ISO 21502:2020 Clause 6 Integrated project management practices

6.1 Overview

Integrated project management practices should cover the practices to be used when undertaking a project from the pre-project activities, which are accomplished leading up to the decision to initiate the project, through the planning and controlling activities to the post-project activities. This clause identifies the recommended project management practices that should be used when undertaking a project, individual phases and other project activities or groups of activities. The practices in this clause draw on the concepts described in Clause 4.
Integration and tailoring of selected project management practices, identified in Clause 7, into a cohesive approach for managing project work can be a key to project success. The purpose of these integrated project management practices is to enable the project organization to:
a) achieve the project’s objectives;
b) define and manage the scope of the project within the constraints, while considering the risks and resource needs;
c) obtain support from each participating and performing organization, including commitment from resource owners, funders, suppliers, customers, users and other stakeholders.
Managing a project should include an integrated approach that considers items such as the various roles, disciplines, competencies and organizational and environmental factors that influence the project’s success. Integrated project management practices should be aligned and connected with other practices, as shown in Figure below.

The project management approach should be tailored and applied considering the organization’s needs, level of prevailing risk, the competence of those individuals involved and other project-specific considerations. Tailoring and applying the practices in Clauses 6 and 7 should be undertaken in accordance with the relevant organizational policies. Conflicts between organizational policies and project management practices should be resolved in consultation with the project sponsor.
The integrated project management practices are shown in Figure below and include the pre- and post-project activities. The relationships among the activities and the associated roles (see 4.5). Subclauses 6.2 to 6.9 describe each practice in detail.

Integrated Project Management (IPM) typically involves several stages that span the entire project lifecycle. These stages are interconnected and iterative, allowing for adjustments as the project progresses. While specific methodologies may have variations, the following are common stages in integrated project management practices:

1. Initiation:
   • Define Project Objectives: Clearly articulate the goals and objectives of the project.
   • Identify Stakeholders: Identify and analyze all individuals or groups affected by the project.
2. Planning:
   • Develop Project Charter: Create a document that officially authorizes the project and assigns the project manager.
   • Develop Project Management Plan: Outline how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled, covering aspects such as scope, schedule, cost, quality, communication, risk, and procurement.
3. Execution:
   • Direct and Manage Project Work: Implement the project management plan by coordinating people and resources, as well as integrating and performing the activities outlined in the plan.
   • Perform Quality Assurance: Ensure that project processes are being executed correctly and that the project deliverables meet quality standards.
4. Monitoring and Controlling:
   • Monitor and Control Project Work: Track, review, and regulate the progress and performance of the project to ensure that objectives are met.
   • Perform Integrated Change Control: Review and approve or reject changes to project scope, schedule, or resources, ensuring that changes align with project goals.
5. Closing:
   • Close Project or Phase: Finalize all activities across all project management process groups to formally close the project or project phase.
   • Complete Lessons Learned: Document and analyze what went well and what could be improved for future projects.
6. Integration Across Knowledge Areas:
   • Integrated Change Control: Continuously assess and control changes to the project, considering their impact on scope, schedule, and resources.
   • Integrated Risk Management: Monitor and control risks throughout the project lifecycle, identifying new risks and adjusting risk response plans as needed.
   • Integrated Performance Reporting: Provide comprehensive and integrated reports on project performance to stakeholders.
7. Continuous Improvement:
   • Feedback and Lessons Learned: Gather feedback from stakeholders and project team members to identify areas for improvement.
   • Update Project Management Plan: Iteratively update the project management plan based on lessons learned, changes in scope, and evolving project requirements.

These stages are not strictly linear and may overlap or be revisited based on the project’s nature, changes in requirements, or external factors. Effective integrated project management involves a dynamic and adaptive approach that considers the interconnectedness of various project elements throughout its lifecycle.

Integrated project management practices should cover the practices to be used when undertaking a project from the pre-project activities, which are accomplished leading up to the decision to initiate the project, through the planning and controlling activities to the post-project activities.

a comprehensive integrated project management approach should indeed cover the entire project lifecycle, including pre-project activities, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and post-project activities. Here’s an expanded overview:

1. Pre-Project Activities:
   • Strategic Planning: Align the project with organizational goals and strategies.
   • Feasibility Studies: Assess the feasibility and viability of the project, considering technical, economic, legal, operational, and scheduling factors.
   • Project Selection: Evaluate and prioritize potential projects based on criteria such as return on investment, strategic alignment, and resource availability.
   • Develop Project Charter: Define the project at a high level, including its objectives, scope, stakeholders, and initial budget.
2. Initiation:
   • Stakeholder Analysis: Identify and engage with stakeholders to understand their expectations and requirements.
   • Risk Identification: Begin identifying potential risks that could impact the project.
   • Formal Approval: Obtain formal approval to proceed with the project based on the project charter.
3. Planning:
   • Scope Planning and Definition: Clearly define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
   • Development of Project Management Plan: Create a comprehensive plan outlining how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled.
   • Resource Planning: Identify and allocate resources, including personnel, equipment, and materials.
   • Schedule Development: Create a detailed project schedule, including task dependencies and milestones.
   • Cost Estimation and Budgeting: Estimate project costs and develop a budget.
   • Quality Planning: Define the quality standards and processes that will be applied to the project.
   • Risk Management Planning: Develop strategies for identifying, analyzing, and responding to potential risks.
   • Procurement Planning: Plan for the procurement of goods and services needed for the project.
   • Communication Planning: Develop a communication plan outlining how information will be communicated to stakeholders.
4. Execution:
   • Project Kick-Off: Officially start the project, communicate the project plan to the team, and set expectations.
   • Direct and Manage Project Work: Implement the project plan by coordinating people and resources.
   • Quality Assurance: Ensure that project processes are being executed correctly.
   • Procurement Execution: Acquire goods and services from external vendors as necessary.
5. Monitoring and Controlling:
   • Performance Monitoring: Track and measure project performance against the project plan.
   • Integrated Change Control: Assess and control changes to the project scope, schedule, or resources.
   • Risk Monitoring and Control: Continuously monitor and control risks throughout the project.
   • Quality Control: Verify that project deliverables meet the specified quality standards.
   • Cost Control: Monitor and control project costs against the budget.
   • Schedule Control: Ensure the project stays on schedule.
6. Closing:
   • Project Closure: Formally close the project or project phase, ensuring all work is completed satisfactorily.
   • Finalize Contracts: Complete any remaining procurement activities.
   • Lessons Learned: Conduct a lessons-learned session to document insights for future projects.
   • Handover Deliverables: Transfer project deliverables to the appropriate stakeholders.
7. Post-Project Activities:
   • Project Evaluation: Assess the project’s overall success and identify areas for improvement.
   • Documentation and Archiving: Archive project documents and artifacts for future reference.
   • Post-Implementation Review: Evaluate the effectiveness of the project’s outcomes after implementation.
   • Celebrate Success: Recognize and celebrate the achievements of the project team.

By covering all these phases and activities, integrated project management practices provide a structured and comprehensive approach to ensure successful project delivery from initiation to closure.

It identifies the recommended project management practices that should be used when undertaking a project, individual phases and other project activities or groups of activities.

Integrated project management practices encompass a set of recommended approaches, methods, and techniques that are applied throughout various phases and activities of a project. Here are key practices that are commonly recommended in integrated project management:

1. Strategic Alignment: Ensure that the project objectives align with the broader strategic goals and mission of the organization.
2. Pre-Project Activities:
   • Feasibility Studies: Conduct thorough feasibility studies to assess the viability of the project.
   • Project Charter Development: Clearly define project objectives, scope, stakeholders, and initial constraints in a project charter.
   • Risk Identification: Begin identifying and assessing potential risks to the project.
3. Project Planning:
   • Comprehensive Project Plan: Develop a detailed project management plan covering all knowledge areas, including scope, schedule, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk, and procurement.
   • Stakeholder Analysis: Identify and analyze stakeholders, determining their interests, expectations, and influence.
   • Risk Management Planning: Develop strategies for identifying, analyzing, and responding to risks.
   • Change Management Plan: Establish a plan for handling changes to project scope or requirements.
   • Resource Allocation: Efficiently allocate and manage resources to ensure project success.
4. Execution:
   • Team Collaboration: Foster collaboration and effective communication among project team members.
   • Quality Assurance: Implement processes to ensure that project processes and deliverables meet defined quality standards.
   • Procurement Execution: If applicable, manage vendor relationships and ensure goods and services are acquired according to the plan.
5. Monitoring and Controlling:
   • Performance Metrics: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor project progress.
   • Change Control Process: Implement a robust process for reviewing and approving changes to project scope, schedule, or resources.
   • Risk Monitoring and Control: Continuously assess and manage risks throughout the project.
   • Issue Management: Identify, track, and resolve issues that may arise during project execution.
6. Closure:
   • Formal Closure Procedures: Follow formal procedures to close out the project or project phase.
   • Lessons Learned: Conduct a comprehensive review of project outcomes, documenting lessons learned for future improvements.
   • Client Handover: If applicable, hand over the final project deliverables to the client or end-users.
   • Celebration of Success: Recognize and celebrate project achievements with the project team and stakeholders.
7. Post-Project Activities:
   • Post-Implementation Review: Evaluate the project’s effectiveness after implementation.
   • Documentation and Archiving: Archive project documentation and artifacts for future reference.
   • Project Evaluation: Assess the overall success of the project, considering key performance indicators and stakeholder satisfaction.
8. Continuous Improvement:
   • Feedback Mechanisms: Establish feedback mechanisms to gather input from stakeholders and team members.
   • Update Processes: Regularly review and update project management processes based on lessons learned and industry best practices.

These integrated project management practices are designed to ensure a cohesive and coordinated approach across all aspects of project management, promoting successful project delivery and continuous improvement over time.

Integration and tailoring of selected project management practices into a cohesive approach for managing project work can be a key to project success.

The integration and tailoring of selected project management practices into a cohesive approach are crucial elements for achieving project success. The integration and tailoring of project management practices provide a structured and flexible framework that can be adapted to the unique needs of each project. This approach enhances the project’s ability to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and ultimately achieve success in terms of meeting objectives, delivering value, and satisfying stakeholders. Here’s why this integration and tailoring are important:

• Integrated project management practices allow for the alignment of project objectives with the broader strategic goals and mission of the organization.
• By integrating practices from various knowledge areas (scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, etc.), a comprehensive project management plan is developed, covering all aspects of the project’s lifecycle.
• Not all projects are the same, and one-size-fits-all approaches may not be suitable. The ability to tailor project management practices allows teams to adapt methodologies to fit the unique characteristics of each project.
• Integrated practices enable the efficient allocation and management of resources, ensuring that personnel, equipment, and materials are used effectively.
• Integrated risk management practices help identify, assess, and respond to risks throughout the project, minimizing the potential negative impact on project outcomes.
• Integrated change control processes facilitate the review and approval of changes to project scope, schedule, or resources. This ensures that changes are aligned with project goals and objectives.
• Integration of communication practices helps establish clear channels for communication with stakeholders, ensuring that information flows efficiently and that everyone is informed appropriately.
• Integrated quality management practices ensure that project processes and deliverables meet defined quality standards. This contributes to the overall success and acceptance of the project outcomes.
• Integrated monitoring and control practices allow for real-time tracking of project progress against the plan. This enables timely identification of issues and deviations, facilitating corrective actions.
• The integration of lessons learned and feedback mechanisms supports continuous improvement. Teams can adapt and enhance their approaches based on past experiences and feedback from stakeholders.
• A cohesive approach to project management contributes to delivering projects that meet or exceed client expectations. This enhances client satisfaction and strengthens relationships.
• Integrated practices ensure a systematic and thorough project closure, including formal procedures, documentation, and a review of lessons learned. This contributes to a smooth transition from project execution to post-project activities.

The purpose of these integrated project management practices is to enable the project organization to achieve the project’s objectives.

The primary purpose of integrated project management practices is to facilitate and support the achievement of a project’s objectives. These practices provide a systematic and coordinated approach to managing various elements of a project throughout its lifecycle. Integrated project management practices play a crucial role in providing a structured and cohesive framework for managing projects. Their purpose is to enhance the project organization’s ability to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and ultimately achieve the defined project objectives successfully. Here are key aspects of how integrated project management practices contribute to the success of a project:

• Integrated project management practices take a holistic approach, considering various knowledge areas such as scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and more. This ensures that all aspects of the project are taken into account in a coordinated manner.
• The practices help align project activities with the defined objectives and goals. This alignment ensures that every effort contributes to the overall success of the project.
• By integrating practices from different project management knowledge areas, teams can develop comprehensive project plans that account for all relevant factors. This, in turn, enables efficient and effective execution of the project activities.
• Integrated risk management practices help identify potential threats and opportunities. Addressing risks proactively ensures that the project can navigate challenges and uncertainties, minimizing negative impacts.
• Integrated practices allow for the adaptation and tailoring of project management approaches to suit the specific needs of the project. This flexibility is crucial for addressing the unique characteristics and requirements of each project.
• Integrated project management practices contribute to the optimal utilization of resources, including human resources, budget, and materials. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to meet project objectives.
• Integrated quality management practices help maintain a focus on delivering high-quality project outcomes. This ensures that project deliverables meet or exceed the specified quality standards.
• Integrated communication practices establish clear and effective communication channels. This ensures that information is disseminated appropriately among project team members and stakeholders, promoting a shared understanding of project objectives and progress.
• Integrated monitoring and control practices provide real-time visibility into project performance. This enables timely identification of deviations from the plan, allowing for corrective actions to keep the project on track.
• Integrated change control processes facilitate the evaluation and implementation of changes in a systematic manner. This ensures that changes align with project objectives and do not compromise the overall project success.
• By focusing on integrated practices, project teams can deliver outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations. This contributes to client satisfaction and enhances the likelihood of successful project outcomes.
• Integrated project management practices support continuous improvement by incorporating lessons learned from past projects. This fosters a culture of learning and refinement, leading to improved performance in future projects.

The purpose of these integrated project management practices is to enable the project organization to define and manage the scope of the project within the constraints, while considering the risks and resource needs.

The purpose of integrated project management practices is to provide a cohesive and structured approach to define and manage the project scope within constraints, while considering risks and resource needs. This holistic approach contributes to the successful delivery of projects by ensuring that all relevant aspects are considered and managed throughout the project lifecycle.

• Integrated project management practices involve comprehensive scope planning and definition. This includes clearly outlining the project’s objectives, deliverables, milestones, and acceptance criteria. The goal is to establish a shared understanding of what the project will accomplish.
• Integrated practices include processes for effectively managing project scope. This involves preventing scope creep (uncontrolled changes or additions to the project scope) and ensuring that any changes are formally evaluated and approved through a change control process.
• Integrated practices address resource needs by involving detailed resource planning. This includes identifying the necessary human resources, equipment, and materials required to carry out the project successfully. Efficient resource allocation ensures that resources are available when needed.
• Integrated project management practices incorporate risk management processes to identify, assess, and respond to potential risks. By considering risks early in the project, teams can develop strategies to mitigate threats and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring that risks are managed effectively.
• Constraints, such as budget, time, and regulatory requirements, are taken into account during the planning and execution phases. Integrated practices help balance competing constraints to ensure that the project stays within defined limits.
• Integrated change control processes are implemented to manage changes to the project scope. This ensures that any modifications are aligned with project objectives and that their impact on resources, schedule, and budget is carefully evaluated.
• Integrated communication practices facilitate effective communication with stakeholders, including defining and managing expectations related to project scope. Regular engagement with stakeholders helps ensure that their needs and requirements are considered in scope decisions.
• Integrated monitoring and control practices provide real-time visibility into project performance against the defined scope. This allows for timely identification of deviations, enabling corrective actions to keep the project on track.
• Quality management practices ensure that project deliverables meet specified quality standards, contributing to the successful completion of the defined scope.
• By carefully defining and managing the project scope, integrated practices contribute to delivering outcomes that meet or exceed client expectations. This enhances client satisfaction and strengthens relationships.
• Integrated practices contribute to optimal resource utilization by aligning resource needs with the defined scope. This ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to achieve project objectives.

The purpose of these integrated project management practices is to enable the project organization to obtain support from each participating and performing organization, including commitment from resource owners, funders, suppliers, customers, users and other stakeholders.

Integrated project management practices aim to establish and maintain support from all participating and performing organizations, including resource owners, funders, suppliers, customers, users, and other stakeholders. This support is critical for the success of the project and is nurtured through clear communication, stakeholder engagement, and effective management of resources, risks, and changes.

• Integrated project management practices emphasize the identification and engagement of stakeholders, including resource owners, funders, suppliers, customers, users, and others. Engaging stakeholders early and regularly ensures their involvement and commitment throughout the project.
• Integrated practices involve developing a communication plan that outlines how information will be shared with stakeholders. This ensures that relevant and timely information is communicated to obtain and maintain support.
• Understanding the needs, expectations, and influence of different stakeholders is a key component of integrated project management. This analysis helps tailor communication and engagement strategies to gain support from each participating organization.
• Integrated practices include resource planning and management, addressing the commitment of resource owners. Clear communication about resource requirements and allocation contributes to obtaining the necessary support from those who control project resources.
• Integrated financial management practices ensure transparency and accountability in budgeting. This builds trust with funders and financial stakeholders, fostering ongoing commitment to the project.
• For projects involving external suppliers or vendors, integrated practices ensure collaboration and alignment of goals. This collaboration is crucial for obtaining support from these external entities.
• Integrated project management practices emphasize involving customers and end-users throughout the project lifecycle. This ensures their needs are considered, and their commitment is secured, leading to the successful delivery and acceptance of the final product.
• Integrated practices include change management processes to handle changes in project scope, requirements, or other factors. This ensures that changes are communicated effectively, and the necessary support is obtained from stakeholders affected by these changes.
• Integrated risk management practices identify and assess potential risks to the project, including risks related to stakeholder support. Proactive risk management strategies help mitigate potential obstacles and maintain stakeholder commitment.
• Ensuring that project deliverables meet or exceed quality standards is essential for maintaining stakeholder confidence and support. Quality assurance practices contribute to the successful completion of the project.
• Integrated project management practices involve ongoing communication and feedback loops with stakeholders. This helps in addressing concerns, obtaining input, and adapting the project as needed to maintain stakeholder support.
• Implementing effective project governance, which includes decision-making structures and processes, helps in gaining commitment and support from organizational leadership and decision-makers.

Managing a project should include an integrated approach that considers items such as the various roles, disciplines, competencies and organizational and environmental factors that influence the project’s success.

Managing a project requires an integrated approach that takes into account a wide range of factors to ensure its success.By considering these elements in an integrated manner, project managers can navigate the complexities of project management more effectively. This holistic approach ensures that the project is well-aligned with organizational objectives, adapts to changing conditions, and maximizes the contributions of various roles and competencies for overall success. Let’s break down the key components of this integrated approach:

• Clearly defining roles and responsibilities is essential. An integrated approach involves identifying the various stakeholders, teams, and individuals involved in the project and outlining their specific roles and contributions.
• Projects often involve multiple disciplines and require a diverse set of competencies. An integrated approach considers the specific skills and expertise needed, bringing together individuals with the right competencies to address the various aspects of the project.
• Effective project management requires collaboration across different functions and departments. An integrated approach fosters cross-functional collaboration, ensuring that teams with diverse expertise work together seamlessly.
• The organization’s structure, culture, and policies significantly impact project management. Integrated project management takes into account organizational factors, aligning project activities with the overall goals and norms of the organization.
• External factors such as market conditions, regulatory changes, and technological advancements can influence project success. An integrated approach considers these environmental factors, allowing the project to adapt to external changes effectively.
• Integrated project management incorporates comprehensive risk management practices. This involves identifying, assessing, and responding to potential risks that may affect the project’s success, considering both internal and external factors.
• Projects often encounter changes in scope, requirements, or external conditions. An integrated approach includes effective change management processes to assess the impact of changes and implement them seamlessly.
• Communication is a critical element of project success. An integrated approach ensures that communication is clear, timely, and tailored to the needs of various stakeholders, promoting understanding and alignment.
• Managing resources efficiently is crucial. An integrated approach involves identifying and allocating resources strategically, considering both human resources and other project inputs.
• Ensuring the quality of project deliverables is an integral part of project management. Integrated practices incorporate quality assurance processes to meet or exceed the specified standards.
• Engaging stakeholders throughout the project is essential. An integrated approach involves understanding and managing stakeholder expectations, ensuring their involvement and support.
• An integrated approach embraces a culture of continuous improvement. Lessons learned from one project inform future projects, fostering an environment of learning and refinement.

The project management approach should be tailored and applied considering the organization’s needs, level of prevailing risk, the competence of those individuals involved and other project-specific considerations.

Tailoring the project management approach is a key principle in successful project management.Tailoring the project management approach is about recognizing the unique characteristics of each project and organization and adjusting the methodology, processes, and practices accordingly. This customized approach increases the likelihood of project success by addressing specific needs and challenges while maximizing the organization’s strengths. Here are some key aspects to consider when tailoring a project management approach:

• The project management approach should align with the specific needs, goals, and characteristics of the organization. This includes considering the organization’s culture, structure, and overall strategic objectives.
• The level of prevailing risk in a project is a crucial factor. High-risk projects may require more robust risk management practices, whereas lower-risk projects might need a streamlined approach. The risk tolerance and appetite of the organization also play a role in tailoring risk management strategies.
• Consideration of the competence and skill level of individuals involved in the project is essential. Tailor the approach to leverage the strengths of the team while addressing any skill gaps. This may involve training, mentorship, or bringing in external expertise.
• The complexity of the project influences the project management approach. Highly complex projects may require more sophisticated methodologies, detailed planning, and extensive communication strategies.
• Tailoring is often influenced by the size and scale of the project. Smaller projects may benefit from a more streamlined approach, while larger projects may require a more comprehensive and structured methodology.
• Consider any industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements that may affect the project. Tailor the approach to ensure that the project meets all necessary legal and regulatory standards.
• Understanding and aligning with the expectations of clients and stakeholders is crucial. Tailor communication plans, reporting structures, and project methodologies to meet or exceed these expectations.
• The ability to adapt to changes in project requirements is a key consideration. An agile project management approach might be more suitable for projects with evolving or unclear requirements, while more traditional methodologies may be appropriate for well-defined projects.
• Consider the budget and resource constraints of the project. Tailor the approach to optimize resource utilization while staying within budgetary limits.
• The duration of the project can influence the project management approach. Short-term projects may require a more rapid and flexible approach, while long-term projects may benefit from a more structured and phased methodology.
• Consider lessons learned from past projects within the organization. Tailor the approach based on what has worked well and what needs improvement, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Cultural factors within the organization, including attitudes toward risk, communication preferences, and decision-making styles, should be taken into account when tailoring the project management approach.

Tailoring and applying the practices should be undertaken in accordance with the relevant organizational policies.

When tailoring and applying project management practices, it’s crucial to align with and adhere to relevant organizational policies. By considering and aligning with relevant organizational policies, project managers ensure that their tailored project management approach is not only effective but also in harmony with the values, standards, and expectations set by the organization. This approach promotes a culture of compliance, accountability, and overall project success within the organizational context. Here’s why organizational policies play a significant role in the tailoring process:

• Following organizational policies ensures consistency and compliance with established standards and procedures. This is critical for maintaining the organization’s integrity and meeting any legal or regulatory requirements.
• Organizational policies often include risk management guidelines. Adhering to these policies helps in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks effectively, aligning with the organization’s risk management strategy.
• Many organizations operate in regulated environments with specific legal and compliance requirements. Adhering to organizational policies ensures that projects align with these regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues.
• Organizational policies may define quality standards and expectations. Tailoring project management practices in accordance with these policies ensures that project deliverables meet the specified quality criteria.
• Organizational policies often address security and confidentiality concerns. When tailoring project management practices, it’s essential to consider and adhere to policies related to data protection, intellectual property, and information security.
• Organizational policies often include guidelines for ethical conduct. Tailoring project management practices within the bounds of these policies helps maintain ethical standards and promotes a culture of integrity.
• Organizational policies may outline procedures for resource allocation and utilization. Adhering to these policies ensures efficient use of resources while avoiding conflicts or misuse.
• Organizational policies may dictate communication protocols, especially in terms of reporting structures, information sharing, and stakeholder engagement. Adhering to these policies ensures clear and effective communication.
• Many organizations have specific change management procedures. Tailoring project management practices should include adherence to these procedures to ensure that changes are managed systematically.
• If the project involves procurement or vendor relationships, adherence to organizational policies regarding procurement processes, vendor selection, and contract management is essential.
• Organizational policies often outline project governance structures and decision-making processes. Tailoring project management practices should consider and align with these governance frameworks.
• Organizational policies related to lessons learned and continuous improvement should guide the tailoring process. Incorporating feedback from past projects in line with these policies enhances the organization’s ability to learn and adapt.

Conflicts between organizational policies and project management practices should be resolved in consultation with the project sponsor.

Resolving conflicts between organizational policies and project management practices is a critical aspect of effective project governance. Involving the project sponsor in the resolution process is a strategic and appropriate approach. Involving the project sponsor in the resolution of conflicts between organizational policies and project management practices ensures that decisions are made with a clear understanding of the project’s strategic importance and alignment with organizational goals. It leverages the sponsor’s authority and expertise to make informed decisions that benefit both the project and the organization as a whole.Here’s why consulting with the project sponsor is important:

• The project sponsor typically holds a significant level of authority and decision-making power. Consulting the sponsor ensures that resolutions are made at an appropriate organizational level and align with the overall project and business objectives.
• Project sponsors are responsible for ensuring that the project aligns with the organization’s strategic goals. Consulting with the sponsor helps maintain this alignment, ensuring that resolutions consider the broader organizational context.
• Conflicts may arise regarding resource allocation, and the project sponsor often plays a key role in determining resource priorities. In consultation with the sponsor, decisions can be made that balance project needs with overall organizational resource considerations.
• Resolving conflicts may involve making decisions related to risk management. The project sponsor, being accountable for project success, can provide insights into risk tolerance and help prioritize risk mitigation strategies in line with organizational policies.
• Conflicts may impact communication strategies and stakeholder management. The project sponsor can provide guidance on how to communicate decisions effectively and manage stakeholder expectations, considering both project and organizational perspectives.
• Some conflicts may involve ethical considerations, and the project sponsor is typically involved in ensuring ethical conduct. Consulting with the sponsor helps address ethical dilemmas in a manner consistent with organizational values.
• Conflicts related to changes in project scope or requirements may require decisions on change management processes. The project sponsor can provide direction on how changes should be evaluated, approved, and communicated, considering the project’s impact on organizational objectives.
• If conflicts involve legal or regulatory compliance, the project sponsor can guide decisions in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements, ensuring that the project remains in compliance with the law.
• In conflicts related to procurement or contracts, the project sponsor may provide input on vendor selection, contract negotiations, and adherence to organizational procurement policies.
• The project sponsor is typically part of the project governance structure. Consulting with the sponsor ensures that decisions align with the established governance framework and that any conflicts are resolved within the governance guidelines.
• The project sponsor is responsible for defining success criteria. Consulting with the sponsor helps ensure that resolutions prioritize factors critical to achieving project success while respecting organizational policies.
• The project sponsor is often familiar with the organization’s culture. Consulting with the sponsor helps ensure that conflict resolutions are in harmony with the organizational culture and values.