Project Management in Organizational Context

Project Management Context

Projects operate within an organization's broader environment, influenced by its structure, culture, and decision-making processes.

Key Influences (EEFs & OPAs) Click here to expand

Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs): External, uncontrollable factors like company culture, market conditions, or regulations.

Organizational Process Assets (OPAs): Internal resources like templates, policies, and historical data that can be leveraged and improved.

PMP Tip: Expect exam questions on how EEFs and OPAs impact project planning and execution.

Operations vs. Projects

Understanding the distinction between operations and projects is critical for the PMP exam.

Operations: Ongoing, repetitive tasks (e.g., payroll, customer service).
Projects: Temporary efforts with a unique outcome (e.g., launching a new product).

Examples

Project: Developing a new caseload tracking system.
Operations: Training staff and using the system post-launch.
Bug Fixing: Typically operations (maintenance).
New Features: A project (creates something new).

PMP Tip: Avoid mislabeling operations as projects on the exam.

Projects, Programs, and Portfolios

Understanding the hierarchy of projects, programs, and portfolios is key to seeing how projects drive organizational value.

Project: Temporary effort for a unique result.
Program: Group of related projects managed for greater benefits.
Portfolio: Collection of programs/projects aligned with strategic goals.

Why Projects Are Initiated

Meet stakeholder or market demands.
Implement business or technology improvements.
Comply with laws or regulations.

PMP Prep Note

Expect scenario-based PMP exam questions testing your ability to identify projects and apply project management tools strategically and practically within the organizational context.