The Project Management Information System (PMIS) Made Easy: A Case Study

  Knowledge Management   Lessons Learned   Knowledge Shelf  

Most  project management office (PMO) managers would probably agree that the success of a PMO launch depends heavily on its strategy behind selecting a suitable project management information system (PMIS). Even though the PMIS is merely one, although important, ingredient of the overall PMO foundation, along with process, talent development, project methodology, and strategic mission, it is vital to get it right from the beginning; only then will the PMO really gain followers and acceptance among all levels of management in a company.

In an organization with low project maturity, at times the challenge can become overwhelming, because many managers might perceive that the PMIS is the PMO and they are ignorant about or unaware of the fact that there is so much more behind a system than what is visible on a computer screen. One key activity to counteracting this thinking is relentless and consistent training! Customized training sessions based on the target audience—project owners, project managers, team members, stakeholders—are vital to instilling the perception that the PMO is adding value to the organization and not just another system to be used.

Another key activity is to allow managers to be flexible in the early adoption stages—let them cut some corners in the beginning (e.g., documentation). After some time, the manager will understand …

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.