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IT Project Management Methodology

The PPM framework and methodology work together to assist teams in both “doing the right projects” (Portfolio Management Framework) and “doing projects right” (Project Management Methodology). 

The IT Project Management methodology is based on best practices from the Project Management Institute and has been customized for use in our environment.  A toolkit is provided including templates and guidelines facilitating:

  • the right sizing of project management for various complexity projects
  • the delivery of IT projects within scope, schedule, and goals

The Project Management activities occur largely within the Initiation, Planning, Execution/Monitoring/Control, and Closeout Phases of the PPM framework.

Project Phase

Proposed

"Are we working on the right projects?"
  • Project created in “proposed” status
  • To progress, project must be championed/sponsored by member of the CIO leadership team; sponsor must ensure prioritization scoring, complexity scoring, and team identification
  • For CIO Portfolio projects, a Request to Initiate review is held. Projects approved by leadership team move into Initiation
  • A PM is required for a project to move into Initiation; for some projects the PM may be a member of the technical team

Initiation

"What is the project about?"
  • Activities for this phase include defining the goals and scope of the project
  • The major deliverable of this phase is the documented and approved Project Charter

Planning

"How will the project be delivered?"
  • Planning activities include: Budget, Detailed Work Schedule, Communications Plan, Risk Register, etc.
  • Architectural options evaluation and preliminary design may occur during this phase
  • Charter may be updated based upon discovery during the project planning
  • The major deliverable of this phase is the documented and approved Project Plan

Execution & Monitoring/Control

"Doing the work in the plan"
  • Activity during this phase is focused on execution as the ‘work’ of the project takes place according to the plan
  • The PM monitors and tracks all aspects of the project execution and provides status reports to management, sponsor and other oversight groups
  • Monitoring activities include risk and issue management
  • Plan(s) are updated/revised as necessary

Closeout

"How did we do?"
  • Project remains in “active” status until all Closeout activities are completed
  • This includes closing/disencumbering P.O.s, preparing a final project budget report, updating all project docments and artifacts, documenting Lessons Learned, etc.