Business Environment – Strategic Alignment: Organizational Process Assets (OPAs)
Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) are a fundamental part of a project manager’s toolkit when preparing for the PMP exam and managing projects. They are essentially the plans, processes, policies, procedures, and knowledge bases specific to and used by the performing organization. These assets influence the management of the project and include two main categories: processes and procedures, and corporate knowledge base.
Processes and Procedures: This includes all the formal and informal procedures that govern how projects are conducted within the organization. These can range from standard operating procedures, templates, guidelines, and work instructions that provide a framework for consistent project management practice.
Corporate Knowledge Base: This encompasses historical information and lessons learned from previous projects, which can provide valuable insight for new projects. It includes project records, historical data, and past project performance.
For a PMP test taker, understanding OPAs is critical because:
- Planning Influence: OPAs can significantly influence how you plan your project. They provide guidelines on how things should be done, what has worked in the past, and what hasn’t, which can be invaluable in shaping your project approach. Some Examples
- Risk Management: OPAs include risk databases which can be crucial for identifying potential risks on your current project. These assets provide insights that help you anticipate and mitigate risks effectively.
- Quality: Standards and quality measures contained in OPAs guide the project team on how to maintain quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
- Change Management: Historical data about change management can provide you with strategies to handle requests for change and to manage change more effectively.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Understanding the stakeholder engagement procedures within the OPAs can help you manage communication and involvement strategies for your project stakeholders.
- Efficiency: Leveraging OPAs helps in enhancing efficiency. By using templates and lessons learned, you avoid reinventing the wheel, thus saving time and resources.
Differences Between Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) and Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs):
| Aspect | Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) | Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Internal assets controlled by the organization | Internal or external factors beyond direct control |
| Examples | – Templates – Policies and procedures – Lessons learned | – Market conditions – Regulatory requirements |
| Modifiability | Can be tailored and adapted to the project’s needs | Must be accommodated as they are |
| Impact on Projects | Used as tools and resources to assist project execution | Considered as constraints or conditions for the project |
| Management Approach | Assets are actively managed and refined | Factors are monitored and strategies adapted in response |
For PMP candidates, it’s important to understand that while OPAs can be adjusted to better serve the project’s needs, EEFs are immutable elements that the project must navigate. The focus should be on how to utilize OPAs effectively and how to plan for EEFs realistically.
It is crucial for PMP aspirants to note that OPAs are not static. They evolve over time as new knowledge is gained and as the organization changes and grows. Therefore, continuous learning and adaptability are key when utilizing OPAs in project management. In preparation for the PMP exam, familiarize yourself with the types of OPAs within your organization. Reflect on how these assets have impacted projects. Understanding and being able to apply knowledge of OPAs effectively is an integral part of both the PMP exam and successful project management in practice.
For those looking to accelerate their PMP exam preparation while gaining a solid foundation in project management, consider exploring our comprehensive PMP program. This program is designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to not only pass the PMP exam but also excel in managing complex projects in any environment.
