1. University of Northern Colorado
Prioritizing and Communicating Projects
Information Management and Technology
Ryan Rose – Director of Information Technology

2. Outline History of Project Management at UNC
Project Framework and Process at UNC
Identifying and Prioritizing Projects
Communicating Projects (Internal and External)
Technology utilized for Managing Projects
Lessons Learned

3. History of Project Management at UNC
Approximately IT “projects” annually.
No formal process for project management.
Communication for projects was disjointed, sometimes even within the same IT team.
“Perpetual Projects” were the norm.
2005 budget issues caused us to focus on a process
Project Management Institute (PMI) Framework adopted by IT Leadership (PMBOK)
Formal training for IT leadership
Certification was strongly encouraged (PMP)

4. Project Framework and Process

5. Identifying and Prioritizing Projects
Projects should align with IM&T Tactical Goals
Project Categories for FY 2012–
Funded
Internal and External
Non-Funded
Operational
Revenue Generating
For UNC it all starts with the – Cumulative Project Management Document (CPMD)
Two methods of tracking effort –
Help Desk application
Project Server

6. Communicating Projects (Internal and External)
Information Technology Committee – Provides communication vehicle and “governance” for IT projects. Faculty, staff and students are represented.
General campus communications – UNC Today
Targeted communications – and in-person communications that have direct impact to the customer.
Information Management and Technology website.
Quarterly IM&T Newsletter.

7. Technology Utilized for Managing Projects
Microsoft Project Server 2007
Demo
Sharepoint 2010

8. Lessons Learned
Project Management Institute (PMI) framework is a key for success.
Don’t get caught up in the definition of a project, or you will spend all your time discussing the definition of a project.
Technology is important, but not critical. Balance between the technology and the process is difficult.
Don’t let the process overtake the task.
Spend quality time in planning and closing projects.
A PMO can be successful through an informal process.

9. Thank you for your time today. Questions?