Creating A Methodology Case - Essay Example

Creating a Methodology Case Essay

Project management requires a company to justify every claim it makes. This means producing enough evidence to show why change is inevitable. It is only when project management teams justify even the smallest needs for change that they can produce the best outcome. PMO seems to be the best project management tool for different reasons. It is best needed when a company needs to take drastic actions towards achieving its project goals. It brings together project managers from different departments and makes them focus their efforts on a company’s best interest. Here Is how to justify all claims regarding the use of PMOs and EPM systems in a company.

What can be said of the company’s corporate culture, given that it waited for so long before finally thinking of creating space for an EPM system?

It is undeniable that the company’s slow response is caused by its vertical organizational and management structure. All projects decisions are expected to pass through the top managers before being approved for implementation if found to be the best fit. Currently, most units are managed by individuals who are afraid of losing their power if this bureaucratic leadership structure was to be abolished. These managers are holding on to power by all means. The company needs to understand the threats caused by its competitors. The industry is already too competitive to be this slow in detecting and correcting areas of weakness. More recognition should be directed towards project management, which requires flexibility and speed in the implementation of any project deemed useful in the future of the organization. Everyone needs to work together to adopt the use of EPM systems in the company. Otherwise, the power play might be very costly to this company. Things should be changed through proper project management.

Can a PMO speed the acceleration process?

A PMO will speed up the implementation of EPM as it offers a clear guideline on the route to be followed to achieve desirable goals for the projects. Project management teams could use a PMO as a template or guide throughout the process for the avoidance of any confusion. It will bring them together to create a universal methodology that could help revive any company regardless of size or situation. PMO will make everything more uniform and shield everyone, including people in project management positions, from the disputes that could otherwise be caused by some people feeling like their project management ideas, are the best compared to those by others. Sadly, most people project managers never justify their stands with valid evidence. Notable PMO will only produce desired benefits if the steering team can justify most of its ideas.

Is it necessary for the PMO to be accountable to Chief Information Officers or anyone else?

Accountability is a crucial factor in any organization. Therefore, it is very acceptable for the PMO to exercise this virtue before a CIO or any other person in top management. This should be done to eliminate any stumbling blocks that might arise as a result of other people feeling sidelined during the project management exercise. Otherwise, such concerns are highly likely not to arise since the PMO is made up of qualified and experienced project managers from different departments. They understand what is needed to steer a project in the right direction. It could be assumed that they also understand the project that requires extensive consultation and accountability beyond the group setting. As a result, they should be given the benefit of the doubt that they will take the best projects management decision in the company’s best interest.

Why is there a need for a maximum of six life-cycle phases in an EPM system?

Having numerous gates would only be a distraction since the project management team could be forced to spend more time focusing on how to submit reports for each phase. They would lose focus on the final project goal, which is to create a highly effective and productive system. As a result, these phases should even be less than six, if possible. The lesser the distraction witnessed along the way, the higher the chances that this team will achieve its desired projects goal. Anyone could justify the need for fewer barriers in the life-cycle of an initiative.

What is the logic in designing an EPM system around elements that are either flexible or inflexible? Also, do organizations prefer formality or informality when first designing their EPM systems?

It is better to design an EPM systems around flexible elements, whether doing it for the first or umpteenth time. Project management teams should be as formal as they can by using checklists and other guidelines that will help them produces appropriate results. All paperwork must be in check to not only guide but also to document the process. This will help in future reference or during projects inspections to make sure that the right strategies were followed to the later. Being informal only increases the chances of project management team losing track of the process, subsequently increasing the chances of making mistakes along the way.

Should an EPM system be made in a way that makes it able to capture best practice?

An EPM system should definitely be able to capture best practice in an organization. This us of an EPM assures the organization of its longevity as errors are minimized, and drastic measures are taken to make the systems even more productive. In other words, the main interests of an organization should be to use every system it has in place to create a secure environment that detects and corrects faults rather than turning a blind eye on them. All these can be done by project managers who understand the value of operating within a well-organized system. Projects become better when such clear guidelines are followed.

These are some of the ideas you could include in creating a methodology case essay. Be thorough in your analysis. It helps when you sound knowledgeable in your explanation.