assistance to project leaders (AMO)

What is called "AMO" in France can be translated as "assistance to project leaders". This service includes the following three distinct fields of activity.

Global design or architecture of the exercise is concerned with defining the overall means, both methodological and organizational, of the foresight exercise. This design is developed jointly with the client, following discussions of various options. It includes the production and organization of the information system of the exercise (marketing campaign, information base, SIP® [les systèmes d'information prospective - foresight information systems], etc.)

Coordination of the process and project-team coaching aim to smoothen the process, and help the client to anticipate and resolve problems as they arise. These problems may be methodological, psychological nature (conflict management, demobilizing participants, communication with an elected official, etc.) or managerial (project management, questioning the initial time-table, political problems, etc.)

• Coaching not only permits responding to problems or questions that arise during the course of the exercise, but also allows the transfer of a specific knowledge in foresight (tools, concepts, practices). This is why we often ask our client to devote at least half a day to raising awareness with the participants, including an explanation of the foresight approach and selected methods and approaches.

• Coordination, which is often underestimated, is ensured through (1) a meeting that addresses the overall assignment, (2) regular exchanges with the project team, (3) a remote follow up, (4) engagement of our project-client management system, and (5) a final meeting to wind up the project and present our evaluation of the assignment.

Finally, the AMO operates as a work of support and synthesis of content. The development of an information base is necessary to upgrade the knowledge of participants. The AMO works in close concertation with the client to select the best contents for that information base. At the end of this exercise, for reasons of impartiality, the AMO may also be responsible for the synthesis of the work and its contents, often bringing a foresight perspective, without distorting the expressed views of the participants. The written and coaching aspects are a key factor in the marketing of this work. Although reports are still required, visual communication (Powerpoint, images) play an increasingly significant part in the evaluation of the results.