Episode 70 - The problem with miltary procurement

In this week's podcast episode, hosts Chris and Gareth delve into the intricacies of military procurement, particularly focusing on why the British military faces significant challenges in this area compared to managing complex operations overseas. Gareth sheds light on the complexities of large procurement programmes, which involve managing risks, multiple stakeholders, future predictions, and financial considerations. They introduce the DLOD framework for programme management, providing a structured approach to tackling these challenges.

The conversation delves into the cultural and political dimensions of procurement, highlighting the various hurdles that need to be overcome. They explore the balance between solving problems quickly and achieving a satisfactory outcome, discussing the concept of 'good enough' solutions. Drawing on operational examples, they illustrate why commercial off-the-shelf solutions often outperform bespoke ones.

The discussion further evolves to examine innovation cycles and the importance of fostering a culture that promotes agility while remaining aligned with the organisation's strategic goals. Throughout the episode, Chris and Gareth offer insights and practical examples, shedding light on the complexities and nuances of military procurement and programme management.