Organizational Process Assets Explained
Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) are the plans, processes, policies, procedures, and knowledge bases specific to and used by an organization. These assets are critical for project management as they provide the necessary guidelines, templates, and historical data to ensure consistency and efficiency in project execution.
Key Concepts
1. Policies and Procedures
Policies and procedures are formal guidelines that dictate how certain activities should be conducted within an organization. They ensure that all projects follow a standardized approach, which helps in maintaining quality and consistency across different projects.
Example: A company has a policy for risk management that includes a standardized risk register template. All project managers use this template to document and track risks, ensuring a uniform approach to risk management across the organization.
2. Templates
Templates are pre-formatted documents that provide a structure for creating project management deliverables. They save time and ensure that all necessary elements are included in the deliverables, promoting consistency and reducing errors.
Example: A project charter template includes sections for project objectives, scope, stakeholders, and approval requirements. Project managers can use this template to quickly create a comprehensive project charter without missing any critical details.
3. Historical Information
Historical information consists of data and knowledge from previous projects. This includes lessons learned, project performance data, and best practices. Historical information helps in making informed decisions and avoiding past mistakes in new projects.
Example: A project management office (PMO) maintains a database of lessons learned from past projects. When a new project is initiated, the project team reviews this database to identify potential challenges and successful strategies used in similar projects.
4. Organizational Knowledge Bases
Organizational knowledge bases are repositories of information that include guidelines, templates, policies, and historical data. These knowledge bases are accessible to all employees and are used to support project management activities and decision-making processes.
Example: An organization has a centralized knowledge base that includes project management methodologies, templates for various project documents, and a repository of lessons learned. Project managers can access this knowledge base to find the information they need to manage their projects effectively.