Enterprise Project Management Office Introduces New IT Project Framework: PlanIT

The Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) is excited to unveil a new IT project type, aptly named PlanIT, following an engaging naming contest that involved staff across the DoIT organization. This new category of projects focuses on laying the groundwork for informed decision-making and successful IT implementations.

PlanIT projects are designed to thoroughly investigate business needs, gather comprehensive requirements, conduct in-depth analysis, explore market options, and culminate in a detailed report. The decision to proceed with an implementation project (appropriately renamed ImplementIT) hinges on the findings and recommendations of the PlanIT phase.

Key Phases of a PlanIT Project:

• InitiateIT: Establishes a clear project charter, outlining scope, objectives, and key stakeholders.
• ScopeIT: Conducts a stakeholder needs assessment to identify critical requirements and define success criteria.
• AnalyzeIT: Explores potential solutions through competitive analysis and internal brainstorming sessions.
• PresentIT: Creates a comprehensive report of the findings based on the previous phases.
• CloseIT: Closes out the project activities.

"The PlanIT project type will help the University by providing an avenue to create and understand requirements and evaluate options in the technological community prior to our making IT investments," said Heather McLaughlin, Senior Director of the Enterprise Project Management Office.

The introduction of PlanIT reinforces the University’s commitment to proactive planning and data-driven decision-making.

The EPMO presented an overview of the project framework to the DoIT team and kicked off the naming contest this summer. Twenty-five names were submitted! Special thanks to Rich Stein on submitting the winning name!