The Project Management Office (PMO) in the Division of IT Services is strategically aligned under IT Service & Delivery. The mission of the PMO is to provide a consistent and comprehensible approach to managing IT projects resulting in greater efficiency and project success.
About the Project Management Office
Goals of the Project Management Office include:
- Improving delivery of services by standardizing and coordinating project activities
- Enhancing decision-making by aligning the ITS portfolio with University and ITS goals
- Increasing visibility into project benefits and impacts
- Educating and supporting the implementation of project management best practices
- Showcasing the value of Information Technology Services through effective portfolio management
PMO responsibilities include:
- Publishing project lists with details such as phase (Proposal, Discovery, Execute) and delivery dates
- Training project managers and stakeholders on PMO processes and tools
- Demonstrating IT Services’ value by publishing metrics (e.g., cost or time savings from new systems or technologies)
- Reviewing projects to ensure methodology and standards are followed
- Ensuring proper procurement methods for projects
- Monitoring and reporting on late or at-risk projects
- Coordinating project closeout meetings and documenting outcomes
- Conducting process mappings for campus departments upon request
Cycle of Project Success
Propose → Discover → Execute
The ITS Project Cycle uses a three-phase approach to project management designed to ensure successful outcomes. This methodology helps Georgia Southern University allocate resources effectively, standardize best practices, and improve project success rates.
Project Cycle Phases
There are 3 cycles per year, following the academic calendar. Each cycle will have 3 separate phases: proposal, discovery, and execution.
- Proposal Phase: The 4-week period at the beginning of an ITS project cycle during which IT Services solicits project requests, in the form of project charters, for the upcoming project cycle. The process begins as customers with ideas for IT projects to talk to their manager to develop and approve the idea approved. After approval, IT customers should contact their IT representative for help in the development of a project charter.
- Discovery Phase: The 5-week period immediately after the proposal phase during which IT Services researches the project defined in the charter with the goal of understanding the scope, systems impacted, and data and technologies used in the project in order to come to a firm understanding of the project and what is required to successfully complete it. During this phase projects are accepted or rejected and prioritized according to the needs of the requesting division and University.
- Execution Phase: 15-week period during which IT Services carries out the project plan that was developed during the discovery phase. Project managers, identified in the proposal phase, will be the primary point contact for updates on the project.
By following this cycle, ITS ensures projects are delivered efficiently and effectively while aligning with the University’s goals.
Project Management Team
The Project Management Office (PMO) serves as the central hub for project managers across Georgia Southern University’s IT departments. The PMO provides guidance, oversight, and standardized practices to ensure projects are managed effectively.
Each division or department has designated IT points of contact, improving communication and transparency with stakeholders. If you would like to propose a project, contact your departmental IT resource for assistance.
Project Calendar and Cycles
Georgia Southern’s project cycles align with the fiscal calendar to ensure maximum efficiency. Each year, the Propose and Discover phases of a new cycle often overlap with the Execute phase of the previous cycle, allowing teams to maintain momentum and streamline resource allocation.