2003 Planning Process: Guideline for Project and KTLO Definitions

Projects:

A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to achieve a particular aim. (PMI Definition) In Robinson’s terms this means if a project has a beginning and an end, and exceeds X number of weeks in effort we should plan and manage it as a project.

·  Every project has a definite beginning and a definite end.

While projects are similar to operations in that both are performed by people, both are generally constrained by limited resources, and both are planned, executed and controlled, projects differ from operations in that operations are ongoing and repetitive while projects are temporary and unique.

·  They may involve a single person or a team.

For this year’s planning process, it does not matter if a project is a one-person project or a team effort. If it has a definite beginning and a definite end it, then it should be planned, managed, and reported as a project.

·  Their time spans vary greatly.

For this year’s planning process, work effort should be categorized as a project if it has a definite beginning and end, and exceeds more than X number of weeks in work effort. Other efforts should be categorized and included in the small Enhancement or Ongoing Release projects.

·  They may involve a single silo of one application/development group or cross-departmental boundaries.

·  They may involve a single department or across the enterprise.

Ongoing Releases, Ongoing Maintenance, Small Enhancements

·  All of the above “buckets of effort” were used last year. Let’s choose one and be consistent.

·  Each of your application areas should include a project titled Small Enhancements. This is a pool of time and resources devoted to making small feature enhancements to the application.

KTLO

KTLO stands for “Keep the Lights On” these are activities that contribute to the daily uptime of the system or application. Our Keep the light on category also includes customer ad hoc requests for information, early investigative participation into new opportunities, request management and ……

Administrative time

·  When factoring KTLO time include time for meetings, training, department meetings, etc. Our suggested percentage of time is X%.

*Definitions stole from the Project Management Institute. 8/30/2002