Project Support

The provision of any project support on a formal basis is optional. It is driven by the needs of the individual project and Project Manager. Project support could be in the form of advice on project management tools, guidance and administrative services such as filing, and the collection of actuals, to one or more related projects. Where set up as an official body, project support can act as a repository for lessons learned, and a central source of expertise in specialist support tools.

One support function that must be considered is that of Configuration Management. Depending on the project size and environment, there may be a need to formalise this, and it quickly becomes a task with which the Project Manager cannot cope without support. See the chapter on Configuration Management for details of the work.

Specific Responsibilities

The following is a suggested list of tasks:

Administration

Administer change control

Set up and maintain project files

Establish document control procedures

Compile, copy and distribute all project management products

Collect actuals data and forecasts

Update plans

Administer the Quality Review process

Administer Project Board meetings

Assist with the compilation of Reports.

Advice

Specialist knowledge (e.g. estimating, risk management)

Specialist tool expertise, e.g. planning and control tools, risk analysis

Specialist techniques

Standards.