Level 0 context diagrams

I have long been interested in context diagrams - which is to say, single diagrams of the Big Picture within which a methodology (SDLC, etc.) operates. As a result of a succession of methodology-related engagements, here is my current top-level version:

Click on the picture to expand it.

The idea is to identify all that factors that explain what, ultimately, the methodology is trying to accomplish, how it is governed, how project and programme goals, objectives and targets are set, what support is available, who controls the overall approach (e.g., the core methodologies), and so on. In my experience, most organisations address this issue in a very piecemeal manner, with occasional and very ad hoc references to the details scattered all across the methodology and in surrounding structures (e.g., PMO rules, local standards, and so on).

This is unfortunate, as it invites conflict, makes its hard to understand the whole, makes compliance with the methodology much harder to justify, all but ensures that major errors and omissions will exist, and so on. It also makes it hard to identify who to go to when the methodology does not actually answer a question. Of course, defining all this will demand a vast amount of information that is typically either widely scattered, hard to find or simply missing. But at the very least, for each box you will need to know:

• Overview of purpose in the organisation as a whole
• Role in delivery (eg, direction, prioritisation, project governance, and so on)
• Specific dependencies
• Process/standards
• Contacts
• Organisation
• Ownership
• Management cycles

You can find an editable PowerPoint version here. I'd be interested in comments, and eventually plan to create a fully-fledged presentation explaining each item in the model in detail.

Free stuff - no, really

After a long absence, here we are again. Part of the time away has been spent creating a new website, which will be of little interest to most people except for the Downloads section.

Unlike most such pages, this one really is designed to give you free stuff, not just adverts for myself. Knowing full well that this is good stuff (well, good enough for other people to pay me for it) and not wanting to let it fall into oblivion, I thought I’d just give it away. Really.

Right now it has tools and training materials for lessons learnt systems, stakeholder management, various aspects of methodology, and so on.

I plan to add to it occasionally. The main areas will be methodology, quality, and governance, but I have a good deal else. And if you have any requests, I may have something I could post just for you.