Effective Software Project Management

Parts of the POS

The POS has five component parts:

• Problem/opportunity

• Project goal

• Project objectives

• Success criteria

• Assumptions, risks, obstacles

Its structure is designed to lead senior managers from a statement of fact (problem/opportunity) to a statement of what this project will address (project goal). Given that senior management is interested in the project goal and that it addresses a concern of sufficiently high priority, they will read more detail on exactly what the project includes (project objectives). The business value is expressed as quantitative business outcomes (success criteria). Finally, a summary of conditions that may hinder project success is identified (assumptions, risks, obstacles). This appendix takes a look at each of these sections more closely. An example POS is given in Figure C-1.

Figure C-1. An example POS

PROJECT OVERVIEW STATEMENT	Project Name Office Supply Cost Reduction	Project No.	Project Leads PAUL BEARER
Problem/Opportunity
Our cost reduction task force reports that office supply expenses have exceeded budget by an average of 4% for each of the last 3 years. In addition, an across the board budget cut of 2% has been announced and there is an inflation rate of 3% estimated for the year.
Goal
To implement a cost containment strategy that will result in office supply expenses being within budget by the end of the next fiscal year.
Objectives Establish a departmental office supply budgeting and control system. Implement a central store for office and copying ...