Digital project management

Digital project management in the Northern Territory Government has a series of structured stages which can be adapted to the various types of project work being undertaken.

Project management is the planning, delegating, monitoring and control of all aspects of the project, and the motivation of those involved to achieve the project objectives within the expected performance targets. This includes time, cost, quality, scope, benefits, and risks.

Project vs program

A project is a temporary structure that is created for the purpose of delivering one or more business products according to an agreed business case.
A program is a temporary, flexible organisation structure created to coordinate, direct and oversee the implementation of a set of related projects and activities in order to deliver outcomes and benefits related to the organisations strategic objectives.

Project investment lifecycle

The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) investment lifecycle helps Northern Territory Government agencies: Plan; Invest; Deliver; Implement, and Operate ICT investments, projects, and programs. The diagram below outlines how the digital project lifecycle aligns with the Information and Communication Technology investment lifecycle.

Investment lifecycle shows the NTG phases of plan, invest, deliver and implement, operate - to the project lifecycle stages of concept, propose, initiate, deliver and close

Through all stages, the governance around decision making and accountability, is continually revisited and reviewed during both investment and project lifecycles.

Project stages

The PMF is based upon the PRINCE2® project management methodology which provides a consistent approach to the management of projects that is industry standard and professionally recognised. There are 5 stages in the NTG Digital project framework. The figure below provides a high level overview of each stage.

Project stages for concept, propose, initiate, deliver and close

Project governance and lifecycle

Project governance is key for ensuring projects and programs delivering the intended objectives and achieve the anticipated outcomes and benefits. All projects regardless of size benefit from clear and consistent governance processes. The project lifecycle is outlined below showing the overarching governance required in relation to project stages, activities, and deliverables.

The project lifestyle stages outlines the key activities for software procurement processes and key deliverables for human centred design, organisational change management and communication

Project types

Based on complexity and cost, digital projects have been classified into five levels, based on the following:

the ICT Governance Framework
the ICT Governance Board risk profile assessment
the NTG procurement tiers.

The project classification is shown in more detail in the diagram below.

Project levels, including very small projects, small projects, medium-sized projects, large projects and very large projects