Project Management
Definition
"Ensure that all projects in the organization are successfully delivered."
To fulfill the purpose, the practice requires:
- Establishing and maintaining an effective approach to programme and project management across the organization
- Ensuring the successful realization of programmes and projects
Key Terms
Programme: "a temporary, flexible structure created to coordinate, direct, and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities in order to deliver outcomes and benefits related to the organization's strategic objectives."
Project: "a temporary organization that is created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to an agreed business case."
Benefit: "a measurable improvement resulting from an outcome perceived as an advantage by one or more stakeholders."
Processes
Managing the Organization's Approach to PPM
- Develop and agree the PPM approach
- Communicate and embed the PPM approach
- Review and adjust the PPM approach
Directing Projects
- Authorize initiation
- Authorize the project
- Authorize a stage or exception plan
- Give ad hoc direction
- Authorize project closure
Managing Projects
- Starting up a project
- Initiating a project
- Controlling a stage
- Managing a stage boundary
- Closing a project
Managing Product Delivery
- Accept a work package
- Execute a work package
- Deliver a work package
Key Metrics
| Metric | What it measures |
|---|---|
| Satisfaction with PPM approach | Methodology quality |
| Satisfaction with project/programme benefits | Value delivery |
| Deviation count and impact from agreed approach | Process compliance |
| Failures due to ineffective PPM approach | Methodology risk |
| PPM alignment with industry standards | Best practice adherence |
| Projects completed on time and budget (%) | Execution effectiveness |
| Benefits realized from projects/programmes (%) | Value realization |
| Satisfaction with project/programme management and progress | Stakeholder confidence |
Key Roles
- Programme manager
- Project executive
- Project manager
- Project support
- Team manager
- Senior user
Recommendations for Success
- Clearly define the expected outcomes and the required outputs
- Ensure projects and programmes are clearly linked to portfolio objectives
- Define successes and accountability at the right level
- Identify and satisfy reporting needs
- Use project management for projects only
Software Tools
- Workflow and task management tools
- Knowledge and document management tools
- Financial management system
- Collaboration and communication tools
- Analysis and reporting tools