Defining a Balance Defining a Balance with Templates and with Templates and
StandardsStandards
Nani Sadowski, PMPNani Sadowski, PMP
September 24, 2006September 24, 2006
What is a Template?
“Anything that determines or serves as a pattern; a model” - www.Dictionary.com
“A template is some form of device to provide a separation of form or structure from content. •In publishing for example, a template may be a predefined layout to give you an idea what to write where with boxes and lines.” - www.wikipedia.com
“A document or file having a preset format, used as a starting point for a particular application so that the format does not have to be recreated each time it is used: a loan amortization template for a spreadsheet program. “ - The American Heritage Dictionary
Templates
What is a template to you? to your organization?
How do you find the balance in determining when they are needed?
How do you utilize them to leverage your overall goals?
Templates
“Companies have discovered that project management methodologies work best with templates, forms, checklists and
guidelines rather than policies and procedures.”
2nd edition Advanced Project Management Best Practices on Implementation. pg118
Project Life Cycle Phases
InitiationRFP
Statement of Work Planning
Schedule
Risk List
Task List
Resource Allocation
Sample of Template – First Phases Mitigation Plan
# Risk Impact Probability Severity Assigned
To End Date Plan
What is the nature of the risk? What could happen?
What is the impact if this happens?
How likely is it to happen?
Rank the impact
Who is responsible for the Mitigation Plan?
When is the plan due?
Refer to documentation of the plan
001 <Insert details ,by bullet points, expanding upon the above 2 questions.>
<Insert details ,by bullet points, expanding upon the above question.>
High High <insert name(s) of responsible party>
<Insert end date>
Project Life Cycle Phases
Execution and ControlIssues List
Testing Plan
Training Plan
Go Live Plan Closing
Lessons Learned
Project Sign Off with Checklist
Standardization of Templates Why is this needed?
Standardization
Provides consistency During a project Across projects within an organization
Allows Project Manager to concentrate on the project and not on the tools PM completes templates to easily evaluate or report on status of
project Repeatable so stakeholders know what to expect and what the
information means Consider organization structure and climate when
developing templates Not enough?? Too many??
Portfolio Management Template
Workflows
Do workflows has any relation/impact to this? How can a workflow help you? What should a workflow detail/measure?
Steps for Workflows
ObserveObserve – Process (visually) DiscussDiscuss – Process with all team members ‘InterviewInterview’ those involved Utilize ‘Post-It’ notes to tracktrack DiagramDiagram final flow
Key to access continued
What factor makes up 90% of Project Management according
to PMI Methodology?
Communication
Key to access continued…
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate details surrounding templates once complete
Standards/Policies in place to indicate details surrounding all templates
Determine who alters the templates when the organization expands/re-aligns
Expectations Define the balance desired for templates as a group
with stakeholders and key participants involved.
QUESTIONS???QUESTIONS???
Nani Sadowski, PMPNani Sadowski, PMP
407-617-8697407-617-8697