Project Management Office

A project is a temporary endeavor with a beginning, an end, and a defined set of deliverables.  A project is an effort to create or modify a specific product or service.  A project creates a unique product or service and is not a routine operation.  Projects can be completely contained within a specific department or include many departments and vendors. 

A work effort may be considered a project if it:

• is considered to be complicated
• involves unfamiliar technologies, new products, or unique solutions
• will involve more than one department, or multiple units
• has a high impact on many users
• is considered to be a high-profile project for the University
• must be delivered within a short or specific timeline

Project Management includes planning and managing the work needed to complete a project.  This is done by applying a consistent process to each initiative.  What to expect on projects can be found on our Project Intake Process page.

Programs are composed of several underlying, interconnected projects.  These projects complement and build off one another to achieve a larger, long-term business objective.  A successful program drives strategic benefits and organizational growth, rather than a single, tangible deliverable.  Program management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to meet program requirements.

A portfolio is a high-level view of all the projects and organization is implementing in order to meet its primary strategic goals.  Project Portfolio Management (PPM) provides a framework for new project selection and oversight of current projects.  OIT has established a process to access and gain leadership approval for project requests.  More information can be found on our Project Prioritization PDF.