All of us work with information. We all know office tools. Some of us use corporate systems. We have soft data in documents, and hard data in tables somewhere.
We use information to (for example) illustrate performance, convey ideas, highlight issues, and make decisions. If we are missing even only a few pieces - our professional workloads can become unbearable!
Information also underpins our ability to be accountable. It enables assurance and governance to happen on top of that - so without information, we cannot manage or direct. Information and Data are therefore key aspects to the Business Integrated Governance Body of Knowledge provided by the BIG CIC.
It is clear that to be able to function, our businesses need several kinds of solution in and around their governance operation:
Management Solutions
Information Management Solutions
However - Technology alone is not enough.
Most of us use simple tech to do almost everything these days, but if we can’t work out how to use an App within moments, we ‘can’t use it’. The trouble is that many modern workplace tasks are complex and involve others. If we don't effectively define, deploy, adopt and sustain the Management Solutions, and the other organisation Line of Business Solutions we use, the Information Management Solutions are less valuable.
For example:
#1 - Portfolio, Programme, Product and Project Management (P4M).
Defining, planning, resourcing, costing and controlling need information from many sources. We assume we can collect data with little effort and very simple, usable tools.
In organisations with many projects, we assume common tools can simplify data collection. We expect a ‘directive’ and some ‘training’ to suffice to realise benefits. Hopefully, we will realise Technology is not enough before beginning our change as we make our technology ready. Some of us will sadly find out when we don’t get adoption or benefits.
So what is ‘enough’ - Part 1? - Some of us see that it makes sense to harmonise P4 processes, roles and support to avoid chaos or inefficiency and that we need to win hearts and minds to change culture. This may be enough for you?
So what is ‘enough’ - Part 2? - Much information for projects comes from outside the P4 world. E.g. objectives from exec board, cost information from commercial and finance, resources from BAU management teams, risks / issues – all angles. So while many factors for project success are ‘within’ the P4 world – we are ultimately constrained by how we fit as part of the wider business.
When during our Management Solutions projects do we realise we can’t control or always influence other business units or Technology partners? We have to realise that success on project and strategy accomplishment and therefore busienss performance relies on effective Business Integrated Governance – not just each domain (e.g. the P4 one) trying to plug itself in or fix just itself.
You might like this advice - "Enterprise Project Management Solutions - Install and train, job done?"
Deepteam is a specialist in Business Integrated Governance and needs technology solutions to underpin governance operation.
CPS is a leading UK based Microsoft Gold Partner that has been addressing these issues for 27 years. CPS understands PPM Solutions, OKR, RAID, Integration, MI Platforms and Business Integrated Governance.
To hear more about these issues and to explore how they apply within Work Management and PPM in particular, access our Webinar recording.
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