May 2005 FAQ:

Question: How important is Project Management to a major change initiative?

Answer: Project Management is absolutely critical to any change process, major or minor. The disciplined methods of Project Management were "made for change."

By definition, Project Management is the set of disciplined steps and principles needed to achieve a unique result. While we tend to think of a project as "construction of a structure" or "implementation of a system," the design and implementation of an organizational change is clearly a project...and a complex one at that.

We commonly see change initiatives labeled as "projects"...with appointed Project Managers. Unfortunately, many of these projects fail because they violate a key tenent of Project Management - a valid work breakdown structure (WBS). Change projects must include a valid WBS for executing an organizational change.

Where do we find such a WBS?

Hint: Not in the PMBOK!

For information on the WBS of organizational change, call Mike Campbell, Managing Director at 713.877.8130.

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