From Poor Practices to Smart Practices
The persistent shortcomings in enterprise IT projects—ranging from weak oversight to the inconsistent application of industry standards and best practices —highlight the need for a fundamental shift. Addressing these challenges requires more than relying on reactive interventions. It demands a structured, proactive approach that embeds quality into every aspect of project delivery.
Project Assurance Today
Project assurance is a structured approach to overseeing and supporting the delivery of enterprise IT projects, ensuring they follow established methodologies, frameworks, and best practices. It spans various tasks throughout the project lifecycle, giving stakeholders confidence that the project will meet its quality objectives.
Project assurance focuses on quality rather than day-to-day management, setting it apart from project management. Quality responsibilities are typically shared between the PMO and the Project Manager in enterprise IT projects. The PMO establishes frameworks and conducts audits, while the Project Manager monitors performance to meet objectives.
The PMO's role in project governance varies. A directive PMO directly manages projects and is fully accountable for outcomes. A controlling PMO enforces standards while sharing accountability for results. A supportive PMO provides consultative assistance without direct responsibility for project outcomes.
When establishing frameworks, the PMO may enforce standardisation, mandate compliance with enterprise standards, or offer tools and guidance for project teams. It may also conduct in-house or outsourced audits, monitor compliance, recommend corrective actions, or guide teams in self-assessment.
Project assurance primarily falls to the Project Manager, who must continuously assess the project against strategic objectives and key performance indicators. This includes reviewing progress reports, financial data, and critical metrics to ensure alignment with long-term goals.
Redefining Project Assurance
The current approach to project assurance plays a role in overseeing quality, but its effectiveness is limited by how responsibilities are distributed across existing roles. Without dedicated focus, assurance often becomes a secondary concern, leading to gaps in oversight, inconsistent quality management, and missed opportunities for early intervention.
To improve project outcomes, it is essential to challenge the status quo and rethink how project assurance is structured. A more focused and accountable approach is needed—one that strengthens oversight, clarifies ownership, and ensures quality remains a priority throughout the project lifecycle.
