From the Editor's Desk- Frank P. Saladis, PMP

This month allPM is focusing on Enterprise Project Management – Governance, Portfolios, and the Strategic Side of Project Management. Our mission at allPM is to bring you useful and relevant information about the evolving project management profession and this is certainly a topic of frequent discussion. This issue addresses the latest trends in Enterprise Project Management and what the buzz is regarding PMOs and PM centers of excellence. We are addressing the questions and observations about how formal, project management methods and procedures have impacted project based businesses and how these businesses are managing more effectively through an enterprise – wide PM methodology. We are reviewing the lessons that have been learned during the past 3 years and examining the executive view of project management including the perceived value of sustaining a formal and consistent project management process. For the practicing project manager, Enterprise Project Management can be a key factor for winning in business. The challenge is to promote it effectively and continually demonstrate its value.

Creating an EPM (enterprise project management) system or process depends heavily on a few critical areas:

• How well do you know your existing level of project performance?


• What is the current executive view of the value of project management?


• How effective is the current project selection process? Are the right projects selected?


• What is the competency level of the project managers assigned to your projects?


• How well does your organization function during major changes?


• What plans are in place for improving the project management maturity of your organization?


• How grown up is your organization?


• How is the international business environment affecting your organization?

These are just a few questions that should be addressed when planning for, or enhancing an EPM.
Other factors that must be considered include an effective portfolio management process and an established and well communicated governance model.

A simple definition for Enterprise Project Management (EPM) is: the field of organizational development that supports organizations in managing integrally and adapting themselves to the changes of a transformation. If we break down that definition we can see that EPM is about moving forward through a planned organizational development process. This means that the organization should conduct regular capability assessments including a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) to determine the most appropriate and effective steps to improve overall project performance. It also means that the organization needs a plan for effective integration of project work and operational work to ensure maximum benefit from available resources while minimizing the competitive issues and negative results that are sometimes associated with the objectives of on time project performance and daily operational work.

I invite you to explore this issue of allPM and review the ideas and suggestions provided by our authors and to share your thoughts about the value and the need for an enterprise project management platform.  We know that it is you, the practicing project manager that is closest to the needs of project teams, client issues, and the challenges associated with this world economy and it is our goal to provide you with the tools, the knowledge, and resources that will keep you sharp and ready for the changes that are sure to come.