Organizational Process Assets (OPA)

 

Summary of Organizational Process Assets (OPA)

1. Definition:

   • Organizational Process Assets (OPA) are resources, tools, templates, and knowledge provided by the organization to support project management.
   • These assets are designed to streamline processes, ensure consistency, and improve efficiency.

2. Key Characteristics:

   • Provided by the Organization:
     • Assets are maintained by the organization and made available for use in projects.
   • Dynamic:
     • OPAs are updated and improved with each project as lessons learned and new templates are added.
   • Common Input:
     • OPAs are among the most frequently used inputs in the 49 processes of project management.

3. Examples of OPAs:

   • Templates:
     • Project charters, risk registers, issue logs, and project plans.
   • Software Tools:
     • Tools like Microsoft Project or other project management platforms.
   • Historical Information:
     • Data and documentation from previous projects.
   • Policies and Procedures:
     • Guidelines for managing risks, changes, defects, and project closure.
   • Knowledge Bases:
     • Central repositories (e.g., SharePoint) storing organizational documents and lessons learned.

4. How OPAs are Used:

   • As Inputs:
     • Help standardize processes and provide starting points for project deliverables.
     • Example: A project charter template simplifies the process of creating a new charter.
   • Updated During Projects:
     • As teams create new documents or refine processes, these updates are added to the repository for future use.
     • Example: Adding a new issue log template developed during a project.

5. Importance of OPAs:

   • Provide guidance and structure for project planning, execution, and monitoring.
   • Save time and effort by offering ready-made tools and resources.
   • Ensure consistency across projects within the organization.

6. Examples in Practice:

   • A construction company provides standard templates for contracts and schedules.
   • A software firm uses predefined policies for managing scope changes and handling bugs.
   • A financial institution maintains a knowledge base of regulatory compliance requirements.

7. Impact on the 49 Processes:

   • OPAs influence nearly every process in project management.
   • They ensure processes are aligned with organizational standards and best practices.

8. Highlighted Points:

   • OPA = Templates and Tools:
     • Think of OPAs as the organization's toolkit for project managers.
   • Continuously Updated:
     • OPAs grow and evolve with each project, incorporating new lessons learned and improvements.
   • Broad Applicability:
     • OPAs are relevant across all project stages, from initiation to closure.

Key Takeaway:

Organizational Process Assets are essential for effective project management, providing the tools and resources needed to standardize and streamline project work. By leveraging OPAs, project managers can ensure consistency, efficiency, and alignment with organizational standards. "Use OPAs to work smarter, not harder."