8. Project Management

8.1. Description

Project Management is not a separate phase of the SQL Power Methodology, but rather an activity that takes place throughout any Business Intelligence project, starting from scoping and planning to roll-out and production support. Project Management activities include the necessary steps to ensure that the project is properly scheduled, the required resources and infrastructure are available and that the project is implemented on time and on budget.

8.2. Objectives

The objectives of this phase include:

• Ensure proper project planning
• Oversee project execution at every phase
• Ensure project controls are adhered to
• Provide required project management reporting
• Identify and control project risks
• Ensure the project execution is on time and within budget
• Monitor and manage user expectations
• Conduct project closing at the end of the project

8.3. Inputs

The inputs for this phase include:

• Business requirements
• Approved Statement of Work (SOW)
• Infrastructure resources
• Human Resources
• Project Charter
• Timesheets
• Minutes of Project Status meetings

8.4. Activities/Tasks

The activities of this phase include:

1. Analyze user requirements
2. Develop Project Charter (project schedule, risks and expected outcomes)
3. Assign project team
4. Monitor project execution and quality of deliverables
5. Prepare and submit Project Status reports
6. Address project issues and manage user expectations
7. Manage project scope, initiate and manage changes
8. Obtain approval for project deliverables
9. Conduct project closing

8.5. Deliverables

The deliverables of this phase include:

• Properly planned and executed project
• Satisfied users
• Satisfied project team
• High quality deliverables

The Project Management phase applies to all other phases of the BI project and is intended to properly plan, execute and control the project. This phase closely resembles the Project Management approach developed by PMI (Project Management Institute), as documented in the PMI PMBOK (Project Management Book of Knowledge - see www.pmi.org.) The use of productivity tools for project management, e.g. Microsoft Project 2007 is strongly encouraged.