Software Development and Outsourcing Capability Review

MXA was engaged by a Federal Government Department to conduct an independent capability review of their software development and outsourcing practices. The Division faced operational difficulties following a transition to a mixed plan-build-run operating model, resulting in resource shortages, inconsistent project management, and delivery risks.

The structural change to a mixed operating model had resulted in acute resource shortages, inconsistent project management practices, and heightened delivery risks across both in-house and vendor-led projects. The Department required a clear, objective assessment to identify process gaps, mitigate potential delays and cost overruns, and restore confidence in their digital delivery pipeline.

MXA developed a customised maturity framework covering Governance, Team Setup, Working Practices, Technology and Knowledge Management. We conducted a comprehensive audit of existing governance and delivery artefacts, including project roadmaps, risk registers, management plans and application code. We engaged deeply with branch leaders, internal business customers, working teams, and former team members. We developed strategic recommendations aligned with feedback from key Division leaders and created a high-level implementation model.

The review delivered a strategic roadmap providing a clear path to stabilising digital delivery, helping the Division move toward more predictable software delivery with better long-term relationships with business customers and significantly improved risk management. All recommendations were accepted as a reasonable independent perspective and incorporated into future planning.