Automating governance checks with score cards and workflow - what PPM configuration options to consider ?

"Project governance refers to the framework of policies, procedures, and decision-making processes that determine how projects are planned, executed, monitored, and controlled. It defines the roles and responsibilities of the project team, stakeholders, and sponsors, and establishes the mechanisms for communication, risk management, and performance measurement." - Project Management Institute (PMI)

There are several ways that project portfolio management (PPM) software can be used to automate governance checks with scorecards and workflow:

1. Integrate the PPM software with your company's governance processes: Many PPM software systems have the ability to integrate with other business systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or customer relationship management (CRM) systems. By integrating the PPM software with these systems, you can automate governance checks such as budget approvals, risk assessments, and compliance checks.
2. Use scorecards to track key performance indicators (KPIs): PPM software can include scorecards that allow you to track the performance of projects against predetermined KPIs. This can help you to identify problems or bottlenecks as they occur, and to take corrective action before they escalate.
3. Use workflow automation to streamline governance processes: Many PPM software systems include workflow automation tools that allow you to automate governance processes such as budget approvals, risk assessments, and compliance checks. This can help to reduce the risk of errors, and can improve the efficiency of the governance process.
4. Use dashboards to monitor governance processes in real-time: PPM software can include dashboards that provide real-time visibility into the progress of ongoing projects. This can help you to monitor governance processes in real-time, and to identify problems or bottlenecks as they occur.

Overall, PPM software can be a valuable tool for automating governance checks with scorecards and workflow. By integrating the software with your company's governance processes, using scorecards to track KPIs, and automating workflow, you can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your governance processes.

"Project governance is the system by which an organization directs and controls its project activities, including the planning, execution, monitoring, and controlling of projects, in order to achieve specific strategic objectives." - Association for Project Management (APM)

Configuration considerations for Governance in a PPM tool

To use a PPM (project and portfolio management) tool for governance of projects and the work people do on projects, you should consider configuring the following components:

1. Portfolio roadmap: A portfolio roadmap is a high-level view of all the projects in your portfolio, including their priorities, dependencies, and relationships to each other. This helps you align your projects with your business objectives and ensure that you are working on the most important projects first.
2. Project plans: Project plans outline the scope, schedule, budget, and resources for each project. They should include details on the tasks to be completed, the milestones to be achieved, and the deliverables to be produced.
3. Resource allocation: A PPM tool should allow you to assign resources to projects and track their utilization. This helps you ensure that you have the right people working on the right projects at the right time.
4. Risk management: A PPM tool should allow you to identify and assess risks, develop risk mitigation plans, and track the progress of risk management activities. This helps you proactively address potential issues that could impact the success of your projects.
5. Issue tracking: A PPM tool should allow you to log and track issues that arise during the course of a project. This helps you stay on top of problems and ensure that they are resolved in a timely manner.
6. Change management: A PPM tool should allow you to track and manage changes to the scope, schedule, or budget of a project. This helps you ensure that changes are properly documented and approved, and that they do not negatively impact the overall project.
7. Quality management: A PPM tool should allow you to track and manage the quality of the work being done on a project. This may include setting quality standards, monitoring compliance with those standards, and conducting quality audits.
8. Reporting and analysis: A PPM tool should provide a variety of reports and analytics to help you track the performance of your projects and make informed decisions about your portfolio. This may include data on project cost, schedule, scope, quality, and resources.

"Project governance is a lot like being a referee in a soccer game. You're constantly blowing your whistle, trying to keep everyone on the same field, and every now and then, someone kicks you in the shins." - Unknown

CORA PPM (www.corasystems.com)

If you would like to discuss Cora PPM, and our SPM (Strategic Portfolio Management) please drop me a note.?

Alan Crean | Project Financials, Systems, & Technologies Specialist?|?Cora?|[email protected]