EEFs and OPAs are two important tools used in project management, and they are particularly important to know if you’re preparing for the PMP exam.
In this article, we will discuss what EEFs and OPAs are and how project managers use them to successfully manage projects. If you’re planning to take the PMP exam and receive your Project Management Professional certification from PMI, be sure to get familiar with EEFs and OPAs!
What are EEFs in project management?
EEFs stand for Enterprise Environmental Factors.
In particular, EEFs are “environmental” factors that can affect a project in any way. EEFs can include things like company culture, government regulations, and market conditions. EEFs need to be taken into account when planning and executing a project.
Examples of EEFs in project management
EEFs can be anything from the type of industry you’re working in to the political climate of your country. Understanding these factors, and taking them into account, can help project managers set up their project team for success.
One of the most important things a project manager does with EEFs is to identify them early on in the project planning process. By doing this, you can make sure that you have a plan in place to mitigate any risks associated with them.
For example, if you’re working on a construction project in a politically unstable country, you would want to factor in the possibility of riots or other disruptions. By identifying this EEF early, you can make sure that your project is prepared for any potential problems.
There are a variety of EEFs that can affect your projects, and it’s important to be aware of as many of them as possible. Here are a few examples:
- The type of industry you’re working in: Different industries have different EEFs that you need to take into account. For example, the construction industry is heavily regulated, so you need to factor in things like building codes and permits when planning your project. On the other hand, the tech industry is constantly changing, so you need to be prepared for new technologies to emerge during your project.
- The political climate of your country: Political instability can have a big impact on your projects. If you’re working in a country that’s going through a period of political unrest, you need to factor in the possibility of disruptions or even violence.
- The economic climate: The state of the economy can also affect your projects. For example, if there’s a recession going on, you might need to adjust your budget accordingly.
What are OPAs in project management?
OPAs stand for Organizational Process Assets.
OPAs are organizational assets that can help or hinder a project’s success. OPAs can include things that are specific to your organization, such as policies, procedures, and templates. OPAs can also include human resources, such as skilled personnel or subject matter experts.
The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines OPAs as “policies, processes, procedures, and knowledge bases that an organization has developed over time and that have proven to be successful in achieving its objectives.”
Examples of OPAs in project management
Organizational Process Assets are the policies, processes, procedures, and knowledge bases that an organization has developed over time and that have proven to be successful in achieving its objectives. OPAs provide a framework within which projects are planned and executed.
Some examples of OPAs in project management include:
- The organizational structure of the project team
- The organization’s preferred methodologies for planning and executing projects
- The organization’s standards for project deliverables
- The skills and experience of the project team members
A project manager must take into account the OPAs of his or her organization when planning and executing a project. Failure to do so can lead to project failures. For example, if a project manager does not follow the organization’s preferred methodology, the project is likely to encounter difficulties and lack of support.