Sample PMO Process Framework
Sample PMO Process Framework
A project is a set of activities with a start and end date and defined outcomes.
Comparing actual performance with planned performance, analyzing variances, evaluating possible alternatives and taking appropriate corrective action as needed.
The Systems Development Lifecycle includes the key components of the Project Management Lifecycle and is designed to support technology projects.
Pre-Feasibility Clearly define the scope Devise a total solution to Manufacture all aspects of the solution. Close
(requirements) schedule meet the project Certify each component and ensure that the
(timelines, milestones, project requirements. All aspects of interaction of all of the components (new and
Includes project initiation, plans) and cost (budget, the solution are defined in existing) meets the project’s requirements. Put the solution to work;
formulation and approvals to resources) of the project, given detail, including people, make it a realty. Implement
proceed. Approval is based on the desired quality and acceptable process, technology, the necessary support
strategic fit/alignment and risks. The high level approach to deployment and mechanisms. Assess
meeting requirements is defined. support/maintenance Define Design
prioritization within the larger Iterative project successes/failures
portfolio of projects. aspects. Changes to the and Phased for continuous improvement
requirements are Approach efforts. Bring it to an orderly
aggressively managed. close.
Build
• Understand Business Needs • Define Scope • Execute the Plan • Verify and Document
- Review for Strategic Alignment • Develop Schedule - Activity Management Results
• Define Project Objectives - Activities Defined, Sequenced and - Deliverable Management • Administrative Closeout
• Define Project Deliverables Estimated - Communications Management • Transition to Operational
• Identify Assumptions • Plan Resources - Project Team Management State
• Identify Constraints • Estimate Costs and Develop Budget • Execute Change Control • Obtain Formal
- Schedule • Plan for Quality - Scope Change Control Acceptance by the
- Resources/Costs • Plan for Change Control - Schedule Control Sponsor
- Quality • Plan for Communications - Resource/Cost Control
- Risk • Identify, Quantify and Prepare - Risk Response Control
• Identify Key Individuals Responses to Risks - Quality Control
• Document all Findings (Project • Acquire and Organize Project Team • Conduct Performance Reporting
Charter) • Document all Findings (Project
• Obtain Authorization to Proceed Execution Plan)
• Obtain Authorization to Proceed
• Identify the "fit" with overall department, business unit and corporate strategies. One Input to:
tool that can be used to determine this ‘fit’ is to perform a SWOT analysis around the • Project Charter
project. Reference:
Review for Strategic Alignment • Determine if sufficient benefits and commitments exist to proceed with high-level • SWOT Analysis
scoping. SDLC Reference:
• SDLC Reference: The IT Business Analysts should complete a review of the Service • Service Request Analysis Form
Request if there is a technology component in the projected solution. • Project Initiation Report
• Record the assumptions associated with the project. These should be used as a Input to:
management tool and as communication tool. • Project Charter
• Changes to assumptions need to be monitored as part of the Controlling activities Reference:
Identify Assumptions
through the life of the project. • Risk Management Processes
• Assumptions that prove not to hold true during the life of the project may develop into SDLC Reference:
risks or issues. • Project Initiation Report
• Project constraints are items that can or will limit the project team’s options, such as Input to:
Identify Constraints
necessary delivery dates, predefined budget, contract provisions or resource •Project Charter
• Schedule
availability. Reference:
• Resources/Costs
• Changes to the constraints need to be monitored as part of the Controlling activities •Risk Management Processes
• Quality
throughout the life of the project. Constraints that change during the life of the project SDLC Reference:
• Risk
may develop into new risks, issues or opportunities. •Project Initiation Report
• This task includes the identification of key stakeholders and project sponsors.
• This task also includes the identification of the project manager(s) who will be
responsible for further scoping, costing, project execution plan development and overall Input to:
Identify Key Individuals
project management. • Project Charter
• At the same time, critical team members should be identified. Team members may be
considered critical for their functional/business, technical or management expertise.
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
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Initiate
L M H Key Tasks Description Job Aids
• Project Charter
• The Project Charter is a document endorsed by senior management that provides the
• PMLC Compliance Checklist
project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project
SDLC Reference:
Document all Findings (Project activities.
• Project Initiation Report
Charter) • SDLC Reference: This task aligns to the draft version of the Project Initiation Report at
• Project Initiation Checklist
the end of the Feasibility Phase.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited! Best Practice Library:
• Sample Project Charter
• Gather lessons learned throughout the project by all stakeholders starting at kickoff
• Project Lessons Learned
End of Phase Lessons Learned • Conduct project lessons learned workshops at the end of each life cycle phase, and
• Lessons Learned Agenda
upon project conclusion whether successful or not
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
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Plan Devising and maintaining a workable scheme to accomplish the business need that the project was undertaken to address.
• Activity definition is the process of identifying and documenting the specific activities
Input to:
that must be performed in order to produce the deliverables identified.
Develop Schedule • Project Schedule
• A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is one common way to perform this activity. The
• Activities Defined SDLC Reference:
WBS is essentially an outline of the activities and tasks that need to be done to compete
• Project Initiation Report
the deliverables.
• This task is completed using top-down and/or bottom-up estimating, along with the
Input to:
expert judgment of those who have done similar activities.
• Project Schedule
• Goals at the end of the estimating process: an updated activity list, estimates
Develop Schedule Reference:
(durations) for each activity and reasoning behind the estimates.
• Activities Estimated • Risk Management Processes
• The critical path through the project schedule needs to be clearly defined as well.
SDLC Reference:
• Note that scope, schedule, budget and quality are interrelated constraints. Changes to
• Project Initiation Report
one of those factors will most likely have effects on the other three.
Input to:
• Project Execution Plan
• Resource planning and allocation is the process of determining what physical resources • Project Schedule
(people, equipment, materials) and what quantities of each should be used to perform Reference:
project activities. • Risk Management Processes
Plan Resources • The basic steps to resource planning include identifying resources, determining • Resource Planning Guide (TBD)
availability and estimating costs. • Strategic Sourcing BlockNet page
• It is appropriate during this task to work with Enterprise Sourcing and Settlement • Roles and Accountability Matrix
regarding any third party procurements, including RFI and RFPs. • Project Initiation Report
SDLC Reference:
Roles and Accountability Matrix
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
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Plan
L M H Key Tasks Description Job Aids
• Cost estimating is developing an estimate of the costs of the resources needed to
complete the project activities.
• The work breakdown structure or activity list is a good place to start to organize
estimates & ensure nothing is missed.
• Costs are usually expressed in dollars but may also be expressed in hours.
• Maintaining a file of supporting detail, including the work breakdown structure, all
assumptions, and a range of possible results (what-if scenarios) is highly • Project Budget (Project Cost Templat
recommended. e)
• A cost management plan should also be developed that describes how cost Input to:
Estimate Costs and Develop variances will be managed. • Project Execution Plan
Reference:
Budget • Cost budgeting is simply setting up the project budget based on the cost estimates.
• The process is to assign the costs to the period in which the cost will be incurred • Risk Management Processes
using the approved budget format for the organization. SDLC Reference:
• A financial analyst from the organization should be available to assist in the • Project Cost Template
budgeting process. • Project Initiation Report
• For most projects, the sponsor and stakeholders will want an estimate of the costs to
maintain the project’s deliverables (particularly in the case of software maintenance) at
this point as well.
• Note that scope, schedule, budget and quality are interrelated constraints. Changes to
one of those factors will most likely have effects on the other three.
• Quality planning is the process of identifying which quality standards are relevant to the
project and determining how to satisfy them.
• The quality management plan should describe how the project team is going to
implement the organization’s quality policy.
• It should be part of the overall project execution plan and address quality control, quality • Quality Control Process (TBD)
assurance and quality improvement for the project. Input to:
Plan for Quality • Depending on the project scale or size, the quality plan can be anywhere from a formal, • Project Execution Plan
detailed document to a simple outline. SDLC Reference:
• Checklists should be used to verify that quality tasks or activities have been completed. • QA Framework
• Note that scope, schedule, budget and quality are interrelated constraints. Changes to
one of those factors will most likely have effects on the other three.
• SDLC Reference: The quality planning activities are covered under the QA Framework
section of the Systems Development Lifecycle.
• Change is inevitable. It can’t and shouldn’t be avoided but it can and should be
managed.
• A project change control process needs to be in place to deal with changes in scope, • Project Change Control
schedule, resources, costs and quality. • Project Control Logs
Plan for Change Control
• Any project change control processes need to be aligned with larger program-level Input to:
change control. • Project Execution Plan
• Most importantly, the change control process must be communicated to and agreed
upon with all project stakeholders and project sponsors prior to execution.
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
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Plan
L M H Key Tasks Description Job Aids
• Communication Plan
Communications planning is the process of determining the information and Input to:
Plan for Communications communication needs of the stakeholders: who needs what information, when they will • Project Execution Plan
need it, how it will be given to them and by whom. SDLC Reference:
• Automated Project Status Reporting
• The Project Execution Plan is a document produced by the project manager and
endorsed by senior management that provides guidance and governance during the
• Project Execution Plan
Document all Findings (Project execution of project activities.
SDLC Reference:
Execution Plan) • SDLC Reference: This task aligns to the final version of the Project Initiation Report at
• Project Initiation Report
the end of the Planning Phase.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
• Gather lessons learned throughout the project by all stakeholders starting at kickoff
• Project Lessons Learned
End of Phase Lessons Learned • Conduct project lessons learned workshops at the end of each life cycle phase, and
• Lessons Learned Agenda
upon project conclusion whether successful or not
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
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Execute Coordinating, integrating and managing all resources in order to achieve the project objectives by carrying out the letter
and intent of the project execution plan while responding to change and mitigating risks.
• Change happens. If it isn’t controlled and coordinated, the project will probably fail to
meet initial expectations or fail to materialize all together.
• The project manager is responsible for identifying and managing changes when and as
they occur.
• The Project Charter, Project Execution Plan, Project Schedule and Project Budget
Execute Change Control become critical, baseline documents during the change control process.
• Scope Change Control • The results of change may include: project execution plan updates, scope changes,
• Project Change Control
• Schedule Control schedule changes, budget or forecast changes, etc.
SDLC Reference:
• Resource/Cost Control • Open and frequent communication to the project team, stakeholders, sponsors and
• Design, Construction, Test and
• Risk Response Control others affected by changes is critical to success.
Deployment phases
• Quality Control • Sources of change may include: project sponsors, stakeholders, regulatory changes,
• Issues Management competitor’s actions, shifting resource/cost constraints, new information
uncovered/revealed as the project progresses, influences of other projects, initiation of
risk mitigation strategies, issues that arise, moving deadlines, etc.
• SDLC Note: Executing Change Control involves many of the activities covered in the
Design, Construction, Test phases, as well as parts of Planning.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
Last Saved: 8/2005 HRB Project Management Framework v2.0.12 Page 8
Execute
L M H Key Tasks Description Job Aids
• Performance Reporting encompasses the collection and dissemination of project
performance information. It should include information on scope, schedule, cost,
quality, risk and issues.
• Status/progress reporting is used to describe where the project now stands and what it
has accomplished, including which deliverables have been fully or partially completed,
Reference:
what costs have been incurred or committed, etc.
• Financial Forecast Overview
Conduct Performance Reporting • Variance analysis compares actual project results to planned or expected results. Cost
SDLC Reference:
& schedule variances are the most frequently analyzed, but variances in scope, quality
• Automated Project Status Reporting
and risk are also very important.
• Forecasting should be included as well. Forecasting is used to predict future project
status and progress. Trend analysis can be used to examine project results over time to
determine if performance is improving or deteriorating.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
• Gather lessons learned throughout the project by all stakeholders starting at kickoff
• Project Lessons Learned
End of Phase Lessons Learned • Conduct project lessons learned workshops at the end of each life cycle phase, and
• Lessons Learned Agenda
upon project conclusion whether successful or not
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
Last Saved: 8/2005 HRB Project Management Framework v2.0.12 Page 9
Close Gaining formal acceptance of the project deliverables and bringing the project to an orderly end.
• The final set of communications to let all stakeholders/team members know that the • Project Wrap Up Worksheet
project has officially ended. This may include activities such as closing down financial Reference:
and time tracking applications (PeopleSoft or Planview). • Project Closeout
Administrative Closeout
• Prepare a Project Wrap Up Report to officially close the project and capture its status. • Project Wrap Up Report Guide
This report can provide valuable feedback into future project budgeting, the project Example:
cost estimation tools, as well as to the project manager. • Project wrap Up Example
• Any outcomes/deliverables that are expected to continue beyond the life of the project
must have a formal transition to some operational state.
• In the case of processes, tools or software that have been created, a new owner needs Reference:
Transition to Operational State
to be identified that will ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of the deliverable. • Project Closeout
• Any long-term project benefits tracking (ROI) defined in the Business Case and/or
Project Charter needs to be transitioned as well.
• Gather lessons learned throughout the project by all stakeholders starting at kickoff • Project Lessons Learned
End of Phase Lessons Learned • Conduct project lessons learned workshops at the end of each life cycle phase, and • Lessons Learned Agenda
upon project conclusion whether successful or not • Project Surveying
• Executive/Project Sponsor agreement that all project objectives have been met.
• Any outstanding items need to be documented and a mutually agreeable resolution
Obtain Formal Acceptance by
needs to be reached, which may include additional phases or new projects to address.
the Sponsor
• This is also a time to collect final lessons learned.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
Last Saved: 8/2005 HRB Project Management Framework v2.0.12 Page 10
Control Comparing actual performance with planned performance, analyzing variances, evaluating possible alternatives and
taking appropriate corrective action as needed.
• A subset of project management that includes the processes required to ensure timely
completion of the project. It consists of:
• Activity definition – identifying the specific activities that must be performed to
produce the various project deliverables. May be accomplished in a WBS.
• Activity sequencing – identifying and documenting interactivity dependencies.
Control Schedule • Activity duration estimation – estimating the number of work periods that will be
needed to complete individual activities.
• Schedule development – analyzing activity sequences, activity durations, and
resource requirements to create the project schedule.
• Schedule control – controlling changes to the project schedule.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
• A subset of project management that includes the processes required to ensure that the
project will satisfy the needs for which it was undertaken. It consists of:
• Quality planning – identifying which quality standards are relevant to the project and
determining how to satisfy them.
• Quality assurance – evaluating overall project performance on a regular basis to
provide confidence that the project will satisfy the relevant quality standards.
SDLC Reference:
Control Quality • Quality control – monitoring specific project results to determine if they comply with
• QA Framework
relevant quality standards and identifying ways to eliminate causes of unsatisfactory
performance.
• Continuous Improvement/Lessons Learned
• Part of controlling quality involves conducting “lessons learned” sessions throughout
the project, not just at project close.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
Last Saved: 8/2005 HRB Project Management Framework v2.0.12 Page 11
Control
L M H Key Tasks Description Job Aids
• A subset of project management that includes the processes required to ensure that the
project is completed with the approved budget. It consists of:
• Resource planning – determining what resources (people, equipment, materials) and
what quantities of each should be used to perform project activities.
Control Costs • Cost estimating – developing an approximation (estimate) of the costs of the
resources needed to complete project activities.
• Cost budgeting – allocating the overall cost estimate to individual work activities.
• Cost control – controlling changes to the project budget.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
• A subset of project management that includes the processes required to make the most
effective use of the people involved with the project. It consists of:
• Organizational planning – identifying, documenting, and assigning project roles,
responsibilities, and reporting relationships.
Control Resources • Staff acquisition – getting the needed human resources assigned to and working on
the project.
• Team development – developing individual and group skills to enhance project
performance.
Audit Alert – Documentation of this task could be requested if audited!
“SDLC” refers to the Systems Development Lifecycle and is provided as a cross-reference. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
Last Saved: 8/2005 HRB Project Management Framework v2.0.12 Page 12
HRB Systems Development
Lifecycle
Feasibility Planning Design Construction Testing Deployment
•Project Management Setup for •Project Management Setup •Project • Pilot •Project Management
Pre-Feasibility Phase (See Below) for Phase (See Below) Management Setup •Test Execution Setup for Phase (See
• Assign Team, Roles and • Perform Vendor Selection (if for Phase (See - Analyze/Review Below)
•Create Service Request
Responsibilities Applicable) RFP & RFP Below) Results • Assess Business
•Identify Sponsor and
•Define Communications Plan Response Evaluation •Construct / Build •User Acceptance Readiness
Constituents • Define Project Success • Define Detailed Process Flows • Conduct Training
- Technology Testing
•Identify Project Benefits
• Define Current and Future Functional •Develop Detailed Design - Process, Policies, - User Signoff •Project Board Review
•Determine High-Level Effort
Process Flows • Develop Capacity Plan Procedures - QA / Testing Group • Implement Business
•Strategic Alignment Review
• Refine (High Level) Business • Develop Training Plan - Training/People Signoff Changes
•Executive Review
Requirements • Develop Design Phase Change •Deployment & - Processes/Procedures
- Decision to Proceed • Gather Functional Requirements Architecture Blueprint Operational - Training
•Business and Functional •Develop Test Designs Readiness Review • Production Dry Run Test
Project Initiation/Feasibility •Test Plan / Design Review •Execute ‘Go Live’
Requirements Business Review and FLS Certification
• Assign PM(s)
- Establish Change Management •Technology Design Review •Regulatory - Implement Deployment &
•Define Scope and
Process •Design Approach and Test Compliance Review Operational Readiness
Objectives • Develop Planning Phase Architecture Design Stakeholder Review •Project Board Review Planning Agreement
- Gather (High Level) Business •Deployment and • Transition to Operations
Blueprint - Decision to Proceed
Requirements •Regulatory Compliance Review Operational Readiness • End of Phase QA/
• Create Conceptual Solution(s)
• Identify Development and Review Lessons Learned
- People • Develop Approach for
Implementation Approach (Build vs.
- Process
Buy, Iterative, Waterfall, Pilot, Measuring Project Benefits
- Feasibility Phase Architecture
Blueprint
Prototype) • Revise Project Schedule Close
•Architecture Review • Revise Project Budget
- User Experience Evaluation • Define Product Requirements •Project Board Review • Measure Project Success
• Develop Initial Project Budget
• RFI (if Applicable) - Decision to Proceed - Conduct User Experience
• Develop Initial Project Schedule
•Develop Test Plans - Funding Adjustments Approval Define Design Research
• Identify Risks Iterative and
•Business, Functional and Product - Schedule Adjustments • Conduct Lessons Learned
• Document Assumptions Phased
Requirements Baselined Approval Approach • Complete Project Closeout
• Initiate QA Process / Gather
- Gain Business Signoff • End of Phase QA/ Lessons • End of Phase QA/ Lessons
LOEs •Deployment & Operational Learned Learned
• Initiate Project Status Reporting
Readiness Review Build
•Draft Project Initiation
•Update Project Schedule
Report •Update Project Budget
•Executive Review
• Finalize Project Initiation Report
- Decision to Proceed •Project Board Review Project Management Setup
- Initial Funding Approval Identify and regularly update key stakeholders, project sponsors and
- Decision to Proceed project board
- Initial Schedule Approval
- Funding Approved and Baselined Establish and maintain project team organization through defined roles
• End of Phase QA/ Lessons
- Schedule Approved and and responsibilities
Learned Manage team’s productivity and provide appropriate status
Baselined
• End of Phase QA/ Lessons Learned Develop and enforce scope change control process
Update project schedule (milestones)
Establish and conduct tracking of financial actuals to budget
Document and manage project issues and risks
Legend
Identify and conduct project quality reviews and checkpoints
Red - Reviews
Bold - Minimum Required Tasks Contingency Establish and report weekly status
to be Lifecycle Compliant
Green- PM Controlling Processes Confidence Level in Estimates The Project Management Setup activities map closely to the
Controlling Processes identified in the Project Management Lifecycle.
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Feasibility Includes project initiation, formulation and approvals to proceed. Approval is based on strategic fit/alignment and prioritization
within the larger portfolio of projects.
• Identify "fit" with overall Business and IT strategy. One tool that can be used to
• Service Request Analysis Form
determine this ‘fit’ is to perform a SWOT analysis around the project.
Input to:
• Determine if sufficient benefits and commitments exist to proceed with high-level
Strategic Alignment Review • Service Request
scoping.
Reference:
• As a part of this task, IT Business Analysts should complete a review of the Service
• SWOT Analysis
Request if there is a technology component.
• Identification of project managers, from the Business and IT (as appropriate) who will
be responsible for further scoping, costing, project plan development, and overall
Reference:
project management.
Assign Project Manager(s) • Project Startup Checklist
• The assigned PM will have several tasks to complete to get the project started and
• SDLC Compliance Checklist
visible to outside groups. These tasks are documented in the Project Initiation
Checklist.
Bolded tasks indicate required steps to “Follow the Framework”. indicates that a task is recommended for this type (L/M/H) of project. See Appendix for L/M/H guides.
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Feasibility
L M H Key Tasks Description Job Aids
People - describe at a high level how people will be impacted by this project. Which • Feasibility Phase Architecture Bluepri
departments will be impacted? How many will be impacted? Will our customers be nt
Create Conceptual Solution(s) impacted? Should internal audit or legal be consulted regarding the project deliverables • Usability Impact Analysis
• People of this project? Will training be required? Who will need to be trained? Input to:
• Process • Project Initiation Report
• Capacity Plan
• Feasibility Phase Process - identify all existing processes that will be impacted by this project. To identify
Architecture Blueprint and processes, first think through each area to be impacted by the project, then identify all Reference:
Solution Approaches processes that will be involved. Consider all areas of H&R Block, not just our tax • Architecture Impact Analysis
business. Consider both internal and external areas. Consider customer impact. • Architecture Framework
Usability analysis is one method of reviewing the impact of process changes. • IMS Data Architecture Web Site
• Technical Service Request Process
Technology – Develop conceptual solution alternatives, in alignment with the HRB Target
State Architecture, to address high-level Business Requirements and gaps in technical
capabilities. Solutions should include technology impacts to cost, risk and scope of the
project and capture architecturally significant requirements associated with the project.
• Note: If a project architect has not been assigned to the project, a request can be
submitted via the Technical Service Request process for any architecture reviews.
Record the assumptions upon which the feasibility of the project is based. Should be Input to:
Document Assumptions
used as a management tool and a communication tool. • Project Initiation Report
Start the QA Process and Activities focused around gathering LOEs and impacted
systems as described in the QA Framework.
Initiate QA Process / Gather • Identify key applications Reference:
LOEs • Estimate resource needs and related costs • QA Framework
• Estimate test environment needs & estimate costs
• Estimate tool costs, if applicable
Initiate minimum project status reporting. The frequency, audience, etc. of status
Initiate Project Status Reporting • Automated Project Status Reporting
reporting will be further defined by communication planning in the Planning phase.
• Includes project scope, conceptual solution, project costs & benefits, project budget &
schedule and risks.
• The PIR will be used as the basis to secure funding and approval to proceed with the
Draft Project Initiation project. Attach initiative worksheet. • Project Initiation Report Draft
Report (PIR) • A Project Summary should also be completed by copying and pasting corresponding • Project Summary
sections from the PIR and distributed to ensure the various IT organizations are aware
of the project and its purpose. The Project Summary is a useful tool for communicating
the basics of the project to anyone seeking to become familiar with the project.
• During the business planning process, project determinations are made with respect to
priority and resource availability.
Prioritize Project In Light Of Reference:
• If a project is identified after the FY business planning process, evaluate it in light of the
Existing Portfolio and Existing • Baseline and Initiatives Definitions
existing portfolio. If it is deemed a higher priority than an existing project, reprioritize
Resources
portfolio, obtain budget variance approval, or submit to investment fund. If submitting to
the investment fund, complete a Business Case.
Input to:
• Project Initiation Report
Define Project Success Gain agreement on the critical success factors and how they will be measured. • Planning Phase Architecture Blueprint
Reference:
• IMS Data Architecture Web Site
• Document business, technical, or other system processes – current and future/”to be”
Input to:
states.
• Design Documents
Define Current and Future • Review "to be" business processes, identifying opportunities to streamline business
• Planning Phase Architecture Blueprint
Functional Process Flows processes before automating.
• Include culture change as part of the future process. Reference:
• IMS Data Architecture Web Site
• Project Requirements
• Project Requirements Log
Input to:
Refine (High Level) Business • Modify high level business requirements in order to set or adjust project scope and • Project Initiation Report
Requirements budget. • Planning Phase Architecture Blueprint
Reference:
• Architecture Impact Analysis
• IMS Data Architecture Web Site
•A project change control process needs to be in place to deal with changes in scope,
schedule, resources, costs and quality.
•Any project change control processes need to be aligned with larger program-level
change control.
• Project Change Control
Establish Change Management •Most importantly, the change control process must be communicated to and agreed
• Project Control Logs
Process upon with all project stakeholders and project sponsors prior to execution.
•Requirements change management process is now in effect when changes to the
baseline are required.
• Note that all changes must be coordinated with all other dependent projects/products
to ensure the integrity of the delivery schedule.
Determine the best way to deliver the requirements of the project. Consider the
following factors when making the decision:
• Build vs. buy – can this solution be purchased and customized
cheaper/better/faster than a 100% custom solution?
• 3rd party or in-house – can this work be accomplished cheaper/better/faster by Input to:
Identify Delivery Approach • Project Initiation Report
using contractors or by assigning it to in-house resources. Consider the skill sets
• Project Schedule
required and the resources available.
• Path through the Framework – should the project be delivered in a single “waterfall”
pass through the Framework or should an iterative approach be taken to planning,
design, construction and test resulting in multiple releases?
Business, Functional and • All requirements need to be collected, defined, finalized, mutually understood and
Product Requirements agreed upon by the requestor and the solution provider.
Baselined • Requirements change management process now in effect when changes to the
– Gain Business Signoff baseline are required.
The purpose of the operational readiness process and tools are to ensure successful
deployment of business solutions through quality checkpoints embedded in the SDLC
framework that enable a smooth transition from development to operations.
• Provide updates to the project budget based on increased level of confidence and
project knowledge.
• Updated Cost Template (or other
• Adjust contingency as appropriate.
Project Budget tools)
• Update Project Financial Tracking spreadsheet. Identify any financial issues that need
• Input to:
resolution.
Update Project Budget • Project Initiation Report
• Ensure all impacted organizations are made aware of budget updates in their areas.
Example:
This includes providing them with an opportunity to adjust LOEs submitted as a part of
• Project Financial Tracking Example
Feasibility. #1
• Note: these are the figures on which the “on-budget” KPI is measured. It should only be • Project Financial Tracking Example
adjusted through the change management process. #2
• Includes project scope, organization, schedule, budget, development approach, high
level conceptual design, and risks.
• This document will be used as the baseline for managing the project and establishing • Project Initiation Report
Finalize Project Initiation Report
on-time and on-budget metrics. • Project Summary
• Upon completing the updates to the PIR, an updated Project Summary document needs
to be constructed and distributed.
• For packaged systems implementation, develop an RFP based upon the above defined
technical and business requirements.
• Analyze responses and select vendor.
Input to:
• Should be worked through Enterprise Sourcing and Settlement. A link to the Enterprise
• Design Architecture Blueprint
Sourcing and Settlement BlockNet page is provided in the Job Aids column. The
Perform Vendor Selection Reference:
documents to be referenced on that site include:
(If Applicable) • Strategic Sourcing BlockNet page
• Vendor Bid Analysis Procedure
• Data Architecture Governance
• Contract Review Procedure
• IMS Data Architecture Web Site
• RFP Procedure
• Standard RFP Template
• Strategic Sourcing Procedures Manual
Input to:
• Design Documents
Define Detailed Process
Document business, technical, or other system processes. • Design Architecture Blueprint
Flows
Reference:
• IMS Data Architecture Web Site
Reference:
Test Plan / Design
Review all test plans and designs with project team as described in the QA Framework. •Test Plan Review Process
Review
•QA Framework
Implement the Software Configuration Management Plan to support the build process
including:
• Document the build process
Template:
• Document the emergency build process
•SCM Plan Template
Implement Software • Create a defect workflow
•Emergency Build Process Template
Configuration Management • Create the source control library
Reference:
Plan • Document the check-in/out procedures
•Defect Workflow Process Example
• Implement version control
•Build Process Example
• Build configuration item identification and labeling procedures
• Document migration process
• Define roles and responsibilities
Implementation Planning
• Incorporate Implementation Plan Changes from Planning phase
Revise Project Schedule Review and update the project schedule. •Updated Project Schedule
Peer Review (if Applicable) Peer review of code or process development while in progress.
Iterative process of conducting single, stand alone tests on 100% of solution units,
Unit Test
documenting / reviewing test results and correcting any defects.
Deployment Execution
• 30 days prior to deployment, ERM, FLS and PM meet to define plan
Customer Support
• Update customer support systems using Customer Support tools
• Front Line Services Certification Chec
Service Level Management (SLM) klist
• Update service level systems using SLM tools • Operations Monitoring Requirements
• Deployment Plan
Deployment and Operational System Operations & Monitoring • Implementation Plan
Readiness Review and FLS • Complete the Operations Monitoring Requirements Document. Contact the UNIX • Disaster Recovery Plan
Reference:
(Front Line Services) Monitoring Team or Windows Monitoring Team with any questions.
Certification • Update system monitors • HERMIT
• Update system health reports Sample:
• Update data center procedures • Implementation Plan Example
• Hire/train support staff • Customer Support Plan Example
• Validation of
Disaster Recovery Impacts Design Architecture Blueprint
• Create/test necessary changes to DR plans
Security
• Create/test necessary changes to security environment
Implementation Planning
• Submit a Production Change Request with appropriate lead time
• Create plans as outlined during Planning phase
FLS Certification
• Finalize and received sign-off on FLS Certification Checklist
Implement the training plan to ensure everyone in the solution supply chain (support
Conduct Training
staff, users, etc.) are trained in policy, process and systems.
Deployment Execution
• Monitor and report deployment execution
Security
• Utilize updated security procedures as needed
Reference:
Complete the transition to Operations as agreed upon in the Deployment and Operational • Operations Monitoring Requirements
Transition to Operations
Readiness Reviews. • Operational Readiness Planning Guid
e
• Front Line Services Certification Che
cklist
• Record actuals and close project budget.
• Update metrics (Costs, Metrics, ROI). Measure according to established Critical Success Input to:
Measure Project Success Factors. • Project Closeout
• Assess the success of the project management process.
• Conduct usability research through User Experience Surveys and Field Reviews
Conduct Lessons Learned Provides guidelines on gathering lessons learned throughout the project and conducting a
• Project Lessons Learned
Session project lessons learned session following implementation.
Provides a framework to monitor and record how well a new application meets its success
criteria, record any new/desirable enhancements, and note any start-up issues to be
• Project Wrap Up Worksheet
remedied in the next increment or during a planned maintenance cycle.
Reference:
• Close outstanding project work.
• Project Closeout
Complete Project Closeout • Cleanup and archive project.
• Project Wrap Up Report Guide
Example:
Prepare a Project Wrap Up Report to officially close the project and capture its status. This
• Project wrap Up Example
report can provide valuable feedback into future project budgeting, the project cost
estimation tools, as well as to the project manager.
Mission
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if I see a deliverable in the PMLC that I want to use? May I mix and match job aids?
A: Absolutely! The PM Framework is not intended to be a step-by-step methodology - it is a framework that Project Managers should start
from but customize to fit their project’s needs.
Q: What about SOX and other audits? Will I have to be using a certain lifecycle of the PMF to be “SOX compliant”?
A: No. Audits focus on sound project management principles, demonstrated by adherence to either of the two lifecycles. Make sure you
have completed the Compliance Checklist for the lifecycle you are using. Contact the PMO or the SOX team with specific questions.
All projects should “Follow the Framework” by completing the recommended tasks by high/medium/low classification. The Project Manager
must exercise good judgment as to the “degree of formality” required when completing a task.
For example, a multi-phase, high risk/reward project such as Major Franchise Acquisition should clearly have a formal Service Request,
PIR, Project Board meetings, a detailed Deployment Plan, etc. A simple project such as an Oracle upgrade for a non-mission critical
application may only have an e-mail containing the initial request, a few face-to-face (but documented!) meetings to define the steps and
schedule, and a simple go/no-go conference call.
Project Managers should always feel free to contact the Program Office if they have questions about which tasks to complete and how
formally they should be completed.
Contingency