Project Governance Center of Expertise  

The TOP Definition of Project Governance

"Project governance is the active leadership, direction, monitoring and evaluation, of both the project and the business, to deliver the business outcomes, benefits and value that realize the organization’s strategy."

Project governance is an active role - leading, directing, managing and governing.  Project governance is focused on both the project and the business, not on one to the exclusion of the other.  It exists to deliver the business outcomes, benefits and value - not the project. But it must make sure the project enables all of the business outcomes, benefits and value to be delivered.  And it must ensure that its outcomes contribute to the realization of the organization's strategy - unviable, irrelevant and no longer worthwhile projects should not be pursued or continued.  The governance team therefore has obligations to the board and executive team (strategy delivery), the business (outcomes, benefits and value delivery) and the project team (effective project delivery).

The TOP Project Governance Center of Expertise

This center explains the difference between project governance and project management, and how you can use this knowledge to execute your strategy by delivering business value.

The center is organised by the following sections:

• Introduction
• Self-guided Courses
• Guided Courses
• Resources

Introduction

It is suggested that you compete this section first.

This section explains the difference between project governance and project management.

There are videos and articles covering success, roles, and project stages.

Self-guided Courses

These self-guided courses are meant to be used as needed and appropriate for the person taking the courses.  This section has self-guided courses for:

• Roles
  • Sponsor
  • Governance Team
• Processes
• Stages
  • Pre-business Case
  • Business Case
  • Value Delivery
• Controls
  • Financial
  • Resources
  • Project Manager
  • Change
  • Benefits
  • Risk
  • Completion

Guided Courses

Guided courses are designed to be led by an instructor or mentor.  This person uses the provided video and materials to prepare for the course.  The guided courses can be run by TOP Partners or by specially trained staff (e.g. from a Strategy Execution Office).  Self-study of the guided courses is possible but it is recommended that the self-guided courses be completed first.

Guided Sponsor Course

The sponsor course is aimed at people who are accountable for delivering the business value derived from projects.  These people do not need a project management or Information Technology background.  As part or the course, the sponsor is guided in the selection and appointment of governance team members.  The sponsor course is usually followed by a governance team course for the whole team.

The sponsor course runs for four sessions of around one hour each.

Guided Governance Team Course

The governance team course is aimed to people who are appointed to, and accept, their membership of a project governance team.  This team may have names such as steering committee, project governance group, project advisory team etc.  Again, people do not need a project management or Information Technology background.

The governance team course runs for four sessions of around one hour each, typically before the team meetings.

Resources

The Resources section has articles, books and other references that you may find useful.