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5 Things a PMO Should be Doing Now

Project Management Offices (PMO) are defined by their ability to deliver value to their organizations or clients. As PMO organizations mature it becomes harder for them to demonstrate their business value to the organization. Below, we have identified 5 things that PMOs should be focused on to get themselves to the 'next level' of maturity and business value. 1. Make sure you can deliver clear, measurable objectives beyond ROI We have observed that many project proposals are submitted to the PMO organization -- complete with management approval and funding -- but without any clear measurable business objectives. By insisting that such measurable objectives be a required part of the business proposal, the PMO not only adds value to the organization, but can also save the PMO trouble down the road, when the lack of specificity in results becomes a sore point. 2. Speak the Language of the Business Make sure that the justification for a project is consistent with the business strat

Project Lifecycle in Business

A project lifecycle at your business can take several paths. This is just like the name calls it; a cyclic pattern that a project can circulate until a deliverable is created that meets the projects objectives. The project lifecycle is the chosen path for many manufacturers when there is some doubt or the deliverable is in a new area of business. Unlike the waterfall methodology that runs in a start line downhill not allowing for further development of the item being produced, the project life cycle does. While every deliverable that goes thru a project lifecycle does not always need to be further developed, the possibility does exist. This path is a way of recovering a product instead of just having to start from scratch again. A project lifecycle has 4 main areas, the initiation, planning, execution and them conclusion. Each of these phases plays an important role in the development and process of delivering an item to a customer. The initiation phase of a project lifecycle is the

Governance Project Management Methodology

Project Management Methodology Implementation is closely linked with the Controlling Services, as follows: - Implement Governance. Methodology and governance are closely linked. Project Management Methodology creates a framework for what specific decisions and processes are needed. Governance defines who should make each decision and be accountable for each process. Governance, therefore, extends the project management methodology to all people in all roles in the company, and beyond using specific project management software. Implementation of governance is a way to extend the methodology so that it includes all project stakeholders, not just project teams. This improves communication, leading to higher quality and more efficiency. - Perform Assessments. Most assessments will be used to determine the overall state of use of the project management methodology across the organization. An assessment is a general checkup telling the PMO how well the methodology is being used. - Perform Re

The Right Project Management Template Does Make a Difference

With a project management template to use, a business manager has a pre-formatted document to start any project with. This is a vital tool to utilize that will help streamline the process. The advantages of this are evident as the project progresses, but one advantage that is generally overlooked is the assistance the template provides to the project manager. All successful project managers are picked because they find a way to get their job done right the first time and in budget. The project management templates that most use are not only a place to fill in the information that is needed, but also a reminder of what needs to be done. Being a project manager is a multi-tasking position that has many responsibilities. By utilizing a project management template , they have a guide to follow each step of the way through a project. This is why choosing the right program that has the templates they need is so important. Once a program is decided on, an SOP can be written on its proper us

Project Templates to Enhance the Quality of Deliverables

If you want to enhance the quality of your deliverables, then use professionally laid out Project Templates . These templates have been professionally formatted to save you time laying them out. They also include all of the sections, titles, charts, tables and practical examples needed to create high quality project documents now. Most projects go through the same steps towards completion. They start up, then they plan ahead, they execute and they close. That’s the nature of Project Management. So it stands to reason then, that most projects create similar documentation deliverables. These standard deliverables has been replicated as Project Templates , within our project methodology suite.

Zombie PMOs...don't be that guy.

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For several years now the phrase 'Zombie PMO' has been used to describe a PMO organization that is barely alive -- more focused on mundane self-serving practices than delivering business value.  Be sure that well before the 'Zombie' reference was born, this has been a crisis in the PM community.  For years we've seen PMOs come and go in and out of fashion, not because the concept of a PMO lacked business value, but because those executing the PMO have failed to focus on the business value they should be delivering. We staunchly support the idea of embracing best-practices, standards, governance, and employing sound methodology.  But, without an understanding of how these characteristics should be leveraged to deliver for the business, you run the risk of becoming antiquated, unnecessary, and overhead that the business will either ignore or disband. One of the critical actions that I would encourage for any PMO leader is to engage in a healthy dialog with the busines

Zombie PMOs...don't be that guy.

Image
For several years now the phrase 'Zombie PMO' has been used to describe a PMO organization that is barely alive -- more focused on mundane self-serving practices than delivering business value.  Be sure that well before the 'Zombie' reference was born, this has been a crisis in the PM community.  For years we've seen PMOs come and go in and out of fashion, not because the concept of a PMO lacked business value, but because those executing the PMO have failed to focus on the business value they should be delivering. We staunchly support the idea of embracing best-practices, standards, governance, and employing sound methodology.  But, without an understanding of how these characteristics should be leveraged to deliver for the business you run the risk of becoming antiquated, unnecessary, and overhead that the business will either ignore or disband. One of the critical actions that I would encourage for any PMO leader is to engage in a healthy dialog with the business