Project Management

Project Management (PM) is the process of managing a project from inception to completion. The methodology is based on the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It is our goal to understand not only what we do but also how much time we have available to take on new projects. This will help us set priorities and report to our campus and Executive CIO on what we have delivered, projects currently in progress, and planned future projects in the pipeline.

This site intends to outline the project management methodology for the Tech Solutions. The Tech Solutions’ PM methodology provides a minimal framework to assist project managers, as well as managers functioning as project managers, in the planning and execution of projects.

A Project Manager has professional knowledge and understanding in the area of project development. Ability to enable communication across multiple teams and develop a project plan, to define the scope(the beginning, the middle, and the end of a project), to produce at the end of a project a finished product or prototype.

The Project Management methodology provides Tech Solutions the following benefits:

  • Establish repeatable processes
  • Improve communication and efficiency
  • Reduce costs
  • Increase Risk Management
  • Create archives for future estimates

Have a Project Idea? Submit a Project Request!

Before you go ahead and fill out the proposal form, make sure you understand the definition of a Project. Requests that do not fit the definition of an official project are considered a “Work Request” and are managed internally by departments.

Project Management Phases Heading link

N/A Origination This is where a project proposal is filled out and submitted for review by Technology Solutions leadership. If the proposal is approved the proposal is used as the basis for a Feasibility Review, in which the selected project team gathers to review the problem/idea, possible solutions, and the feasibility of achieving the proposed goals.
1 Initiate Initiation starts with a Feasibility Review. This review results in a Project Charter, task breakdown and planned schedule, among other artifacts. This is where we fill out a project charter and finalize the goals and deliverables of the project.
2 Plan This is where the project plan is created. The project plan defines what work will be carried out and who will accomplish each task. When the resources, budget and schedule are approved, work begins on the project. This phase is covered as part of the Portfolio Management workflow.
3 Execute, Monitor and Control This is an iterative process where the project is carried out, schedules are monitored and changes in the plan are identified.
4 Close This is the wrap-up of the project where closing documents are completed, documentation/discussion of "Lessons Learned" take place, files are archived, and communication of the final status to everyone involved takes place.

Project Proposals Heading link

Propose an idea for a project
Ideas for new services can arrive from several places; IT Leadership Council (ITLC), UIC CIO, UIC CTO, IT Directors, UIC Faculty / Staff, and Students. When you have a project idea, please send us a Project Request from the UIC Help Center.

Deadline for Proposals
The deadline for project proposal submission and PPMO review is Friday of every week (for consideration at the next week’s review meeting). Proposals that are not ready for review as deemed by the PPMO will be pushed to a review meeting at a later date. Project proposals are collected and reviewed at least once every week by Tech Solutions’ leadership.

Proposal Process Detail
Project Origination Workflow: This is where we outline the process of how a project proposal is filled out and submitted for review by Technology Solutions leadership. On a regular basis, Tech Solutions’ leadership will meet to review proposed projects and determine if the effort will be approved. If the proposal is approved the project management phases take over.