Managing multiple projects simultaneously is a common challenge for project managers, especially when they have to deal with different stakeholders, objectives, risks, and resources. How can you ensure that your projects are aligned, prioritized, and delivered effectively? The answer lies in choosing and applying the best governance framework for your context and needs.
Governance is the set of policies, processes, roles, and responsibilities that define how projects are planned, executed, monitored, and controlled. Governance helps to ensure that projects are aligned with the strategic goals and values of the organization, that they follow consistent standards and best practices, and that they deliver the expected benefits and outcomes. Governance also provides a mechanism for resolving issues, managing risks, and communicating with stakeholders.
Governance are the guiding principles that ensures we r on right path. Whether 1 or multiple projects, if to be executed, need them to perform put in a proper framework. It needs to address all aspects of a project’s needs. This varies from industry to industry and company to company. How to start the project, how to find issues, how to communicate, how to address risks, do what, when, how, with whom, etc. all needs to be clearly articulated and followed.
Choosing the right governance framework for managing multiple projects depends on factors like project nature, organizational structure, and industry needs. Common frameworks include PMI's PMBOK Guide for standardized approaches, PRINCE2 for a structured method, and Agile frameworks like Scrum for flexibility. Some organizations create hybrid approaches by combining elements. Success involves clear communication, stakeholder engagement, risk management, and effective monitoring for multiple project management.
Governance is a crucial element for managing multiple projects, as it provides a consistent and transparent way of overseeing and controlling the project activities and outcomes. Governance helps to align the project objectives with the organizational strategy, ensure stakeholder involvement and satisfaction, facilitate data-driven decision making, and mitigate risks and issues.
The best way to govern and monitor projects is to have KPI and milestones and always plan from whole to part. The adherence to time lines in attainment of milestones takes care of everything. Working from whole to part,keeps Co-ordination,coherence and integrity in the different projects as well as different elements of the same project. Unity and Purpose to attain the set milestones,keeps every activity at the right pace as each one onboard can see,one and only one goal…the next milestone to be achieved!!!
Governance in project management establishes clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability, setting the stage for effective oversight and direction. Effective governance balances control with flexibility, allowing project teams to innovate while adhering to principles that ensure consistency, quality, and risk management. By providing a structured approach to project oversight, governance ensures resources are used efficiently, projects deliver value, and stakeholders' expectations are met. It's the compass that guides the project fleet, ensuring each vessel navigates successfully towards its intended destination, harmonizing individual efforts for collective achievement.
When you manage multiple projects, you face additional complexities that require a higher level of governance. These complexities include managing interdependencies and conflicts, balancing competing demands, allocating and optimizing resources , aligning objectives and outcomes with the organizational strategy and vision, and measuring and reporting the performance and value of multiple projects. To overcome these challenges, a good governance framework can provide a clear and consistent way of managing multiple projects as a portfolio or program. A portfolio is a collection of projects grouped together based on strategic alignment, benefits, or other criteria. Whereas, a program is a group of related projects coordinated to achieve a common goal or benefit.
Best governance framework for managing multiple projects are following Agile Waterfall Critical Chain Project Management PRINCE2 Lean Xtreme Project Management Adaptive Project Framework (APF) However, depending on their organizational context and project requirements. Ultimately, the "best" governance framework is the one that aligns most effectively with the organization's goals and objectives while providing the necessary structure and flexibility to manage multiple projects successfully.
Effective governance is crucial when overseeing multiple projects because it guarantees that each project is in line with the organization's broader goals. It helps optimize resource allocation, manage risks, maintain consistency, and ensure transparent communication with stakeholders. Governance also supports decision-making processes, monitors project advancement, ensures quality standards, and adapts to changes as needed. In essence, it provides the necessary framework for handling the intricacies of managing several projects concurrently.
Juggling multiple projects? Imagine an orchestra without a conductor - chaos! Here's why governance is your secret weapon: Tame complexities: Manage resource conflicts, interdependencies, and competing demands with a clear framework. Align with strategy: Ensure each project contributes to your organization's vision, not just individual goals. Optimize resources: Allocate your people, budget, and tools efficiently across projects for maximum impact. Measure and report: Track progress, performance, and value across projects, demonstrating true ROI.
Imagine you are exploring a new place, city don't you need a roadmap with all it guidance to successfully live the best experience? That's the same way with project governance with multiple or even individual projects. To keep everyone aligned, everything clear, what resources are available, which approaches suit best. But having a clear framework that guides project leaders and projects teams and leave no room to chaos and misalignment. Governance differ from a company to another and industry to another but Books like PMBOK, Prince2, Agile, PMO etc. help us build governance frameworks and customize them accordingly.
Governance is important for multiple projects because it ensures alignment with organizational goals, efficient resource management, risk mitigation, consistency in practices, stakeholder engagement, streamlined decision-making, and performance accountability.
A governance framework consists of four key elements: governance structure, processes, documents, and culture. The governance structure defines the roles and responsibilities of the different parties involved in the governance process, and it establishes the decision-making authority, escalation paths, and communication channels for each role. Governance processes are procedures and guidelines that specify how the governance activities are carried out, such as project selection and prioritization. Governance documents are artifacts that document and communicate the policies, processes, roles, and responsibilities. Finally, governance culture is the set of values, beliefs, and behaviors that influence how the framework is implemented and followed by stakeholders. All these elements are necessary for successful project management.
A governance framework for multiple projects includes clear project selection criteria, defined roles, effective communication plans, decision-making processes, resource allocation mechanisms, risk management strategies, and performance monitoring. It ensures consistent quality, handles changes through change management, and establishes standardized procedures for project closure. The framework is designed to be adaptable and requires regular reviews for ongoing effectiveness.
- Portfolio Management Framework is ideal for managing multiple projects. - Ensures strategic alignment with organizational goals. - Implements standardized processes for consistency. - Involves clear stakeholder engagement for managed expectations. - Utilizes performance measurement through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). - Incorporates risk management strategies across projects. - Optimizes resource management for efficient allocation. - Provides a structured change management approach. - Supports decision-making, enhances visibility, and promotes successful project delivery.
A solid governance framework is one of those where all the knowledge areas of the project management body of knowledge (also known as) PMBOK are inspected in an integrated manner involving the right stakeholders for the light level of information or decision to be taken. In fact the higher the level of the stakeholder involved, the higher is the level by which the variables of scope, budget and time needs to be evaluated by the governance and so the first element of a good governance framework is comminication which means that the project manager shouls prepares the right level of information for the stakeholders give them the proper steering at every defined touchpoint
Governance framework comprises: 1. Structure, defining roles and authority 2. Processes, guiding activities like project selection 3. Documents, documenting policies and guidelines 4. Culture, fostering transparency and collaboration. Together, they ensure efficient decision-making and project success.
In my opinion, the key elements outlined in the write-up essentially boil down to structure, people and information. In the above three aspects, basic characteristics of good governance: (i) strategic leadership, (ii) accountability, (iii) participation, (iv) predictability, (v) transparency, (vi) compliance and evaluation, should be suitably woven into.
Choosing the best governance framework for managing multiple projects is dependent on various factors, such as the size, complexity, and nature of the projects, the strategic alignment and value of the projects, the interdependencies and conflicts among the projects, the availability and allocation of resources for the projects, the maturity and capability of the project organization, as well as the expectations and preferences of the project stakeholders in relation to external and internal environment. To select an appropriate governance framework, it is necessary to assess these factors to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Additionally, benchmarking current practices against best practices and standards in your industry is also recommended. Frameworks and models such as PMI Standard for Portfolio Management, PRINCE2 methodology, Agile Project Governance Framework or Project Governance Maturity Model can provide guidance in this decision-making process.
Choosing the best governance framework involves aligning it with organizational goals, project needs, and industry standards. Clearly defining roles, assessing resources, seeking stakeholder input, and piloting the framework help in making an informed decision. Regular monitoring and adjustments ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
To select the best governance framework for managing multiple projects, consider factors like project size, complexity, and strategic alignment. Evaluate interdependencies, resource availability, and stakeholder preferences. Assess strengths and weaknesses of available frameworks against organizational capabilities. Choose a framework that aligns with project goals and fosters effective communication and decision-making. Regular review and adaptation ensure continued suitability.
Choosing the best governance framework for your multiple projects is only the first step. To ensure its success, you must implement and improve it systematically and iteratively. This can be done by defining and communicating the vision, objectives, and benefits of the framework, establishing and empowering the structure and roles, developing and documenting processes and documents, training and educating project teams and stakeholders, executing and monitoring activities and decisions, reviewing and evaluating performance, identifying and implementing improvements , and celebrating successes. Managing multiple projects can be difficult, but with a good governance framework in place you can align, prioritize, and deliver projects that meet your organization's strategic goals, satisfy stakeholders' needs, and maximize benefits.
To implement and enhance a project management governance framework, define goals, involve stakeholders, and tailor the framework to your organization. Clearly outline roles, establish effective communication, and offer training. Implement gradually, monitor, and continuously improve based on feedback. Adapt to changes, document successful practices, and seek external insights for ongoing refinement.
Leverage the recommended best practices depending on the project management methodologies so if conducting an agile project, incorporate the standard ceremonies such as: stand-up, sprint demo, backlog refinement, sprint planning and sprint retrospective; if conducting a waterfall project you want to have proper gate meetings before moving through the life cycle of the project where standard checklists are evaluated and a continuous engagement with your stakeholder happens through the so called steering group meetings. At the same time, try to see if a blend of those would be more beneficial for your project and adjust depending on factors such as team size, number of stakeholders involved and priority of the project in the organization.
Apart from my comments under Section 3 and the info provided in the LinkedIn write-up, following are important to be kept in mind towards improving the governance framework: - Ensure participation; - Enforce accountability in a fair manner; - People should feel that transparency is a key cornerstone; - The process is responsive; - There is equity and inclusiveness; - Effectiveness and efficiency are continually evaluated as part of the process; - The framework encourages consensus, collaboration; - Ensure rule of law is followed.
La méthode à la Rache. Insurpassable. Je conseille à tout le monde d’adhérer au collectif à la Rache. Les bonnes pratiques promulguées y sont d’une efficacité redoutable.
There is no definitive answer to what is the best governance framework for managing multiple projects, as different frameworks may suit different contexts, needs, and objectives. However, a good governance framework should provide clarity, consistency, and accountability for the decision-making processes, roles and responsibilities, and performance monitoring and reporting of the projects. A good governance framework should also align with the organization’s strategic goals, values, and culture, and support the effective delivery of the project outcomes and benefits.
Ein oft übersehener Aspekt der Governance ist die Kultur. Eine Governance-Kultur, die Offenheit, Verantwortlichkeit und kontinuierliche Verbesserung f?rdert, ist entscheidend für den Erfolg des Frameworks. TAPM betont die Bedeutung der Anpassungsf?higkeit, des Lernens aus Fehlern und der Schaffung einer Kultur, die das Teilen von Best Practices und Lessons Learned unterstützt. Diese Elemente k?nnen in die Governance eingebettet werden, um eine Umgebung zu schaffen, die nicht nur die Einhaltung von Richtlinien und Prozessen f?rdert, sondern auch Innovation und kreative L?sungsfindung in der Projektarbeit unterstützt.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer as the best governance framework depends on various factors such as the size of the organization, nature of projects, industry, and organizational culture. However, some commonly used governance frameworks for managing multiple projects include PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge), PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments), Agile, and Scrum. It's essential to assess your organization's specific needs and goals to determine which framework aligns best with your objectives. Additionally, some organizations develop custom governance frameworks tailored to their unique requirements.
The optimal approach depends on several key factors, including: Project characteristics: Size and complexity:?Are your projects large and intricate, or are they smaller and less involved? Nature of the projects:?What industries or domains do they belong to? Strategic alignment and value:?How well do they align with organizational goals and priorities? Interdependencies and conflicts:?Are there any dependencies between projects, or potential conflicts arising from resource allocation? Organizational context: Organizational culture and structure:?Is your organization centralized or decentralized? Risk-averse or more flexible? Project management maturity:?How developed are your existing project management processes and methodologies?