The Missing Link

  ProjectsAtWork  

Your projects should be anchored to a governing strategy.

Project managers often find their projects' scope and objectives are, at best, informally linked to a governing business strategy. The loose association between a project and strategy can create an environment where resources are difficult to obtain, scope and requirements frequently change, and competing projects appear. However, project managers can and should play an active role in shaping strategy, and linking it to their projects. Using techniques founded in enterprise project management, project managers can establish a meaningful connection to a governing strategy, stabilize the project environment and ultimately deliver the project successfully.

Here are four key techniques for anchoring projects to a governing strategic plan:

1. Create and Validate Strategic Objectives

When a project's scope, requirements or objectives are in question, strategic objectives serve as the starting point to establish common ground among stakeholders and team members. If the strategic objectives are nonexistent, work with the project sponsor to establish the governing strategy. If the link between strategic and functional objectives is unclear, work with the sponsor to validate how the project fits into strategic objectives.

2. Package Data and Reporting for a Strategic…

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