Project Governance 101: A guide to the governance of projects

Projects need to run in a responsible way. And it is the job of Project Governance to ensure that they do.

The Project Management Institute - in its 2016 Practice Guide, The Governance of Portfolios, Programs, and Projects - defines Project Governance as:
‘The framework, functions, and processes that guide project management activities in order to create a unique product, service, or result to meet organizational strategic and operational goals.’

Across the pond, in the UK, the Association for Project Management, in the 7th edition of the APM Body of Knowledge, defines governance as:
‘The framework of authority and accountability that defines and controls the outputs, outcome and benefits from projects, programmes and portfolios. The mechanism whereby the investing organisation exerts financial and technical control over the deployment of the work and the realisation of value.’

My own preferred definition is simple:
‘Project Governance is the practice of making sure that the project does the right things and that it does them in the right way.’

Recommended Videos
Carefully curated video recommendations for you:
🎬 What is Project Governance?
🎬 5 Tips for Good Project Governance
🎬 Setting up Project Governance - with Rich Maltzman
🎬 Better Decision-making and More Robust Choices - Top 10 Tips
🎬 Decision-Making AI for Project Portfolios - with Stuart Easton, CEO of TransparentChoice

🎒 A while back, I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list.
Note that the links are affiliated.

⏱ Chapter Markers...
00:00 - Project Governance and responsibility
00:13 - Defining Project Governance
01:40 - Why does Project Governance matter?
02:25 - The three Project Governance responsibilities
02:41 - Strategic Direction-setting
03:05 - Decision-making
03:26 - Oversight
03:47 - Project Governance roles and processes
09:11 - Implementing good Project Governance

#ProjectGovernance #ProjectManagement #Governance

[Onlinepmcourses]

In my experience, good governance is a secret sauce that can have a huge positive impact on all aspects of a project, from culture to outcomes. Many Project Managers find it either dull or intimidating. It need be neither. Here is my guide to one of my personal PM hobby-horses.

[flashtheoriginal]

HI Mike. Governance is often carried out with a large slice of assumption and is usually based on the historical. Good to see this important topic at the fore. Key oversight benefits from not just continous adherance, but also continuous challenge..." is our governance fit for purpose?:

Thank you again. Brilliant information source

[Amazingu]

Another great one Dr. Mike, thank you and keep it up :)

[Danny-Leogue]

Interesting video - though I think you need a better microphone or audio software, I find the start/stop of the silence quite distracting.
Keep up the good work!

[Dwavard]

Anyone got an example of "technical control" please in relation to Project Governance?