Archive for March, 2011

Launch of Scouts Canada’s Revitalized Uniform: A Case Study of Excellent Project Scope and Communications Management

27 March 2011

Scouts Canada: Project Scope and Communications ManagementSeveral things went right on the recent launch of Scouts Canada’s revitalized uniform but there are two project management knowledge areas that the team focused on that made it really successful—project scope management, particularly the Collect Requirements process, and project communications management.

To respect the movement’s century-old history and to address potential emotional concerns, the team spent countless hours gathering the requirements via formal studies, surveys, focus groups and face-to-face discussions. Without a well-integrated project communications management plan, the requirements gathering process would not have been successful.

Throughout the project, updates were sent to more than 100,000 members whilst continually engaging the senior management team, and local staff and volunteers. The resulting media coverage in national newspapers, radio and television—and the buzz on social media sites—points to a solid and well-executed marketing and public relations strategy.

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Outsourcing of PMO Functions for Improved Organizational Performance

5 March 2011

Outsourcing PMOThis book presents the research results of outsourcing PMO functions. The research used case studies from multiple countries and surveys from 104 project professionals across multiple industries and PM roles.

It became evident that outsourcing PMO functions can positively impact organizational performance—and how proper management governance and standards practices contribute to favourable results.

I found the PMO Functions Outsourcing Criteria very useful because it highlighted what organizations should consider if they are planning to outsource their PMO functions. All of the organizations who participated in the case study outsourced their project methodology and tools. Half of them outsourced project manager development; a different half outsourced project delivery altogether.

If your organization is planning to outsource its PMO functions, this book is a must. You’ll know that you have your facts straight instead of relying on anecdotal information from others.

Connect with Dr. John A. Estrella via Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.