breakout session overview
Over the years,
Mutual of Omaha has implemented and restructured its Project Management
Office environment to include an Enterprise Project Office, multiple PMOs,
including I/T and Business, and Centralized and Decentralized versions.
Increasing the agility of the PMO and its processes to deliver more
project throughput and benefit realization were the driving forces for these
organizational changes.
Mutual also
realized that traditional Project and Portfolio Management methodologies and
practices, with their emphasis on documentation, controls, governance and
oversight, no longer fit. This
realization drove the need for a shift from “one-size-fits all”
methodologies to processes and practices truly adaptable to the business
needs and unique characteristics of each project.
To accomplish
these goals, Mutual initiated a Project Management Process Transformation
Initiative. Utilizing Agile and
Lean techniques, this project focused on 1) eliminating waste in all Project
and Portfolio processes, 2) expanding portfolio capacity by reducing cost
and shortening project life cycles and 3) understanding what is important to
the customer and what provides business value.
The Transformation Project identified several “Themes”, multiple “Future Ideal States” and “Targeted Benefit Lifts” associated with each recommendation. This case study will demonstrate how Mutual’s Transformation Project drove improvements and increased throughput by generating capacity through a leaner, smarter end-to-end process by leveraging flexible tools, methodologies and management practices. Any organization developing or enhancing their PMO structure can benefit from Mutual’s case study.
Maureen
Weverka is the Director of the Project Management Office for the Individual
Financial Services Strategic Business Unit at Mutual of Omaha Insurance
Company. She is
responsible for program and project methodologies, portfolio management and
strategic planning oversight, metrics and performance measurements,
standards and governance, knowledge management and project education for
both Project Managers and Business Analysts.
Maureen has
over 37 years in the Insurance Industry in various leadership and project
manager roles in both the IT and Business areas.
She was a math and computer educator and holds a BS from the
University of Nebraska. Maureen
is a member of IIBA and PMI and sits on the local Corporate Relations
Committee. She holds several insurance degrees and fellowships from LOMA,
SILA and HIAA in addition to her Project and Change Manager certifications.
Maureen has presented locally and nationally on a variety of
project office and project management topics.
