our DTP associates are 'language aware' and have links to the graphic design and print industry which means that format conversions for localized products are accurate and appropriate for end user needs.
Localization DTP projects have included:
- Product Catalogues
- Mobile Phones
- User Manuals
- Brochures
If the DTP product you work with is not listed then please contact us for details.
Back to top
What clients say ...
WPM on Project Management Services
"John has good experience of managing a wide variety of projects: backed up with a good track record."
"John carried out a 'Due Diligence' Audit for WPM. This involved assessing a support organisation on behalf of the client. Political awareness and empathy were critical: John was the perfect choice for the job."
"John consistently helps develop our business by highlighting any new opportunities with existing clients."
"John's representation of WPM has added to our credibility in the marketplace."
"John is low maintenance in terms of management overheads for an Assignment. I'd describe him as "point and shoot": he's very self sufficient."
Feedback provided by Andrew Murray, Business Unit Manager and Company Director, WPM Solutions
Tadpole-Cartesia on Project Management Services
"John balances good communication skills with a results orientated service: he gets the job done without wasting time."
"I only had to schedule in the initial Briefing Meeting. The next time I met with John he presented me with the first draft! Ideal. No time wasting in between."
"I would definitely use John's services again. He combines good technical experience and communication skills with delivery."
Feedback provided by John Ducker, Technical Project Manager
LANergy on Project Management Approach
"An undoubted benefit of working with John is his ability to see the project from both sides: not just the technical perspective but also the customers needs."
"John's experience and longer term approach gave a dimension to our project usually only achieved through separate customer trials."
"John's suggestions have also shown us alternate ways of approaching future projects."
He adapted well to the changing lifecycle of the project. It didn't seem to bother him at all, He just worked with it and didn't get impatient."
"We felt very comfortable with John: he seemed more like a natural part of our project team than an outside consultant."
"He plans ahead and delivers on-time."
Feedback provided by Colin Reid, Principal Software Engineer, LANergy Ltd
WPM on Communications Skills
"He is always dependable. If I need him for an assignment he is very flexible and makes himself available."
I would describe John as a trusted member of our team."
"John has Empathy and Awareness: key skills in our field of business."
"Listening to the customer is very important: John does it well."
Feedback provided by Andrew Murray, Business Unit Manager and Company Director, WPM Solutions
Tadpole-Cartesia on Communications Skills
"The success of John's project work was reflected in the fact the customer actually signed it off on first submission."
"John demonstrated the ability to balance technical experience with a clear understanding of Customer needs: not just the information they required but also how they would like it presented."
"One of the greatest benefits of employing John was a quick ability to pre-empt client needs and deliver the results first time round."
Feedback provided by John Ducker, Technical Project Manager
Canon on Localisation Project Management Services
"John combines maturity, wisdom and experience with strong interpersonal skills"
"John has a diplomatic approach which builds bridges and gets things done without unnecessary confrontation."
"In a crisis, John excelled: he kept a cool head under pressure. I would definitely employ his services again."
"John won the respect of Japanese colleagues"
"John delivered on time with very little management overhead."
Feedback provided by Jonathan Bowring, Localisation Programme Manager, Canon UK
Xerox on Localisation Project Management Services
"John is a loyal, trustworthy, professional manager with strong interpersonal skills."
"It is easy to find someone with the right technical skills. Finding someone who also has the right interpersonal skills is more difficult. John's communication skills stood out."
"His people skills definitely helped build teams and get the job done. He is a real team player and built good relationships at all levels."
"John is a professional, approachable trustworthy manager who fits in well to customer organisations."
Feedback provided by Paul Tucker, formerly General Manager Europe, XSoft a Division of Xerox, now Managing Director, Audatex"
LANergy on Translation Services
"We needed a translation into French. John made it easy."
Feedback provided by Andrew Smith, Production and Logistics Manager, LANergy Ltd
WPM on Training Services
Quotations from Customer Feedback Forms for training delivered by John Humphries:
"John showed a great deal of practical experience." Ballast Group
"Well presented and informative." Toshiba
"John encouraged plenty of classroom participation while maintaining a good pace throughout the course." Sun Microsystems Limited
"Many thanks to John for enlightening us on the subject." PandT Environment Group
"A dry subject well positioned and presented." Morse Group
"John was able to give numerous examples to reinforce the methodology." Consignia
"John delivered in a clear, precise and knowledgeable manner. Use of real life experiences was very helpful." Sun Microsystems Ltd
"Every answer was right and could fit within a flexible approach" gedas UK Ltd
"John is reliable and delivers a consistently high service."
"John is dependable (reliable and punctual) and always promotes WPM in a positive manner."
"John is an experienced trainer who requires minimal support when presenting."
"Satisfied customers continue to purchase training courses thus help to secure the future prosperity of a training company such as WPM."
"John provides detailed feedback regarding future training and consultancy opportunities from the attendees of each of his courses."
Feedback provided by Peter Stockdale, Business Unit Manager, WPM Training
LANergy on Authoring Services
"We needed a technical author who could take a technical procedure and present it in layman's terms. John was ideal. He takes potentially complex details and presents them in an easy to read format which anyone could follow."
"We weren't sure what layout to use. John came up with something really impressive."
"He brings lots of good ideas to the table. What's more, they work."
Feedback provided by Andrew Smith, Production and Logistics Manager, LANergy Ltd
"The project required someone who had not only technical writing skills but also the ability to present information in customer friendly words and format. He is very good at taking key technical points and putting them into everyday language, and separates unnecessary complexity from useful functionality."
"John really took the time to listen to our brief. He even contributed some of his own ideas and methodologies. It was obvious that he had really given the project some thought beforehand."
"John takes the time to understand the product properly before putting pen to paper. The result was a concise guide attractively formatted and ideal for the first time user."
"John's understanding of Localisation was really beneficial."
Feedback provided by Colin Reid, Principal Software Engineer, LANergy Ltd
Tadpole-Cartesia on Authoring Services
"Technical Authoring work requires the ability to understand more than one technology: i.e. design as well as programming. John was ideal."
"The work John did for us required sufficient technical experience and know-how to be able to communicate effectively with Specialists in their own field. Some of these technical people hold PhD and MSc degrees. His ability to understand them was a bonus for everyone."
"The technical people really appreciated having someone to talk to who understood them. For this type of work you have to have a high level of technical appreciation in order to be able to hold a sensible conversation."
"On one particular project, John was working not only with experts in their own field, but also those for whom English was not their first language. Despite this, he still managed to acquire the correct information and transform it into a user friendly format."
"John has an excellent ability to translate technical information into everyday words."
Feedback provided by John Ducker, Technical Project Manager
LANergy on Customer Service
"John is a very professional person. He puts you at ease. It helps get things done."
"John was very flexible: he adapted his service to suit our needs."
"Lead-times were extremely tight. John managed to pull out the stops and deliver on time."
"John provided us with an "added value" service."
Feedback provided by Andrew Smith, Production and Logistics Manager, LANergy Ltd
Back to top
Engineous on the Jump Start Your Project Workshop and subsequent execution
"The instructor did a fine job of linking the "theory" to the real world and the workshop has provided us the structure and common group understanding about how to look at a project proposal and its execution. We are now using the methodology for all new customer proposals involving consultation and development."
"As a result of the workshop, we have a structure that removes the project assumptions, puts all the issues in the open and provides 3-way alignment: project manager, customer, and project. This allows our lean organization to have a simple, clear and focused execution plan."
"Prior to the workshop, we were learning project management on a trial-and-error basis. It was interesting to learn that we were on the right path, but we had exerted a lot of effort and time finding it. Now we have a common structure, vocabulary and understanding."
"In order to grow our business profitably, we need simplicity, clarity and focus for all of our revenue mechanisms. Projects are a revenue component, and when we do a good job, the customer will make repeat purchases. In the past, we were learning project management on a learning-by-doing basis. Now we are able still carryout project management with an element of innovation, but the stability and efficiency of the process has been greatly enhanced. The workshop and implementation of the "takeaways" has allowed us make this transition."
Feedback provided by Matt Schmidt, Sales Director, Engineous gmbh
Back to top
Jump Start Demonstration
The "Jump Start Your Project" concept was developed as a result of feedback from Project Management training sessions where participants indicated that problems with their projects was due to lack of preparation by their organisations and the rush to get started.
The purpose of the Jump Start Demonstration is to show, using some simple but effective facilitation tools, that preparation does not have to be an overhead and in fact contributes significant value to the project and its resulting outcomes.
Download a Jump Start brochure to learn more about this one-day, high-impact, interactive project-initiation workshop.
Contact us for a demonstration and a special price of (GBP) £299 per delegate for workshops facilitated before Jul 31, 2008 (4 delegates minimum).
Testimonials
Back to top
About us
Project teams are resourced from a skilled group of associates. Our philosophy is to remain competitive by delivering cost-effective fixed-price projects and fixed-rate assignments. Comprehensive risk assessments are made and mitigation activities planned to ensure that the project will be delivered on time and to the client's quality expectations.
John Humphries is the principal consultant. Specializing as a Project Manager, his skills also include Bid Management and Training Operations. John is an associate consultant with the WPM-Group an ATO for PRINCE2TM and M_o_R®, Bid to Win Ltd for APMP (Association for Proposal Management Professionals) and Outperform Ltd an ACO for Prince2TM, MSPTM and M_o_R®.
Graduating in Biomedical Electronics back in the 70's, built his career via Ferranti, EMI Medical, Scicon, RCA/Serco, and Uniplex. More recent qualifications include an MBA (Technology) gained from the Open University, Registered Management of Risk Consultant (M_o_R)®, PRINCE2TM Practitioner status courtesy of the WPM-Group and the PADI Advanced Open Water scuba-diving certification in conjunction with Bubbles Dive Team (Guess which one was the most enjoyable? Clue: exam was conducted near Sharm el-Sheikh).
In the heady days of the early 90's co-wrote UNIPLEX II PLUS: A Word Processing Guide. There are some signed copies for sale if anybody out there is in need. A snip at £35.00 including postage and packing. Send an email with your name and address to reserve one - while stocks last.
Back to top
About this web site
This web site was assembled using CoffeeCup Software's HTML editor and StyleSheet Maker, together with a smörgåsbord of ideas taken from The House of Style and Jakob Nielsen's site www.useit.com.
The design goals are:
- to provide clients and potential clients with an overview of service offerings with ability to download brochures
- as an easy means to contact us
- fast navigation and display
- easy to construct, maintain and update
Formatting has been kept as simple as possible to allow the site to be displayed clearly on Windows Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator initially.
In-house networking is via LANergy Appian Pro PowerLine Communications adapters and NetGear Wireless components.
If you feel you could suggest improvements to simplify and/or improve this site your feedback will be much appreciated! Thank you in advance.
John Humphries
30 September 2006
Back to top
Contact us
The Service Station
15 Russet Drive
Shenley
Radlett
Herts
WD7 9RH
T: +44 (0)1923 854 873
Click icon to send mail.
Back to top
Events Calendar
Back to top
Brochures
Jump Start Your Project Workshop (36KB pdf)
MindManager Fundamentals (24KB pdf)
Microsoft Project Core Skills (36KB pdf)
Risk Management in Localization (28KB pdf)
Back to top
© The Service Station 2006
All manufacturers' copyrights and trademarks acknowledged.
Free Stuff
PowerPoint Template for top level scheduling (70KB ppt)
Back to top
Project Management
© The Service Station 2006
All manufacturers' copyrights and trademarks acknowledged.