...PMO Challenges The AtekPC Project Management Office Case Study was assigned for this class to provide an overview of the challenges faced by management in the development and deployment of a PMO in an existing company. Based on the case study respond to the questions below incorporating not only the course reading materials, but any outside research that may be relevant. Be sure to cite the authority for any research included in your response. What were the changes in AtekPC’s business environment that caused the company to introduce a PMO? Based on your assigned readings and research, do these appear to be appropriate reasons for developing a PMO? Why or why not? “One might be cost reduction. Another motivation to get better on projects would be that we have to get more creative, adaptive, and agile in launching new products. “ [1] “The PC industry was changing, and AtekPC was engaged in dealing with dramatic pressure from larger competitors such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo. To compete in a changing industry in which consolidation was occurring, AtekPC had implemented a corporate Planning Office. Recognizing the role that IT would likely play in enabling AtekPC to respond to the industry pressures, the senior vice-president had supported the creation of a PMO within IT. “ [1] Somewhat true but not sufficient Here are some other reasons of why we should have PMO. (of course it cannot represent everything) In mature organizations, the PMO is...
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...manage resources and control the diverse range of projects operating within their systems at any one time. To be successful in the current business climate, organizations need to focus on how to manage the many competing requirements for resources. Conflicting resource requirements across multiple projects and corporate priorities not centrally managed usually are grounds for failure. I believe that a properly organized enterprise project office is the formula for successful project implementation. This paper briefly outlines what I feel is the main philosophy of the project office and two functions it can provide. The main philosophy of the project office is to provide the organization with a single point of enterprise project planning and control. The project office supports all levels of management by monitoring all current projects in an integrated form. It stores all relevant data and disseminates information to all the various managers involved in all projects. It is the only office that has a global view of all the corporate projects and their history. One function the project office can provide is assistance with resource availability for the project managers and project teams. As resource requirements and assignments are submitted to the project office, that information can be entered into an enterprise project database. This gives the project office the ability to not only track resource allocations for a single project but also determine the assignments and constraints...
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...IDEA GROUP PUBLISHING 701 E. Chocolate Avenue, Suite 200, Hershey PA 17033, USA Tel: 717/533-8845; Fax 717/533-8661; URL-http://www.idea-group.com ITP5149 140 2005 IRMA International Conference Organizations Through Information Technology, Proceedings of the 2005 Information This paper appears in Managing Modern Resources Management Association International Conference, edited by Mehdi Khosrow-Pour. Copyright 2005, Idea Group Inc. Aligning Project Management Office and Strategy: A Brazilian Case Study Leandro Alves Patah, Marly Monteiro de Carvalho and Fernando José Barbin Laurindo Polytechnic School of the Univ. of Sao Paulo, Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 128, Cid. Universitária, 05508-900, {leandro.patah@siemens.com} {marlymc, fjblau@usp.br} INTRODUCTION In the turbulence of the new economy, characterized by discontinuous, abrupt and sometimes unmanageable changes, companies should be able to make fast and responsive actions and innovative strategies in order to survive (Hamel, 1996). The great majority of companies already has this information and prepare themselves to compete in this new era through the elaboration of daring strategies, although feasible. According to Porter (1996), the strategy essence remains in choosing activities to be made in a different manner or in the execution of different activities in relation to the competitors. What happens, many times, is that the strategies are not put in operation because they do not arrive until the...
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...106,9 Enterprise resource planning success An exploratory study of the financial executive perspective Alan R. Peslak Penn State University, Dunmore, Pennsylvania, USA Abstract Purpose – To explore the views of top corporate financial executives on the success of implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as well as the variables associated with ERP project success. Specifically, relationships between dependent variables cost and budget performance on the independent variable overall project success are studied. Variables influencing cost and time performance are also explored. Design/methodology/approach – An analysis of secondary data obtained from the 2003 financial executives international comprehensive survey-based research on technology issues for financial executives. Multiple regression analysis and other statistical methods are used. Findings – The findings indicate that ERP implementations are generally viewed as moderately successful by top financial executives. In addition, both cost and time were significantly correlated with an overall view of success with cost performance holding higher influence. Several variables were found to significantly correlate with cost and time performance. Research limitations/implications – The study can be used as a basis for further exploration on the influences on ERP success as well as serve as a preliminary model to analyze any IT project success. Practical implications – The findings can be used to guide management teams in...
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...are trademarks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. PMI® has not endorsed and did not participate in the development of this product. Integration Management Process Name Develop Project Charter Inputs Outputs Tools and Techniques Project Statement of Work Business Case Project Charter Experts Judgment Project Management Plan Experts Judgment Project Management Plan Approved Change Requests Deliverables Work Performance Information Experts Judgment Project Management Information System Enterprise Environmental Factors Change Requests Organizational Process Assets Project Management Plan Updates Contracts Enterprise Environmental Factors Organizational Process Assets Develop Project Management Plan Project Charter Outputs From Planning Processes Enterprise Environmental Factors Organizational Process Assets Direct and Manage Project Execution Project Document Updates Project Management Plan Performance Reports Change Requests Project Management Plan Updates Enterprise Environmental Factors Monitor and Control Project Work Experts Judgment Project Document Updates Organizational Process Assets Project Management Plan Work Performance Information Change Requests Status Updates Project Management Plan Updates Change Requests Perform Integrated Change Control Experts Judgment Change Control Meetings Project Document Updates Enterprise Environmental Factors ...
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...Organizational members is induced to commit to IT application usage 5. Routinization e. Usage of IT application is encouraged as a normal activity 6. Infusion f. Increased organizational effectiveness is obtained by using the IT application * IT implementation Refers to team’s strategy and actions for successful system and contribution to the organization Is the extent of alignment of the IT and the organization that operates it Cooper & Zmud: Rational behaviors can explain IT implementation in the early stage of the transfer process More complex political/social behaviors dominate the later stage * Critical success factors * Commitment from top management * Empowered teams with ability to make decisions * Strong project management leadership * Adaptable organization * Defined business direction * Best people = best result * Levels of failures...
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...people, and was supporting multiple internal projects and also some external projects based on its capabilities and extra capacity. However there are multiple problems in the way the ISD was organized and operated that was leading to ineffectiveness, inefficiency, organizational conflicts and leading to not attainment of business goals and strategy. Some of the issues included not having a proper project management structure and dedicated personnel, personal power conflicts and non cooperation from operations managers, lack of clarity and direction for employees. The current ISD director is planned to be replaced by a new director who is expected to change the structure, processes and culture of the organization, while managing expectations and relationships to help ISD and the company achieve goals and strategic objectives. 2. Highlight three enterprise management causes/considerations and three project management causes/considerations for the situation. Include what seemed to be missing. Answer – Enterprise management causes and considerations include having an alignment between organizational and IT strategy, existing organizational structure that is not well defined and lack of skills and knowledge on how to effectively manage and run IT projects. Project management causes and considerations in this case include not having defined roles and responsibilities for people in projects, ad hoc manner of selecting and implementing projects, there not being systems and...
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...Project Management Small to Medium Enterprises Monyetta Soco CMGT/410 May 02, 2012 Dalan Bayham Project Management Small to Medium Enterprises SME’s (Small to Medium Enterprises) varies in the use of sophisticated tools such as Gantt and CPM (critical path method), depending on the company’s size. Most lo-tech companies rather use project teams so the company does not have to hire project managers to do the job that employees could do as a team. On another note most hi-tech companies rather hire experienced project managers. Project Managers in these larger size companies are more likely to implement tools and techniques of project management such as MS-Project, Gantt Charts, CPM, and EVA (earned value analysis). The low implementation of these sophisticated tools falls on the lo-tech rather than the hi-tech companies. “Ghobadian and Gallear (1997) described differences between SMEs and larger organizations. In particular, they identified the following: . Processes: SMEs require simple planning and control systems, informal evaluation and reporting. . Procedures: SMEs have a low degree of standardization, with idealistic decision making. . Structure: SMEs have a low degree of specialization, with multi-tasking, but a high degree of innovativeness. . People: Because of the higher consequence of failure in SMEs, people prefer tested techniques.” Hi-Tech companies rather have nominated individuals (such as project managers) to handle his or her specific task at hand...
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...Impact of Risk Management in Application Development Abstract: Nowadays, software is becoming a major part of enterprise business. Software development is activity connected with advanced technology and high level of knowledge. Risks on software development projects must be successfully mitigated to produce successful software systems. Lack of a defined approach to risk management is one of the common causes for project failures. To improve project chances for success, this work investigates common risk impact areas to perceive a foundation that can be used to define a common approach to software risk management. Based on typical risk impact areas on software development projects, we propose three risk management strategies suitable for a broad area of enterprises and software development projects with different amounts of connected risks. Proposed strategies define activities that should be performed for successful risk management, the one that will enable software development projects to perceive risks as soon as possible and to solve problems connected with risk materialization. We also propose a risk-based approach to software development planning and risk management as attempts to address and retire the highest impact risks as early as possible in the development process. Proposed strategies should improve risk management on software development projects and help to create a successful software solution. Table of contents: 1. Introduction ...
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...Operations Management Operations management focuses on carefully managing the processes to produce and distribute products and services. Usually, small businesses don't talk about "operations management", but they carry out the activities that management schools typically associate with the phrase "operations management." Major, overall activities often include product creation, development, production and distribution. (These activities are also associated with Product and Service Management. However product Development is usually in regard to one or more closely related product -- that is, a product line. Operations management is in regard to all operations within the organization.) Related activities include managing purchases, inventory control, quality control, storage, logistics and evaluations. A great deal of focus is on efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Therefore, operations management often includes substantial measurement and analysis of internal processes. Ultimately, the nature of how operations management is carried out in an organization depends very much on the nature of products or services in the organization, for example, retail, manufacturing, wholesale, etc Sections of This Topic Include: Procurement (Purchasing) Practices This topic reviews guidelines for buying various materials from suppliers and vendors -- materials, including computers, services from lawyers, insurance, etc. Procurement (Purchasing) Practices Management Control and...
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...so long to develop an Enterprise Project Management Methodology. The first contributing factor was the executives were afraid of losing their power and authority they had. I believe they knew by developing a Enterprise Project Management Methodology, that only one executive would be in charge and more powerful than the other executive's. The executives new at some point they would have to do it, but what they did not understand is by not developing an Enterprise Project Management Methodology they were putting the company’s growth and competitiveness in jeopardy. The second contributing factor was the executives had no clue on were to begin with developing an Enterprise Project Management Methodology. The executives were so afraid of who was going to be in control that they really never thought it out. The executive staff recommended 12 life cycles which would have increased paper work and less time to manage the project. A consultant was called in to assist them in creating an Enterprise Project Management Methodology explaining the pros of having. My recommendation for Mr. John Compton and his executive staff is that the Project Management office should not report to the CIO. My reasoning is the PMO needs to report to the executive with the experience and that could best handle the project. Being fair about this selection will bring on less conflict, and less likely for the EPM to fail. According to Harold Kerzner Project Management 11th Edition that Methodologies...
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...Basic Management What Does a Project Manager? Briefly, technology project managers fulfil the following broad requirements: * Define and review the business case and requirements by regular reviews and controls to ensure that the client receives the system that he or she wants and needs. * Initiate and plan the project by establishing its format, direction, and base lines that allow for any variance measurements and change control. * Partner with the end users, work with project sponsors and other management to establish progress and direction of the project by achieving goals, reaching targets, solving problems, mitigating risks. * Manage the technology, people, and change in order to achieve goals, reach targets, and deliver the project on time and within budget. * Manage the project staff by creating an environment conducive to the delivery of the new application in the most cost-effective manner. * Be able to manage uncertainty, rapid change, ambiguity, surprises, and a less defined environment. * Manage the client relationship by using an adequate direct yet complete and formal reporting format that compliments a respected and productive relationship. * Drive the project by leading by example, and motivating all- concerned until the project accomplishes its goal. Necessary as Manager The skills that a good project manager possesses are many and varied, covering the entire spectrum of the human personality. We can divide these skills...
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...Creating a Methodology: Chad Valentine Strayer University BUS-375 Project Management Professor James E. Wise II April 21, 2015 The culture in Corporate America is highly competitive and often results driven. In most cases the success of the entire company is often credited to the executive staff and upper management. They endure both the weight of success and the weight of failure. The term “business is war” is much more a commonality than just a saying in most of the top corporations. The struggle to stay on top and maintain it is a struggle that most deal with on a daily basis. This struggle not only pertains to the threat of competitive businesses, but also the internal competition of climbing the ladder. Once you reach a certain level or position within a company, the only way to reach the next plateau is to be better than the person above you, play the politics game, or weight for them to retire or move on. Those three options aren’t always the case in every situation, but they apply to most. After reading the “Creating Methodology” case study I came to the same conclusion the CEO Mr. John Compton did which was his executive staff was hesitant due to the fact that this new process he requested to be implemented would introduce the possibility of the executive staff to lose a portion of their power or influence. There are multiple types of PM Methodologies used in project management. Just to name a few; Agile, Waterfall, Scum, NPI, RAD, Kanban. The structure...
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...MORE FREE TERM PAPERS ON SITE: www.BesplatniSeminarskiRadovi.com SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT A Term Paper ON ERP Implementation-Procedures, Issues, Challenges & Failures Introduction An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is an integrated computer-based application used to manage internal and external resources, including tangible assets, financial resources, materials, and human resources. Its purpose is to facilitate the flow of information between all business functions inside the boundaries of the organization and manage the connections to outside stakeholders. Built on a centralized database and normally utilizing a common computing platform, ERP systems consolidate all business operations into a uniform and enterprise-wide system environment. An ERP system can either reside on a centralized server or be distributed across modular hardware and software units that provide "services" and communicate on a local area network. The distributed design allows a business to assemble modules from different vendors without the need for the placement of multiple copies of complex and expensive computer systems in areas which will not use their full capacity. To be considered an ERP system, a software package should have the following traits: ➢ Should be integrated and operate in real time with no periodic batch updates. ➢ All applications should access one...
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...Individual Assignment IBM-Successful Enterprise Project Management Office Zhaojie Wang (Will) Brenau University Nov 26, 2013 Why IBM should establish PMO Growing global competition, change the staff ability and resources pressure, plus client technology rapidly changing expectations affect IBM's bottom line, the company to reconsider its organization structure, business mode and management methods. With the help of some influential people are professional project managers, IBM believes the practice of project management is the key in a reliable way to its global customer complex business solutions. Lack of good project management is the failure of some project, customer satisfaction, revenue and profit. IBM's CEO believed team, set up a strategy converts IBM project based enterprise by improving the project management of the company's core competitiveness. And then execute the steering committee charter and continue to guide the IBM project management center of excellence (PM/COE), a formal enterprise project management office, as its agent converts the IBM project based business changes. Enterprise PMO Implementation across IBM global project management ability of organization, PM/COE establish and promote a consistent professional infrastructure, a common method based on industry standards and support project management agents including process, tools and measuring system. As Rad said: “A fully-functional enterprise project management office (EPMO) would provide tools...
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