JISC

JISC infoNet has launched a suite of linked resources designed to support institutions run projects to support their educational mission.

As the maturity of project management grows within the sector, it increasingly talks about Project, Programme and Portfolio Management (or 'P3M' for short). Each aspect fulfils a different function and requires a different skill set. But effective management of all three is essential if organisations are to run projects that help them achieve their missions and contribute to organisational growth. The set of linked ‘infoKits’ looks at each element of P3M in turn and suggests some tools and techniques to help you succeed.

Gill Ferrell, Director of JISC infoNet said: ‘The new suite of resources builds on existing good practice whilst recognising a shift in the type of projects people are undertaking. Developments such as service-oriented approaches and the use of social and collaborative technologies are changing the nature of the 'traditional' IT project lifecycle. We’re seeing projects that are shorter and more incremental, that re-use components from other projects and that exist in an environment of continuous change. Many of the ‘heavyweight’ project methodologies have not yet caught up with these new ideas and ways of working. These resources should help everyone whether they are working on a major development or a small ‘just in time’ activity to run flexible, agile and effective projects.’

John Burke, senior adviser at JISC infoNet, said: ‘The new infoKit both adds to the existing Project Management infoKit and introduces new materials to help those involved in running multiple projects to maximise benefits. We recognise that universities and colleges are seldom involved in running a single stand-alone project and the new resources are aimed at helping organisations to prioritise, start up and co-ordinate those projects which contribute most strongly to strategic objectives.’

Find out more at: Project management infoKits