Technology systems and services at SCU have become increasingly interdependent and complex over time. With this backdrop, a standard, consistent and comprehensive method of managing technology projects well at SCU is essential.

In 2007, the Project Management Office was established and a decision was made to develop a custom Project Management Framework (PMF) that would evolve along with SCU and its project management community.

Why do we need a Project Management Framework?

A PMF allows expectations to be shared - it provides a commonly understood structure and predictable approach (methodology)to the management and delivery of projects. A PMF also ensures that budget, time and resourcing are secured in a structured way; that risks are managed, documented, communicated and dealt with.

What is SCU's Project Management Framework?

The PMF is a mandatory standard for TS projects at Southern Cross University. However, it can be used as a standard, but flexible, methodology for a wide range of projects across the University.

The PMF comprises the Project Management @ SCU Guide and a set of project management templates and tools. They are designed to be used together to manage a project through its lifecycle.

Project Management Methodology

A project management methodology is a structured set of activities and processes that provides a checklist for developing and implementing projects in a standard, consistent manner.

The project management methodology used by SCU follows best practice project management guidelines as identified by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). These guidelines are applicable to most projects most of the time. The correct application of the skills, tools and techniques promoted within the PMF are considered to enhance the chances of success overa wide range of different projects.

SCU's project management methodology encompasses four phases:

• Project Initiation
• Project Planning
• Project Execution and Control
• Project Conclusion

These phases and the processes associated with each are discussed in more detail in the Project Management @ SCU Guide.

Templates

To support the methodology, the PMO has created an inventory of document templates. Several of these templates are primary documents that stakeholders review and base their decisions upon, while others are supplementary to the methodology, in that they support the overall process.

The template inventory on this site is not exhaustive. Others will be developed and made available over time. Document templates are modified periodically to ensure they meet business needs. As such, you should ensure that you download the version of the template posted on this site each time you need to use it, in case there have been any modifications. Please contact us at pmo@scu.edu.au for assistance if you are unsure what template should be used in a specific project circumstance.

Project Management @ SCU Guide^

Project Management Templates and Tools^

Project Approval Flowchart^

Updated: 11 January 2012