Hello. I am Tatsuta from the Marketing & Sales Department (hereafter referred to as the MS Department).
The Monthly MVP is announced at the general meeting every month. This month, the winner was Hiroyuki Oyabu from the MS Division.
The award was given in recognition of the work they did on a website renewal project for a food manufacturer, which was launched in July.
Oyabu participated in this project as project manager.
Until now, Oyabu has played an active role as a central member in many projects as a director, but this was the first project for both Oyabu and the MS Department to work under a project manager structure.
Changes across the MS Department in 2018
The environment surrounding the web is constantly changing. In response, the way web production is carried out and the production structure must also change.
Today's web production requires multiple devices, emphasis on UI/UX, integration with systems, technological advances, diversification of creativity, etc. Individual areas in production are deepening, and then overlapping, making the process more complex.
Many issues arose when proceeding with projects in the traditional way.
Therefore, we decided to try to transition from the previous "director-centered production" system to a "team work under a project manager."
Both the director and the project manager are at the heart of the project.
So what's the difference?
The director will create and complete the website through the production that he/she has planned and designed.
The project manager will create and complete the website through the planning and design team.
The project manager's role is to indicate the overall direction and standards (quality and time) of the project, and leave the planning and design to each specialized member. The project manager then manages the project together with those members and advances the web production.
This was the first project to be tackled under this system, and Oyabu was the one to take the lead.
Oyabu (left) upon receiving the MVP award
Awareness as "our company representative"
This was the first project under our new production structure, but we were able to have thorough discussions with the client, which allowed us to produce a very good website.
This project was a first for everyone. I think Oyabu was also perplexed at times, but he continued to work on it positively, going through trial and error.
It feels like my eyes have changed colour and my skin is more radiant.
It was clearly a different sight from the Oyabu of last year.
I think that perhaps when this project started, he flipped some kind of switch internally.
It seemed to me that they were dealing with customers and members with awareness and resolve.
After the release, we had a party with our customers, and it was a very lively and fun party.
The next day, Oyabu sent a thank you email to the customer.
The letter read, "Thank you on behalf of our company."
I was surprised because he wasn't the type to say something like "I represent our company," but I felt that this statement truly reflected Oyabu's awareness, determination, and change.
I think all of the project members who worked with me probably felt the same way.
This project has resulted in a website of extremely high quality, however we have also identified many new issues and areas for improvement in areas such as efficiency and communication.
This is a new project and structure, so it is still incomplete.
I would like Oyabu to take the lead in shaping the MS Club's projects.
Comments on receiving MVP award
This was my first time as director and project manager, so to be honest, I started the project with some anxiety about how I should respond.
However, I think it was precisely because I was anxious that I wasn't afraid and was more determined than usual to stay positive no matter what happened.As the project progressed, we encountered difficulties, but looking back, we all helped each other out. When I was in trouble, I would consult with other members and they would follow up with me, and when other members were having a hard time, I would think of what I could do or how to deal with the situation. (If anything, I was the one who was helped more than anyone else...)
In web production, the way you proceed varies depending on the project, and of course there will be things that are difficult or that you don't understand on your own. In those cases, I think that relying on other members or honestly asking for help can lead to the best solution.
Through this project, I was reminded how important it is for all members to work together to move the project forward without anyone having to worry or bear the burden alone.We were also blessed with great customers.
From the middle of the project onwards, the client was busy checking the work and preparing manuscripts every day, but they continued to work with us on the production side to get everything done as planned without any delays.The more the production team tried, the more the customers followed suit; in any situation, the customers approached it with the same spirit as the production team to "make something good," and I think that's what helped things move in a positive direction overall.
Of course there were times when it was difficult, but more than that, I was able to proceed with joy and happiness, knowing that the site was becoming a great one. I am grateful to our customers.This was the first project in our department to be managed by a project manager, so I am very pleased that I was able to take the lead and achieve such good results.
There are still many challenges ahead, but I will not forget this experience and will continue to work hard so that I can proudly say, "I am the president of our company!"I would like to thank the members who trusted me and supported me until the end.
Hiroyuki Ohyabu
TATSUTA Yoshihiro
I am in charge of Web & Digital Solutions, project manager of website construction, and bartender at the bar in the office. I enjoy working with our clients and members while hanging out in various places.