Information Technology Project Management

I. Scope

This policy applies to all academic and operational departments and offices at all George Mason University (Mason) locations owned and leased. This policy does not apply to research projects, research initiatives, or instructional programs.

II. Policy Statement

This establishes a uniform project management framework to further the common and consistent application of project management best practices in the management of IT projects.  All Information Technology projects must fulfill the documentation and approval requirements as described in the IT Project Management Framework as referenced in the Procedures section of this policy.

Information technology projects shall be managed in a manner that is aligned with best practices promoted by nationally recognized organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), Scrum.org, and Scrum Alliance, appropriately tailored to the specific circumstances of the University. Projects that engage leading IT consulting or software development firms to assist with project management may apply additional best practices provided by these firms.

III. Definitions

A. Project: A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result (PMBOK).

B. IT Project: A project having as its primary purpose the creation of a unique information technology product or service.

C. Project Management: The application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to mitigate risk, control budget and manage a scope of tasks.

D. PMI: The Project Management Institute is the world’s leading not-for-profit professional association in the area of project management. http://www.pmi.org

E. PMBOK: A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, Project Management Institute (PMI) (PMBOK Guide).

F. Research Project: systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources to establish facts and reach new conclusions.

IV. Delegation of Responsibility from the Commonwealth

The Commonwealth of Virginia Restructured Higher Education Financial and Administrative Operations Act of 2005 grants institutions additional authority over financial and administrative operations, on condition that certain commitments to the Commonwealth are met. Furthermore, HB1390, effective July 1, 2008, allows institutions of higher education to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the appropriate Cabinet Secretary or Secretaries, for additional operating authority in two of the following three areas: information technology, procurement, and capital projects.

The University’s memorandum of understanding with the Commonwealth provides full delegated responsibility for management of the institution’s information technology project management methodology. This delegation includes the authority to conduct these activities in accordance with industry best practices appropriately tailored for the specific circumstances of the University, in lieu of following Commonwealth-determined specifications. This policy documents the industry best practices with which the University will align its IT project management methodology.

V. Dates

A. Effective Date:

This policy will become effective upon the date of approval by the Senior Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Provost and Executive Vice President.

B. Date of Most Recent Review:

10/19/2021

VI. Signatures

Approved:

__/S_____________________
Senior Vice President

__/S______________________
Provost

Date approved: 10/31/2008

Revised: 6/3/2019

Revised: 10/19/2021