Project Management

Purpose

The university is committed to continuously improving the delivery of information technology (IT) solutions within budget, on schedule, within scope, and in such a way as to best contribute to accomplishing the university's strategic mission. This policy furthers that goal by establishing the common and consistent application of project management best practices in the management of IT projects. A uniform project management framework promotes consistency and better control of IT projects, thereby reducing risks and increasing project success.

William & Mary has a delegated authority agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia that assigns responsibility for managing the university's information technology project management activities. This delegation allows the university to implement these activities using industry best practices that are appropriately tailored to its unique circumstances, rather than adhering strictly to Commonwealth-determined specifications. This policy outlines the industry best practices that the university will follow for its project management and auditing activities.

Scope

This policy applies to all designated projects with a significant information technology component.  A designated resource from Information Technology will be assigned.  Exclusions: The scope of this policy does not extend to research projects, research initiatives or instructional programs.

Policy

Information technology projects shall be managed in accordance with best practices promoted by the nationally recognized Project Management Institute (PMI), appropriately tailored to the specific circumstances of the university. For example, project managers should possess professional credentials and/or appropriate project management training or experience. Projects that engage leading IT consulting or software development firms to assist with project management may apply additional best practices provided by these firms.

Methods used for project auditing are aligned with industry best practices, consultant expert guidelines, and known industry-accepted standards. These methods are tailored to the Higher Education environment by internal departments and in coordination with consultants as warranted.

Non-Compliance

The university realizes that there may be unique business needs that require deviation from this policy or the use of different standards. Any deviation should be coordinated with Information Technology to remain compliant with the requirements of this policy. 

Definitions

IT Project: A project having as its primary purpose the creation of a unique information technology product or service. Research projects, research initiatives, and instructional programs are not included in the scope of this policy

PMI: Project Management Institute

Project: A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result (PMBOK, 2021 edition).

Project Management: The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to mitigate risk, control budget, and manage the scope of tasks.

References

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1012-2004 for Software Verification and Validation – Software Verification and Validation (V&V) processes determine whether the development products of a given activity conform to the requirements of that activity and whether the software satisfies its intended use and user needs. Software V&V processes include analysis, evaluation, review, inspection, assessment, and testing of software products.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – Quality Management (ISO 9000:2015) – ISO 9000:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system for any organization that needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide a product that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements and aims to enhance customer satisfaction.

Project Management Institute – The world's leading not-for-profit professional association in the area of project management.

Project Management Institute. 2021. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - Third Edition. https://www.pmi.org/standards/pmbok