Project Management Maturity Model
Project management maturity models enable organizations to assess the current level of maturity of their project management system and to identify ways to improve upon it. They assess how well an organization’s project management practices are meeting their goals and objectives and can help to guide improvement efforts.
Most project management maturity models have four basic stages of maturity – Initial, Repeatable, Defined, and Managed. Depending on the model, each stage can vary in names and definitions, but the stages are generally considered to be the same regardless of which model is used.
Initial level:
Organizations at this stage of maturity typically lack processes for project management. Communication about project status and performance is often done on a case-by-case basis and resources and documentation are often unavailable, scattered, or generally disorganized. There is also a tendency to focus on the short term, which leaves problems unresolved and leads to inconsistent project outcomes.
Repeatable level:
Organizations at this stage of maturity have started to develop some processes and procedures for project management, such as having project templates or checklists. They are beginning to gain experience in project management, understanding the importance of planning, organization, and communication. Resources, documentation, and other aspects are starting to be collected and organized, but project performance is still tracked, reported and managed on a case-by-case basis.
Defined level:
Organizations have developed standardized processes and procedures for project management as well as more advanced project management tools, such as project estimation and tracking tools. They are actively measuring, analyzing and using project performance data to improve future projects. Resources, documentation and other aspects are routinely updated and maintained. Project teams are properly trained and experienced in successfully managing projects.
Managed level:
Organizations at this stage of maturity have achieved true project management maturity. Most activities associated with project management are automated, allowing for higher levels of efficiency and accuracy. Resources are easily managed, tracked and maintained and project performance is tracked, analyzed and used for continual improvement. There is a strong emphasis on process and technology standardization, quality assurance, and risk management.
Project management maturity models provide organizations with the framework needed to accurately identify strengths and weaknesses in their project management system and to devise strategies to improve it. Achieving best-in-class project management maturity requires an organization to have well-defined processes, structured training and education programs, and appropriate resources and tools. Additionally, effective project management maturity models also require organizations to have an ongoing commitment to continual improvement, enabling them to stay ahead of the competition and strive for excellence.
