ITS Project Prioritization

Overview

ITS Project Prioritization provides WU a framework and process for selecting new projects which best support the campus’ strategic interests and directions and provide it the most value. The intended results of the Project Prioritization process are to:

  1. Build consensus on the most important information technology projects
  2. Assure project alignment with WU strategic objectives for IT project prioritization
  3. Add transparency to the prioritization of ITS projects
  4. Increase collaboration across the university
  5. Improve the smooth flow of work for ITS staff


It also helps mitigate other challenges, such as:

  1. Ad hoc requests that lack proper authorization, sponsorship, resource commitments, and funding.
  2. “First come, first served” mindset
  3. Staff spread thin among many competing projects
  4. “Everything is a priority” which results in not delivering all requested projects on time.

Framework

Projects are measured against the campus objectives and its capabilities to undertake projects. The project prioritization process includes:

  1. Project scoring – An overall weighted score is generated that represents the project’s value to the campus. The higher the score, the more value. The scoring is performed by the Washburn Information Systems Advisory Council and approved by the Technology Steering Committee. All projects are accepted.
  2. Funding availability –identify available funds to carry out the project, and location of those funds
  3. Resource capacity evaluation – Identify which ITS and/or other department staff resources are available to work on the project.
  4. Project scheduling – A project is scheduled based on its scoring, including funding, and resource capacity. A high scoring project may not be able to start immediately if resources and/or funding are not available; in turn, lower scoring projects with available resources may start ahead of a higher scoring project. Projects with a future start date can be scheduled based on the future availability of resources and funding.


As a general rule, projects in motion will not be stopped and re-started just because their relative priority has changed; however, the Technology Steering Committee retains responsibility for overall project portfolio management. From time to time, this will require adjustment of project activities based on the best interests of the institution. Some examples of reasons to halt a project include:

  1. Organizational hardship (no money)
  2. Project is destined to fail
  3. Business case no longer applies
  4. Overruns are extreme (budget and time)

Get Support

GET IN TOUCH WITH ITS

Email the Technology Support Center
Email ITS Support

Call us for technical assistance
785.670.3000

Visit the Help Desk
Located in Bennett, Room 104

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