What is a project Definition from PMBOK A

What is a project? Definition from PMBOK • A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a product, service or outcome • There is a definite beginning and end • Generally the end is reached when the project’s objectives have been met Start End Objectives met! Adapted from the PMBOK 5 th edition

Examples of Projects Some Examples of Projects • Developing a new product or service • Effecting a change in an organisational structure • Acquiring and implementing a new computer system • Constructing a building • Improving a business process

Project Characteristics Phases Materials Deliverables Temporary Planned Client Tangible Outcome Controlled Tasks Team is disbanded Monitored Cost Sponsor Scope Definite Start Long or Objectives Short Timeframe Definite End Activities

Project Success Measures Project success occurs when the – üexpectations of the project sponsor or client are met üagreed project objectives have been met übusiness outcomes have been realised ütimeframe and budget have been delivered üquality and scope requirements have been delivered

Project Tradeoffs Time Re ally Cost Quick me an s Quality Cheap Good Project success is often reliant on the project manager’s ability to manage stakeholder expectations and make trade offs between key project dimensions

Project Management Roles (AIPM) • There is a natural hierarchy of roles within the project management profession • The AIPM’s competency framework has five levels Portfolio Executive Project Director Senior Project Manager Project Practitioner Source – AIPM Professional Competency Standards for Project Management, June 2008, Version 1

Project Management Roles (PMI) The PMI has a different hierarchy of project management roles – Portfolio Manager Program Manager Project Manager The PMI also includes a project support function known as the Project Management Office

Project Management Definition Project Management ü The application of the 10 defined project management knowledge areas, skills, tools and techniques to deliver project requirements. ü Project management typically includes identifying requirements, addressing stakeholder expectations to ensure the project is planned and executed correctly, balancing competing project constraints such as time, cost, quality and scope, and reducing the impact of risks and issues. Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 5 th Edition

Program Management Definition Program Management ü Grouping related projects in order to manage and co-ordinate the outcomes and enhance the achievement of benefits. ü Program management is the centralised and co-ordinated management of a set of related projects in order to achieve broad strategic objectives and benefits. ü Program management focuses on the project interdependencies and determines the optimal approach to managing the projects in order to maximise the benefits. Project 3 Project 2 Project 1 Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 5 th Edition

Portfolio Management Definition Portfolio Management ü Grouping of a collection of projects or programs together so they can be managed as a whole in order to achieve strategic business objectives. ü Portfolio management refers to the centralised management of a collection of related projects and programs. This includes identifying, prioritising, authorising, managing and controlling projects and programs within the portfolio so that they align with the strategic business objectives. ü The focus is on prioritisation of resource allocation so that the portfolio objectives are aligned to organisational strategies. Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 5 th Edition

Project, Program & Portfolio Roles Portfolio Manager Strategic focus Program Manager Manages a larger scope Project Manager Project Officer Manages Contributes For more information on these roles click here Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 5 th Edition

Project Management Office (PMO) Primary function of a PMO is to support project managers by – ü Managing shared resources ü Specifying and developing the project management methodology, best practice, standards and tools ü Coaching, mentoring, training and career management ü Project assurance and compliance with methodologies and standards ü Co-ordinating communication across projects and within the project management community ü Assistance with project establishment and approval processes ü Project reviews and health checks to ensure projects are running according to plans and expected outcomes Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 5 th Edition

Project Managers vs PMOs Focuses on the specified project objectives Project Manager Controls the assigned project resources to best meet project objectives Manages the constraints of the individual project (scope, time, cost, quality, risk etc) Manages major program scope changes to optimise achievement of broader business objectives Optimises the use of shared organisational resources across all projects in their jurisdiction Manages methodologies, standards, overall risks and interdependencies in their jurisdiction Source – Adapted from PMBOK, 5 th Edition P

Project Manager Interpersonal Skills In addition to the ability to apply the 10 key knowledge areas, Project Managers require important interpersonal skills to assist in the effective management of projects, specifically in the achievement of project objectives and success criteria – Leadership Team Building Motivation Communication Influencing Decision Making Political and Cultural Awareness Negotiation Trust building Conflict management Coaching Source – PMBOK, 5 th Edition, Appendix X 3 Interpersonal Skills