The battle for resources is hitting critical mass in today’s economy. Organizations must be highly selective of what projects they undertake, extremely efficient in their execution, and able to provide a demonstrable ROI at all steps in the process. It can’t be done without enterprise project management, which can’t be successfully implemented without careful attention to cultural adoption.
Enterprise Project Management is a major organizational undertaking. While there are some outstanding software solutions available, and project management is a mature discipline, far too many projects are still failing, late or over budget. Companies know they need enterprise solutions, but often are at a loss as to how to make the necessary adjustments internally to enable them to derive the benefits that compelled them to pursue EPM in the first place.
Change succeeds or fails because of the attitudes of the people involved. Here are some of the key factors in driving a successful EPM implementation:
- Strategic alignment — you have to have solid reasoning for why your organization needs to adopt this new way of doing things, and tie those reasons to strategy, goals, metrics, and performance measurements. Identify the business drivers. Why pursue EPM at all?
- Preparation — readiness assessment.
- Risks — what risks are posed in doing this? What risks exist if you don’t? Buy-in of the vision at all levels — executives, managers, workers. Identify and over communicate what is in it for each level and role.
- Change management — how will you execute the needed changes within your organization to allow you to recognize the return you are after?
- Measurements — Accountability and consistent assessment of progress allow you to manage and track your Return on Investment (ROI).
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Source: PMI – Tom Tobin, April 20, 2009
http://www.projectsatwork.com/article.cfm?ID=248754
