Governance and Risk

Project Governance and Management Framework

  1. Home
  2. Project Governance

Objective of the Project Governance and Management Framework (PGMF)

The University has developed a Project Governance and Management Framework to facilitate:

  1. The proactive identification, analysis and evaluation of feasible, value adding opportunities;
  2. The systematic development and robust assessment of proposals and business cases to ensure alignment with UQ’s strategic objectives and priorities. This includes validating that the proposals and business cases are attractive (worthwhile), achievable, affordable and adaptable to changing UQ requirements and operating environment;
  3. The development and implementation of appropriate project management plans, practices and programs of work to give effect to approved business cases; and
  4. The monitoring, tracking and progressive reporting on planned project and program benefits to ensure they are fully realised.

Does the PGMF apply to my portfolio/entity?

Currently, the PGMF is approved for application in the COO project portfolio only.

Where can I find the Project Governance and Management Framework?

Access the Project Governance and Management Framework (PGMF) (PDF, 269KB).

What are the Principles of the PGMF?

  1. Consistent with UQ Values, innovation by everyone at UQ will be encouraged and supported, and opportunities will be actively sought and pursued through projects and programs to provide strategic and operational benefits to UQ.
  2. A benefits-led approach will be adopted to initiate, articulate, develop, assess, prioritise and manage proposals, projects and programs. That is, the realisation and optimisation of specific benefits, consistent with UQ’s strategic objectives, focus areas and priorities, will determine the objectives, scope and other key parameters of proposals, projects and programs, including the UQ-wide portfolio of projects and programs.
  3. All proposals, projects and programs including the UQ-wide portfolio of projects and programs will be assessed and prioritised based on their attractiveness (including strategic alignment and the nature and magnitude of planned benefits), achievability, affordability and adaptability.
  4. All proposals, business cases, projects and programs including the UQ-wide portfolio of projects and programs will be reviewed and assessed at pre-defined or agreed intervals or decision points before the projects and programs progress to the next stage.
    1. Such reviews and assessments will be undertaken by those with requisite competencies, and the nature, extent and timing of such reviews and assessments will be dependent on the strategic significance, cost, organisational impact and risk profile of the proposal, project or program.
    2. The authority for reviewing and approving proposals, business cases and project management plans will be determined in accordance with this framework, UQ’s Delegations Framework and subject to any specific directives from the Vice-Chancellor.
  5. Controls and supporting processes to ensure effective and efficient governance and management of proposals, projects and programs will be fit for purpose, agile, and responsive to different conditions and operating environments.
  6. Risks will be assessed and cost-effective and efficient controls implemented to manage the risks to acceptable levels as per UQ’s Risk Appetite Statement.
  7. Compliance obligations will be assessed and cost-effective and efficient controls implemented to ensure compliance with applicable UQ policies and procedures, and any legal and regulatory requirements.
  8. The responsibilities, accountabilities and performance criteria for all roles relating to proposals, projects and programs including the UQ-wide portfolio of projects and programs will be clarified, documented and adopted to promote a single point of accountability, clarity of authority, leadership and reporting relationships, and support effective and timely decision making.
  9. All decisions relating to proposals, projects and programs will be prudent and evidence based.
  10. Processes, protocols and systems will be developed and adopted to promote a culture of transparency and honest reporting on projects and programs, and to provide timely, relevant and reliable reports on project and program performance and position to project sponsors, project owners and governing / steering committees (where established). Also, where appropriate, consolidated reports on projects, programs and the UQ-wide portfolio of projects and programs will be provided to senior executives and to Senate and its committees.

Contact the PGO