Embed project management in AFAC business
This project is now complete. An AFAC project management methodology has been created and is now in use across the organisation.
The Need
Most of the work undertaken by AFAC involves the production of a unique product or service, or is intended to bring about change. The work varies in size, scale and scope and is distributed throughout the AFAC staff for management of the desired outcomes. There is no standard approach to governance and management of AFAC work, however, in some areas of the business very good project management practices exist. Recognised internally and now directed by the AFAC Committee of Management, the introduction and embedding of a robust project management methodology is required.
Benefits and Strategic Alignment
This work will contribute to a more mature, relevant and successful result from investments made. A focus on improved project performance can create more certainty in the way AFAC is able to conduct its business, manage change and deliver a return on the investment incurred.
Creating greater certainty will contribute to:
- Be able to more confidently assert that all projects will be delivered to specification, on time and to budget
- Better link project, program and portfolio activities with strategic directions and ongoing operations
- Be regarded for its success by members, key stakeholders, funding bodies and customers
Exercising greater project management accountability and performance at the AFAC level provides member agencies with a lessons learned opportunity for their own agencies. There is an emerging opportunity and interest in AFAC establishing a community of interest group for those who have responsibilities for project management in their own agencies.
Proposal
This project will involve the design, implementation and conduct of a standard project management approach within AFAC. It will involve the introduction of:
- A description of the AFAC project planning and management structure based on the life-cycle of typical projects
- A standard approach to project governance covering the project roles and responsibilities, decision points, reporting and documentation
- project vocabulary to assist understanding by all people working on projects, and
- A well-defined and auditable document trail for projects.
The project will commence immediately and be fully in place by April 2011. The outputs delivered by this project will be:
1) A fully documented methodology that describes the project management approach within AFAC
2) A series of templates to guide the articulation of the projects required to deliver AFAC business
3) Development of web based reporting processes so that projects are linked to the AFAC Strategic Plan and are fully transparent to AFAC members
4) Identification of training opportunities for AFAC staff to strengthen in-house project management capabilities
5) A project management community of interest group is formed as part of the AFAC Knowledge Management Strategy
Consultation
Consultation has already commenced and will continue with AFAC staff members and personnel from member agencies who have responsibility for project management.
Governance
There is a high level of support for this project to proceed for the reasons outlined above.
The proposed governance of this project is:
Project Owner: Naomi Brown
Project Manager: Jill Edwards
