Everything is fun and games until someone misses a requirement

The project is moving along quite well. The team has been assigned and requirements have been gathered from several key stakeholders. To improve the likelihood of success for the project, a couple of high-value consultants have been brought in. The consultants have reviewed the requirements and validate them for the solution. Up until now, this describes a standard process for a generic project.

Now a during a project review, one of the key stakeholders interviewed at the beginning of the project reveals a new requirement. Now what? The construction of the solution has begun and the schedule continues to get tighter and tighter. Thank goodness for that integrated change management process that was defined as part of initiating the project.

This project uses a standard integrated change management process. The first step is to document the description of the change and evaluate the impact to the project; in terms of scope, time, and cost. Second, review the change with the assigned change management review board. The change management review board may be the project champion or sponsor or it may consist of a steering committee if the project is relatively large or part of a program. The third step, based on an approval of the change, is where the “project integration” theme comes into play. Based on the nature of the change, what components of the project plan are affected? In other words, does the change impact the schedule, resources, costs, etc.? If so, what is the plan to integrate the change? For example, does the change constitute re-baselining the schedule? The fourth and final step is to communicate the change. It is very important to keep everyone on the same page regarding the project in terms of scope, cost, and timeframe.

Recap:

1. Document & Evaluate the Change.
2. Seek Approval to Make the Change.
3. Integrate the Change.
4. Communicate the Change.

PMO Advantage Website Mission Statement

There are several functions that a PMO can serve: Governance, Resource Control, or Best Practices Knowledge Store. Most full-service PMOs utilize all three.

• Governance - The PMO manages methodologies/processes, prioritization, and investments that flow through the organization.
  
• Resource Control - The PMO assigns the resources to the investments and manages the execution.
  
• Best Practices Knowledge Store - The PMO manages and distributes the best practices related to project management, program management, and portfolio management.
  

PMO Advantage is focused on information distribution related to effectively managing the components of a PMO:

• People
• Process/Methodology
• Technology, Training & Communication
• Measurement Systems

Likewise, there is significant value to aligning the PMO with the Objectives of the Business. In other words, there are benefits to tie a PMO to effectively manage the Assets, Operations, & Enhancements within your business.