An energy technology company had recently expanded its IT PMO into an enterprise-wide governance office aiming to increase collaboration between business units. As their portfolio of initiatives grew more diverse and complex, they recognized the need to evolve their prioritization approach to better align with their strategic objectives. They sought expertise to help them develop a more sophisticated framework for evaluating and selecting projects across the enterprise.
From Muddy Waters to Crystal Clear
Portfolio Prioritization for an Energy Tech Leader
Understanding The challenge
Cutting Through Complexity to Align Strategy and Resources
Like many organizations scaling their project management capabilities, their PMO handled a diverse range of initiatives, from minor departmental improvements to major strategic programs. This variety created an opportunity to develop more flexible approval pathways to better serve different projects.
Stakeholder feedback indicated an opportunity to enhance visibility into project status and cross-organizational impacts. The organization recognized that strengthening its prioritization approach could help it align resources with strategic objectives better.
THe persimmon approach
Engineering a Clear, Multi-Layered Framework for Impact
Comprehensive Assessment
We conducted a thorough analysis combining quantitative data review with qualitative stakeholder interviews. This multi-layered approach helped us understand both current practices and future needs, revealing opportunities to create more efficient processes for different types of initiatives.
Process Engineering
Based on our findings, we developed targeted recommendations to enhance decision-making. We created differentiated approval pathways based on project size and type, ensuring appropriate oversight while maximizing efficiency. We also introduced a force-ranked prioritization system to provide crystal clear guidance on resource allocation.
Organizational Enhancement
We refined key roles and review cycles, elevating the role of Prioritization Coordinator to become a strategic facilitator responsible for implementing and leading quarterly portfolio reviews. These changes strengthened the connection between project selection and organizational goals while improving communication of decisions.
results & impact
Empowering Teams with Transparent, Strategic Prioritization
The new framework enhanced how the organization approached project prioritization and management. By creating clear decision pathways and empowering teams with appropriate authority levels, we helped optimize processes while maintaining effective oversight.
The improved project selection process immediately benefited the organization, with one executive noting, “Now we’re headed in the right direction!” More importantly, we helped lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of new project management tools and processes, further strengthening the PMO’s role as a strategic enabler.
The Persimmon Difference
Transforming PMOs into High-Value, Enterprise-Wide Enablers
At Persimmon, we understand that effective portfolio management requires more than just processes—it needs a balanced approach that considers both organizational dynamics and strategic objectives. Our consultants bring deep expertise in transforming project management offices from administrative functions into strategic assets.
We take pride in our ability to analyze complex situations and deliver practical solutions that work in the real world. By combining analytical rigor with change management expertise, we help clients build project management capabilities that drive lasting value. This comprehensive approach to transformation is why organizations trust us with their most challenging portfolio management initiatives.
Looking to gain crystal-clear project priorities like this energy tech leader?
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