Page 19 - Organizational Project Management

Chapter 1

Foundational Concepts

1.1 OPM3 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The primary purpose of this document is to describe a Standard for orga-
nizational project management and organizational project management
maturity. It is designed to help users understand and appreciate organiza-
tional project management and its value in the execution of organizational
strategy, though strategic planning is beyond the purpose outlined for
OPM3. The Standard is also intended to help organizations understand
organizational project management maturity and its potential importance
to every aspect of their operations. The Organizational Project Management
Maturity Model will guide users in the assessment of their current state of
organizational project management maturity in relation to the Standard.
In addition, if an organization wishes to work toward improving its matu-
rity, OPM3 provides guidance to support that effort.
The scope of OPM3 is global. It has been developed through the partic-
ipation and consensus of a diverse group of individuals in the project man-
agement profession, representing a cross-section of organizations from 35
countries. It cuts across boundaries of organizational size and type, is
applicable in cultures throughout the world, and in virtually any industry,
from engineering and construction to information technology, financial ser-
vices, government agencies, and manufacturers, to name a few.

1.2 IMPLEMENTING STRATEGY THROUGH PROJECTS

The world in which organizations operate today is rapidly becoming more
complex than ever before. Major shifts in technology and in the business
and economic environment present many opportunities, but also many chal-
lenges, to organizations striving to manage and thrive in the midst of great
change.
One key challenge for organizations is to keep focused on strategic objec-
tives, with an ability to translate these into results while adapting to
external forces. Because organizations are goal-directed and are constantly

©2003 Project Management Institute, Four Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, PA 19073-3299 USA 3