Sheridan is changing the way projects are being run to better support and deliver IT-related administrative projects in the areas of Finance, Human Resources and Student Affairs. Dedicated resources are being assigned to support each project area and a more systematic approach to project management is being employed. Project management, governance and best practices will also be introduced to ensure that projects meet the needs of Sheridan.
Greater Support & Resources for Project Work
To accommodate the increasing demand for project work in the areas noted above, IT is increasing its capacity to provide support by creating new positions:
- An Administrative Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating project intake and prioritization. They will be the go-to person for the status of any project.
- Key Account Leads (KAL) will serve as a liaison between each administrative project area and IT. They will help to coordinate and facilitate project work and are tasked with understanding and assessing business change needs while supporting the communication and delivery of requirements with relevant stakeholders.
- Additional technical resources – including programmer/analysts and system analysts – are being assigned to each project area to provide dedicated technical support.
A More Structured Approach to Project Management
Project work will now be divided into three stages:
- Capture high-level requirements about each project including the benefits to the College. A KAL would partner with a department functional lead during this stage to determine the project scope, outcomes, estimated budget, resources and high-level timelines.
- Create project charter. The project manager, KAL, departmental lead (business lead) and other key stakeholders will work together to capture the detailed information required for the Project Charter.
- Getting it done. This is the implementation stage which also includes the project execution, monitoring, transition to operations and project closing tasks.
Project Governance
Administrative projects will also be evaluated by the soon to be formed IT Board and Project Steering Committee. These groups will hold monthly meetings and will be in charge of governance, policy creation and project prioritization.
Questions/Feedback
If you have any questions or feedback you’d like to convey in regard to these changes, please send email to Carla Lewis, Manager, IT Special Projects, at carla.lewis@sheridancollege.ca.