Business Environment Interface Concepts

The business units within the relevant organization distinctly bring professional expertise to the project management environment on a part-time, as-needed basis or as full-time stakeholders. In particular, business units influence the achievement of business standards and interests in association with project performance. They also often represent centers of technical expertise within the relevant organization. Therefore, they are ideally prepared to conduct project-related business and technical audits in the project management environment through arrangements with the PMO. A prominent auditing requirement found in many organizations is that of quality assurance, and the business unit responsible for quality management activities should normally be involved in collaboration with the PMO.

Establishing an auditing capability in the project management environment also advances business interests. The use of project audits can be promoted as a means of providing current and potential customers with assurance of project success. Similarly, the inclusion of audits in the project management process can be touted in marketing and advertising or in proposals to demonstrate differentiation from competitors.

Above all, auditing conducted in the project management environment ensures the efficiency, quality, and value of project work. This contributes to the bottom line of the business and represents an investment toward achievement of strategic business objectives.