University of Virginia Library

University Information Technology Project Management Policy

Contact Office: Office of Information Technologies

Oversight Executive: Vice President & CIO

Applies to: University Academic Division, Medical Center, and College at Wise

Reason for Policy: The University is committed to continuously improving the delivery of information technology (IT) solutions within budget, on schedule, within scope and in such a way as to best contribute to accomplishing the University’s strategic mission. This policy furthers that goal by establishing the common and consistent application of project management best practices in the management of IT projects. A uniform project management framework promotes consistency and better control of IT projects, thereby reducing risks and increasing project successes.

Definitions:

• IT Project – a project having as its primary purpose the creation of a unique information technology product or service. Research projects, research initiatives, and instructional programs are not included in the scope of this policy.


• PMI - Project Management Institute


• Project - a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result (PMBOK, 2000 edition).


• Project Management - the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to mitigate risk, control budget, and manage scope of tasks.

Policy Statement: Information technology projects are managed in accordance with best practices promoted by the nationally recognized Project Management Institute (PMI), appropriately tailored to the specific circumstances of the University. For example, project managers possess professional credentials and/or an appropriate level of project management training or experience. Projects that engage leading IT consulting or software development firms to assist with project management may apply additional best practices provided by these firms.

Methods used for project auditing, such as Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V), are aligned with industry best practices, consultant expert guidelines, and known industry accepted standards such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1012-2004 for Software Verification and Validation, International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000-2000 series, and Software Engineering Institute Capability Maturity Model (SEI-CMM). These

methods are tailored to the Higher Education environment by internal departments and in coordination with consultants as warranted.

Exclusions: The scope of this policy does not extend to research projects, research initiatives, or instructional programs.

An overview of the University’s IT Project Management Framework, along with procedures, templates, and tools are posted at: <links to be added>

• Academic Division’s IT website
• The Medical Center’s IT website
• The College at Wise’s IT website

Procedures: N/A

Related Information:

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standard 1012-2004 for Software Verification and Validation– Software Verification and Validation (V&V) processes determine whether the development products of a given activity conform to the requirements of that activity and whether the software satisfies its intended use and user needs. Software V&V processes includes analysis, evaluation, review, inspection, assessment, and testing of software products.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO) – Quality Management Principals (ISO 9000:2000) – ISO 9001:2000 specifies requirements for a quality management system for any organization that needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products that meet customer and applicable regulatory requirements and aims to enhance customer satisfaction.

Project Management Institute – The world’s leading not-for-profit professional association in the area of project management. http://www.pmi.org/

Project Management Institute. October 2004. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) - Third Edition.

Software Engineering Institute - Capability Maturity Model Integration (SEI-CMMI) – The CMM outlines the methods to obtain software process maturity. Several levels of maturity can be reached as an organization’s software project management evolves from that of chaotic non-repeatable performances to repeatable mature disciplined software processes. The model focuses on key attributes of each improved maturity level and provides guidance on the best practices used to achieve each level. The goal is to reach an efficient and disciplined approach to software management.

Background: The Commonwealth of Virginia Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act of 2005 grants institutions additional authority over financial and administrative operations, on condition that

certain commitments to the Commonwealth are met. The University of Virginia’s Management Agreement with the Commonwealth provides full delegated responsibility for management of the institution’s information technology project management and project auditing activities. This delegation includes the authority to conduct these activities in accordance with industry best practices appropriately tailored for the specific circumstances of the University, in lieu of following Commonwealth-determined specifications. This policy documents the industry best practices with which the University will align its project management and project auditing activities.