IP2M METRR Maturity Assessment – Organizing (Sub-Process A)

🔹 Setting the Foundation: Organizing for EVMS Success

The Organizing sub-process is the cornerstone of a strong Earned Value Management System (EVMS). Without proper organization, even the most advanced EVMS tools and techniques will fail to deliver accurate, actionable project performance data.

In IP2M METRR, Organizing is the first sub-process in the Maturity Assessment framework. It establishes how well an organization structures its Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS), and Control Account framework to enable effective cost, schedule, and performance management.

📌 Why Organizing Matters in EVMS

A well-structured EVMS ensures that project performance is measured, managed, and controlled at the right levels. The Organizing sub-process focuses on:

✔ Defining the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) – Ensuring project scope is decomposed into manageable, measurable elements.

✔ Establishing the Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS) – Mapping project responsibility to accountable individuals or teams.

✔ Setting Up Control Accounts – Aligning scope, schedule, and budget under responsible Control Account Managers (CAMs).

✔ Defining Work Packages & Planning Packages – Breaking down Control Accounts into workable segments for accurate tracking.

✔ Ensuring Traceability – Linking WBS elements to the contract statement of work (SOW) and technical requirements.

The effectiveness of the Organizing sub-process directly impacts the quality of cost, schedule, and performance data—making it a foundational element of EVMS maturity.

📌 Breaking Down the Key Attributes of Organizing

A.1. Product-Oriented Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A well-structured product-oriented WBS ensures project scope is clearly defined and decomposed into manageable, measurable elements. It provides a logical breakdown of work, aligning with contract scope and technical requirements.

A.2. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Hierarchy

A well-integrated WBS hierarchy maintains clear traceability from top-level project scope down to individual tasks. Strong vertical integration ensures alignment between WBS elements and the authorized work scope for effective cost and schedule tracking.

A.3. Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS)

The OBS defines roles and responsibilities within an organization, ensuring each WBS element is assigned to an accountable manager or functional team. A structured OBS allows for clear ownership and accountability of project scope.

A.4. Integrated System with Common Structures

A fully integrated EVMS ensures that WBS, OBS, and Control Accounts work together cohesively. This integration enables seamless cost, schedule, and resource alignment, reducing inconsistencies and data integrity issues.

A.5. Control Account (CA) to Organizational Element

Control Accounts serve as management control points within the WBS and OBS. Each CA must be clearly assigned to an organizational element, ensuring effective responsibility for scope, schedule, and budget execution.

🔍 Key Indicators of EVMS Maturity in Organizing

Organizations with high maturity in Organizing demonstrate:

✅ A well-defined, hierarchical WBS that aligns with the scope of work.

✅ A structured OBS that clearly assigns responsibility and accountability.

✅ Established Control Accounts managed by qualified CAMs.

✅ Traceable links between project scope, budget, and schedule.

✅ Consistent governance and change control over the WBS and OBS.

On the other hand, low-maturity organizations often struggle with:

❌ Poorly defined WBS elements that lack alignment with project scope.

❌ Unclear ownership of project responsibilities within the OBS.

❌ Weak integration between cost, schedule, and scope.

❌ Frequent, uncontrolled changes to project structure.

📊 How to Improve Your EVMS Maturity in Organizing

To strengthen the Organizing sub-process, organizations should:

📌 Develop a standardized WBS and enforce its use across all projects.

📌 Ensure the OBS is aligned with project scope and responsibilities.

📌 Train CAMs to effectively manage Control Accounts and ensure integration.

📌 Implement governance controls to prevent arbitrary changes to project structure.

📌 Leverage EVMS tools that provide structure and automation for WBS/OBS integration.

The more structured and standardized the Organizing sub-process, the stronger an organization's EVMS foundation will be.

🔜 What’s Next?

Next, we will explore Planning & Scheduling (Sub-Process B)—ensuring project schedules are resource-loaded, logically driven, and aligned with performance objectives. Stay tuned! 🚀

📞 Let’s Talk! At Elixir Value Management Systems, Inc., we help organizations strengthen their EVMS maturity, ensuring they go beyond compliance to achieve operational excellence.

👉 Want to optimize your EVMS structure? Let’s discuss!

📧 karlo.menoscal@elixirvms.com

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🔹 Unlock the Alchemy of EVMS Excellence with Elixir Value Management Systems, Inc.! 🔹

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