Applying user centric design to develop portfolio prioritization concept for digital initiatives
Sirén, Tommi (2022)
Sirén, Tommi
2022
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202205097858
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202205097858
Tiivistelmä
Aim of the thesis was to develop a portfolio management solution for a technology company working with digital initiatives. We applied User Centric Design (UCD) as an iterative approach to understand the needs of users and engage with them throughout the project. The qualitative research to collect empirical data included semi standardized interviews and multiple user surveys.
Scope of the project consisted of how initiatives are collected, assessed, planned, prioritized, and finally committed for execution. The execution phase of the portfolio was not part of the scope. Related research chapter is structured according to the portfolio management frameworks studied. It covers the generic portfolio management knowledge and implementations of project portfolio and lean portfolio management methodologies. Specific interest is put on how to combine both worlds in a single concept and apply a consistent portfolio prioritization approach.
The developed portfolio management solution is described as part of empirical studies. The chapter follows the steps of the UCD driven development approach that are discover, design, and deliver. The main deliverables were the portfolio management process, the categorization and criterions used for early phase evaluation, prioritization method for digital initiatives and a computer-based decision support system. The tool introduced is utilising the standard Microsoft M365 productivity platform. The designed modular structure covers the database, user-interface, prioritization model and on-line portfolio reports.
The key outcome of the thesis project was the three-dimensional prioritization model for early evaluation and selection of digital initiatives. The model applies qualitative criterions with pre-defined subjective values to choose from. The dimensions are strategic-fit, complexity and value. The developed dynamic portfolio management reports had a significant role in how users perceived the proposed concept. Improving visibility was one of the key requirements. It turned out the automated portfolio roadmap was the most valued.
To conclude, the thesis project revealed it is possible to combine traditional project portfolio and agile development portfolio approaches into a single portfolio management concept. The introduced minimum viable portfolio governance with simple prioritization method could be interesting for anyone wanting to prioritize digital development ideas and take full advantage of an existing collaboration platform.
Scope of the project consisted of how initiatives are collected, assessed, planned, prioritized, and finally committed for execution. The execution phase of the portfolio was not part of the scope. Related research chapter is structured according to the portfolio management frameworks studied. It covers the generic portfolio management knowledge and implementations of project portfolio and lean portfolio management methodologies. Specific interest is put on how to combine both worlds in a single concept and apply a consistent portfolio prioritization approach.
The developed portfolio management solution is described as part of empirical studies. The chapter follows the steps of the UCD driven development approach that are discover, design, and deliver. The main deliverables were the portfolio management process, the categorization and criterions used for early phase evaluation, prioritization method for digital initiatives and a computer-based decision support system. The tool introduced is utilising the standard Microsoft M365 productivity platform. The designed modular structure covers the database, user-interface, prioritization model and on-line portfolio reports.
The key outcome of the thesis project was the three-dimensional prioritization model for early evaluation and selection of digital initiatives. The model applies qualitative criterions with pre-defined subjective values to choose from. The dimensions are strategic-fit, complexity and value. The developed dynamic portfolio management reports had a significant role in how users perceived the proposed concept. Improving visibility was one of the key requirements. It turned out the automated portfolio roadmap was the most valued.
To conclude, the thesis project revealed it is possible to combine traditional project portfolio and agile development portfolio approaches into a single portfolio management concept. The introduced minimum viable portfolio governance with simple prioritization method could be interesting for anyone wanting to prioritize digital development ideas and take full advantage of an existing collaboration platform.