breakout session overview

Lean PMO: Just Enough, Just In Time and Just Because

Presentation Description

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.

About the Presenter

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.

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