An Exploratory Study on Two-Dimensional Project Management Maturity Model

Abstract

Based on the analysis of the existing project management maturity models and software capability maturity models, this study proposes a novel two-dimensional project management maturity (TPMM) model, which emphasizes the project business management (PBM) and information technology application (ITA) simultaneously. It is the first to present the TPMM concept with PBM maturity and ITA maturity, and the first to evaluate ITA maturity based on the 49 processes of PMBOK. After the PBM and ITA maturities of 49 management processes are obtained using an expert evaluation method, the two-dimensional maturity of the knowledge area and enterprise layers can be calculated by statistical method. The comparison of maturities at three layers and two dimensions is helpful for enterprises to find problems in PBM and ITA, and to find the right direction for advancement. It is also helpful for enterprises to take corresponding improvement measures. The integrated framework provides a new perspective on improving the efficiency and capability of project management through positive cycle development between PBM and ITA. The application case sets an example for other enterprises to improve their project management capability and efficiency along a maturity ladder.