Does anyone perform audits on their implemented projects? If so, what is the context of the audit? E.g. - Adhearance to company standards, Project Methodology, Guidelines, use of templates? Also, who performs these audits? Saving Changes...
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Chik Chung LeeTechnical Director| Thomson ReutersHong Kong, Hong Kong
The scope of audit can vary a lot. My experience on software development project is that IT auditing will normally focus on plan and control. It includes work breakdown and estimation, project plan, progress/cost monitoring, documentation, configuration management and quality control process. Well-documented processes (and following these processes) will help a lot during the audit. I personally feel that use of template is not a must unless the scope of the audit is on a number of projects (with significantly varying performance) in same group or team. IT audit sometimes will also focus on technical details. One of the example is the audit on Y2K related activities. IT audit cannot point out the problem in your software design unless it is very obvious or unless he/she spend weeks on that area. I have attended some courses on IT audit. I feel that Project Manager should attend these course even though you are not planned to be an auditor. Saving Changes...
Anonymous
At one time, I was a computer systems auditor for a Big 5 firm. In those audits, we also performed Project Management or New development audits. The process was conducted via a series of interviews w/ the project team individuals and analysis of collected project-related materials. Overall, we were looking for an on-time on-budget delivery (isn't everyone?). If either of those goals were not met (which was most of the time), we looked for existance of, content of, and then adherance to what was contained in: standard methodology, meeting minutes, etc. I agree with the information posted by Chik Chung Lee. It's a check for well-documented processes and controls. Something that outlines how to proceed and more importantly, how to proceed when dates/resources are NOT met during the project. The project manager should not, however, perform the audit. It should be an independent third party (within your company or not). Saving Changes...
Anonymous
Some random thoughts on the topic of Auditing:
This sounds very similar to what we at james martin + co call an engagement *risk* review. It is a periodic "health check" on the project, from several different perspectives -- progress, methodology adherence, resources, financials, etc. -- from both the jm+co team's view and from the client's view. Simply stated, it's primary goal is to identify the potential or existing issues that must be dealt with in order to achieve *success* in the engagement -- again, from both the jm+co team's and the client's perspectives.
(Mary: to your original question, I wouldn't wait until the project is complete to perform such a review.)
These reviews are done by a person or persons who are outside the project's "chain of command" -- which, as Courtney points out, is essential to its effectiveness. Project managers will be initially skeptical of such reviews, as they are viewed as an exercise in criticality. Once they've gone through a review or two, they begin to see that it is in fact an opportunity to both learn from the reviewer (a delivery peer), and to share with that peer all of the great things that their project team is doing. A critical element to the reviews is that they are discussions and results (identified risks) shared amongst the core team. The team "deals with" the risk items, and only when no progress has been made (we find this in the *next* review) are the issues escalated. It is important to have the reviews built into your project plan -- otherwise, they will be viewed as *extra work* and will be very tough to perform.
I have always thought there was a distinct difference between a project audit (reviews results, methodology, budget, etc. after implementation) and a risk review (assesses progress, identifies risks to completion including project team performance, reviews budget).
The first satisfies the sponsor that they got what they paid for; the second satisfies the sponsor that they are getting what they are paying for: the project is progressing to completion as outlined in the scope document. Saving Changes...
I am working on harmonizing a Product Handling process for two departments that has just merged. Both depts had their own processes on Product Handling. I need input on questions and issues to bring up at the first working session.
Our company's internal auditors audit our implemented systems. In fact, they audit us at various stages of the projects depends on what they perceive as critical. Hence I agree with Chik Chung Lee that the scope can vary. Auditors have their own resource limitations as well so our auditors usual keep an eye on what is happening in the industry and take actions whenever there are new threats arising. They also consult senior management on what are their worries. Remember systems issues are there all the time and what the auditors are doing is just to manifest the issues when they perceive it is the right time to deal with them.
- Hoi - Saving Changes...
Eric SwensonDirector Product Management| ElsevierE. Northport, Ny, United States
I am looking for auditing "tools" to assist me with a Division-wide audit that I have been asked to make by a client. They understand that this is not my core competency (I'm a production and creative services management consultant) but nonetheless, they want ME. Any resource recommendations would be appreciated.
Eric SwensonDirector Product Management| ElsevierE. Northport, Ny, United States
I am looking for auditing "tools" to assist me with a Division-wide audit that I have been asked to make by a client. They understand that this is not my core competency (I'm a production and creative services management consultant) but nonetheless, they want ME. Any resource recommendations would be appreciated.
I am looking for auditing "tools" to assist me with a project managment audit that I have been asked to make by a client. I'm a ie mse student but nonetheless, I research about desining audit system within fabrication project managment whit pmbok standards. thanks Saving Changes...
"We cling to our own point of view, as though everything depended on it. Yet our opinions have no permanence; like autumn and winter, they gradually pass away."
