GU Methodolgy

How to Manage Projects within the University

The University’s approach to project management is based on PRINCE2, although we have pared down the PRINCE2 methodology to the bare bones. This pared down framework can be applied to all projects no matter how large and complex. Properly managed, this approach should be user-friendly and can be scaled to match the size, risk level and complexity of your project.

The diagram below clearly shows the lifecycle where some elements, namely Project Start-up and Project Closure occur only once. The remaining elements, Planning, Managing and Controlling, form an iterative cycle that may repeat many times before the project is complete.

                                                                                                 Source: JISC

It must be stressed that the methodology is a framework and nothing more. It is a tried and tested, structured approach that will give you a sound basis for running a successful project. It is not, however, a substitute for creativity. Every project is unique to a degree and involves uncertainty and risk and require a flexible approach to their management.

The University’s Project’s Lifecycle

With every project there is a core amount of documentation required. It is usually the case with projects that organisations want to see documentation but those involved are less keen to produce it. We have tried to keep the required documentation to a minimum.

The table below gives a clear inidication of the documents a project should have.  This is not to say that other documents won't be produced over the course of a project, this is just the minimum that the Universiy expects.  Only IT related projects are required to report to IPSC, other projects will report to their own Project Boards in the first instance.