Alumni & Friends - Ways to get involved and give back
Project Management Office

Tools and Templates

Though our office always welcomes you to reach out for assistance, we recognize that not all initiatives will require our support. Below you will find some tools and templates to help facilitate your work, whether you are at the early stages of conceptualizing change or are ready to move ahead with a project. You are encouraged to use these templates and modify them as needed. They can also be used as a preliminary step to working alongside the PMO to help carry out your projects. If you would like more detailed versions of the templates or were looking for something specific, please click here to contact us.

 

Business Analysis

  • Developing a full awareness of your situation can help with strategic planning, bringing new ideas forward and decision-making.
  • A SWOT analysis can be used at the individual, unit or organization level to analyze issues that have led to failure in the past and better understand factors for success. It’s a tool to help gather and organize information.
  • The results of a SWOT analysis will help inform an action plan.
  • SWOT Analysis Template
  • Establishing specific and concise objectives are the building blocks to achieving goals.
  • The SMART process helps set your initiative/project up for success.
  • The results of the SMART worksheet will help communicate your plans for change to management via the vision and scope document.
  • SMART Objectives Template
  • This document is the building block to formulating a business case. It identifies the need for the solution, the value it will bring to the organization, and who will benefit from it once implemented.
  • It also begins to capture some of the key features or requirements of the solution as well as what the solution will not address. This ensures clarity across stakeholders as the initiative moves forward.
  • Vision and Scope Template
  • The purpose of the business case is to clearly outline the benefits and strategic alignment of the proposed project, in order to justify the expenditures.
  • Input into the business case can come from a variety of stakeholders such as, management, subject matter experts within and outside of the unit, students, etc. The document is typically approved by senior leadership.
  • Business Case Template

 

Project Management

This is the first phase in a standard waterfall project management methodology. It involves identifying the need for the project, who will lead it and who the key stakeholders are. It also requires appropriate sponsorship and approval to proceed.

This is the second phase in a standard waterfall project management methodology. It involves defining project roles and responsibilities, identifying risks, and establishing the degree of change required. It also requires listing out key project deliverables and creating a milestone timeline.

This is the third phase in a standard waterfall project management methodology. It involves tracking progress on project activities, updating the project plan, proactively managing risks and issues and keeping stakeholders engaged.

This is the final phase in a standard waterfall project management methodology. It involves measuring the success of project deliverables, collecting and sharing insights/learnings, and transitioning the project to operations.

 

Partners and Next Steps to Consider

  • If your initiative involves the acquisition of goods and/or services, you should familiarize yourself with Procurement Services policies and procedures. Acquisition methods and processes are based on the total purchase value of goods and services that are sought.
    1. How to Purchase Goods and Services