Project Management Methology and Standards

The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) is committed to the effective and efficient management of the University's technology budget and resources. By utilizing industry best practices in project management, adhering to the Project Management Policy and guiding principles set forth in the University and DoIT strategic plans, IT projects can be completed within scope and budget, and on schedule.

A Project is defined as a temporary endeavor undertaken by or on behalf of the university that:

1. provides tangible and unique technology products or services;
2. fulfills a defined business objective to substantially improve business processes to a department or to the university;
3. incorporates significant changes to the technology architecture through new or existing systems.

All projects have a specific beginning and ending date, have specific objectives to fulfill, and specific resources assigned to perform the work. .

The Project Management Framework, which includes policy, standards, guidelines, and templates, provides a standard methodology for all projects.  RU is working to develop an internal PM Framework for the campus.  Until the internal framework is fully developed, RU will continue to follow Commonwealth standards and guidelines.

Projects are classified based upon cost and complexity, and as such, have varying reporting requirements.  Requirements are outlined in the Project Management Documentation Requirements (draft) document.

Projects in excess of $2 million shall be reviewed by the State CIO and the Information Technology Investment Board (ITIB).  The State CIO and the ITIB shall, within 30 days of receipt of a request for review and the relevant information describing a project from the Institution, provide a non-binding recommendation on that project to the Institution, the Governor, and the General Assembly.

On a quarterly basis, the President, acting through the appropriate designee, shall report to the ITIB on the budget, schedule and overall status of the Institution's major IT projects.  This requirement shall not apply to research projects, research initiatives, or instructional programs.

The State CIO and the ITIB shall continue to have the authority regarding project suspension and termination as provided in §2.2-2015 and in subdivision 3 of §2.2-2458, respectively and the State CIO and the ITIB shall continue to provide the Institution with reasonable notice of, and a reasonable opportunity to correct, any identified problems before a project is terminated.