Tailoring Process in Project Management

Tailoring in project management involves customizing and selecting the most appropriate processes, inputs, outputs, techniques, and life cycle phases to effectively manage a specific project. The concept is highlighted in the PMBOK 7th edition, emphasizing the importance of adapting project management practices to fit the unique needs of each project.

Key Aspects of the Tailoring Process

1. Selection of Appropriate Processes

• Purpose: Identify which project management processes are most relevant to the specific project.
• Application: Depending on the project size, complexity, and objectives, not all processes from the PMBOK guide need to be applied. The project manager selects the ones that provide the most value.

2. Identification of Related Inputs and Outputs

• Inputs: The resources, information, and materials required to execute the selected processes.
• Outputs: The deliverables, results, and documentation produced from the processes.
• Customization: Tailoring involves determining which inputs are necessary for the chosen processes and what specific outputs are expected.

3. Use of Techniques

• Techniques and Tools: Tailoring requires choosing the most suitable techniques and tools to execute the processes effectively.
• Flexibility: Different projects may benefit from different techniques, such as Agile, Waterfall, or a hybrid approach.

4. Adaptation of Life Cycle Phases

• Life Cycle: Projects can follow different life cycles such as predictive, iterative, incremental, adaptive, or hybrid.
• Tailoring: Involves selecting the life cycle that best matches the project’s characteristics and stakeholder requirements.

Steps in the Tailoring Process

• Assess the Project Environment: Understand the project’s context, including its objectives, constraints, stakeholders, and external environment.
• Identify Project Requirements: Gather detailed requirements from stakeholders to understand what needs to be delivered.
• Evaluate Organizational Processes and Standards: Review existing organizational processes and standards to determine their applicability to the project.
• Select Relevant Processes and Techniques: Choose the project management processes, techniques, and tools that will best achieve the project’s objectives.
• Customize Inputs and Outputs: Adapt the inputs and outputs for the selected processes to ensure they meet the project’s needs.
• Implement the Tailored Approach: Apply the tailored processes, techniques, and tools throughout the project life cycle.
• Monitor and Adjust: Continuously monitor the project’s progress and make adjustments as necessary to ensure the tailored approach remains effective.

Benefits of Tailoring

• Improved Efficiency: By focusing on the most relevant processes, resources are used more effectively.
• Increased Flexibility: Tailoring allows project managers to adapt to changing project conditions and requirements.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Satisfaction: Customizing the approach to meet stakeholder needs and expectations improves project outcomes.
• Better Risk Management: Tailoring helps identify and manage risks specific to the project environment.

Summary

Tailoring in project management is a critical process that involves adapting and customizing project management practices to suit the specific needs and context of a project. By selecting appropriate processes, inputs, outputs, techniques, and life cycle phases, project managers can ensure that their approach is well-suited to achieving project objectives efficiently and effectively. This flexibility and customization are essential for managing diverse projects in dynamic environments.