Selecting the right public affairs project: a tool to help you choose

As we face the political shifts of 2024, have you considered how your public affairs projects will stand up to the challenges ahead?

The political and policy landscape of Europe is poised for considerable transformation in this year, driven by critical events such as the European Parliament elections and the appointment of a new European Commission. These changes underscore the urgency for public affairs professionals to select and execute projects not just with a strategic mindset, but also with operational expertise.

Despite their deep understanding of policy and political dynamics, communications, and stakeholder management, public affairs professionals often need to strengthen their project management capabilities. This gap can be bridged by incorporating project management approaches which can increase the likelihood of a public affairs campaigns success. One such powerful tool is the Boston Consulting Group's (BCG) DICE framework, originally designed to predict the success of projects by scrutinising four key elements: Duration, Integrity, Commitment, and Effort.

Do you have a systematic approach to evaluate the potential of your public affairs campaigns?

The DICE framework can support you with a tool to help assess the potential success of your projects. Let’s explore how these elements can be specifically adapted to the public affairs context.

• Duration (D): The timeframe over which a project unfolds is crucial. Questions to consider include: How long will it take to achieve the desired change or benefits of your advocacy? Is the project aligned with the political cycle or does it address an immediate policy opportunity? For instance, a legislative advocacy campaign might span several years, requiring periodic reviews and adjustments.
• Integrity (I): This refers to the capabilities and motivation of the team tasked with implementing the project. Public affairs projects require a blend of specific skills such as stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and media relations. Assessing whether your team possesses these skills—or if you need to bring in additional expertise—is vital for success.
• Commitment (C): Securing and maintaining stakeholder buy-in is essential for achieving change. This includes not only your immediate team and senior leadership but also external partners such as industry groups and other influencers who can champion your cause. Their ongoing support can be the difference between a project’s success and failure.
• Effort (E): Finally, consider the resources required relative to the benefits expected. This includes budgeting for both financial and human resources over the duration of the project. Are the planned resources sufficient to cover the efforts needed? If not, what adjustments are necessary to ensure success?

How can the DICE framework work in practice?

To practically apply the DICE framework in public affairs, begin by scoring each element from 1 (low) to 5 (high). A project scoring 20 or above indicates a strong green light, while a score of 8 or lower suggests significant risks that need to be addressed or reconsidered.

Consider a hypothetical public affairs project aimed at influencing a new digital health policy. Here's how you might score it:

• Duration: 4 (as it aligns with the legislative term)
• Integrity: 3 (some gaps in digital policy expertise)
• Commitment: 2 (moderate buy-in from stakeholders)
• Effort: 3 (sufficient budget, but requires more resource to sustain significant stakeholder engagement)

?This score of 12 suggests a need for stronger stakeholder commitment and additional expertise in digital health policy to enhance the project’s viability.

?How would your current or upcoming public affairs project score in the DICE framework?

Are you ready to leverage the DICE framework to turn the years political changes into opportunities for impactful advocacy?

As 2024 promises to be a landmark year for public affairs in Europe, employing a structured framework like DICE provides a robust method to evaluate and guide public affairs projects. By adopting elements from project management, public affairs practitioners can enhance their strategic implementations, ensuring that their initiatives are not only well-planned but also effectively executed.

Are you preparing for the pivotal changes in the 2024 European political landscape? Whether you're looking to refine your existing projects or embark on new initiatives, the DICE framework is one example of how you can structure your approach to ensure success.

If you're interested in discussing how this methodology can be tailored to your specific needs, or if you have questions about applying the DICE framework to your public affairs strategies, don't hesitate to get in touch. I offer personalized consultations that focus on integrating effective project management practices into public affairs to drive successful outcomes.

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