How do you measure and improve your PPM maturity level?

1 Benchmark your current state

The first step is to understand where you stand in terms of PPM maturity. You can use various frameworks and models to evaluate your current state, such as the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Organizational Project Management Maturity Model (OPM3), the Portfolio, Programme, and Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3), or the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI). These models typically consist of different levels of maturity, ranging from ad hoc and chaotic to optimized and integrated, and provide criteria and indicators for each level. You can conduct a self-assessment or hire an external consultant to benchmark your current state against these models and identify your strengths and gaps.

2 Define your desired state

The next step is to define where you want to be in terms of PPM maturity. You should align your desired state with your organizational vision, mission, and strategy, and consider the benefits and costs of moving to a higher level of maturity. You should also set realistic and measurable goals and objectives for your PPM improvement journey, and prioritize the areas that need the most attention and improvement. For example, you may want to focus on improving your portfolio governance, your project selection and prioritization criteria, or your portfolio performance measurement and reporting.

4 Implement and monitor the plan

The fourth step is to implement and monitor the action plan. You should execute the actions according to the plan, and use the metrics and indicators to monitor the results and outcomes. You should also collect feedback from the stakeholders and the project teams, and use it to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the PPM practices, processes, and tools. Additionally, you should identify and address any issues, risks, or challenges that may arise during the implementation, and adjust the plan as needed.

5 Review and improve the plan

The fifth step is to review and improve the plan. You should conduct regular reviews of the plan and the outcomes, and compare them with the baseline and the goals. You should also celebrate the achievements and successes, and recognize the contributions of the stakeholders and the project teams. Furthermore, you should identify the lessons learned and the best practices, and use them to improve the plan and the PPM maturity level. You should also revisit the benchmarking models and frameworks, and reassess your PPM maturity level periodically.

6 Continue the PPM improvement cycle

The final step is to continue the PPM improvement cycle. You should recognize that PPM maturity is not a destination, but a journey. You should keep updating and refining your PPM practices, processes, and tools, and align them with the changing needs and expectations of your organization and your stakeholders. You should also keep learning and innovating, and seek new opportunities and challenges to enhance your PPM capabilities and performance.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?