QVC was required to develop a short-form business case within a month and then asked to provide a fixed-price quote for the execution of the project. As we commenced delivery, we realised that a competing firm had quoted almost twice as much as our price and the business case had been rejected. Six months later, we had delivered on time and on budget. We had used some more expensive individuals, some specialists (such as a scheduler) and some part time staff when there was no need for 100% of an FTE. This approach delivered the work to a high level of quality with almost no re-work. Using specialists part time, as required, reduced the cost, where others may have thrown a complete FTE.
