Understanding key project management terms is crucial for successfully navigating the world of projects, whether you are a new project manager or an experienced professional. In this post, we will explore ten essential terms that you are likely to encounter in project management.
1. Business as Usual (BAU)
Business as Usual (BAU) refers to the ongoing operational activities that keep a business running. Unlike projects, which have a defined start and end date, BAU tasks are continuous and do not have a specific conclusion. As a project manager, you may often hear stakeholders say they are “too busy with BAU” when you request their involvement in a project.
2. Route to Live (RTL)
Route to Live (RTL) describes the process of moving a new feature, product, or software update from a development environment into a live production environment. This process typically involves multiple test stages, starting with a development environment, followed by various test and pre-production environments before the final deployment into production. Organizations follow structured RTL processes to ensure stability and minimize risks before releasing updates to end users.
3. Production (Prod)
Production, or “Prod,” refers to the live environment where a system, application, or product is fully operational and accessible to end users. For example, if you are watching a video on YouTube, you are using the production environment of the YouTube application. Behind the scenes, developers work in separate test environments to ensure everything functions correctly before updates are deployed to production.
4. Big Bang Implementation
Big Bang implementation refers to a deployment strategy where all project deliverables go live at once, rather than in phases. This approach is often used in IT projects, such as system upgrades, where all changes are released in a single deployment window. While this method allows for a faster transition, it carries higher risks compared to phased deployments, as all changes must work seamlessly from day one.
5. Schedule of Events (SOE)
A Schedule of Events (SOE) is a structured timeline outlining all tasks and activities required to implement a project successfully. While SOEs can be used in different project phases, they are most commonly associated with the final implementation stage. A well-defined SOE ensures a smooth transition by detailing each step leading up to the project’s go-live date.
6. First Occurrence Validation (FOV)
First Occurrence Validation (FOV) is a quality assurance process performed after a system or product has gone live. Unlike testing done in pre-production environments, FOV occurs in the live production environment to verify that all critical business processes are functioning as expected. Having a checklist for FOV ensures that the transition to production is smooth and that no key processes are disrupted.
7. Implementation Readiness Review (IRR)
An Implementation Readiness Review (IRR) is a structured assessment conducted before a project goes live to ensure all necessary preparations have been completed. The IRR typically involves a detailed checklist covering business impacts, stakeholder alignment, and technical readiness. These reviews are often conducted at multiple intervals leading up to the go-live date to track progress and mitigate risks.
8. Environment
In project management, particularly in IT projects, “environment” refers to different system stages where development, testing, and deployment occur. Common environments include:
- Development (Dev): Where initial coding and development take place.
- Testing: Where new features or updates are validated before deployment.
- Pre-Production (Pre-Prod): A near-replica of the production environment used for final testing.
- Production (Prod): The live environment where end users interact with the system.
9. Operating Model
An Operating Model defines how a product, application, or system will function once it is live. It outlines key processes, responsibilities, and workflows necessary to maintain smooth operations. This includes activities such as monitoring system performance, managing data flows, and handling routine maintenance. Having a well-structured operating model ensures clarity on how the product will be managed post-implementation.
10. Support Model
The Support Model focuses on how issues and incidents will be handled once a system is live. It defines the roles and responsibilities of support teams, escalation procedures, and response times. A clear support model ensures that users know whom to contact in case of system failures or technical issues. This is especially critical for applications that operate 24/7 and require immediate response to disruptions.
Final Thoughts
These ten terms are fundamental to understanding project management and ensuring smooth project execution. Whether you are managing IT projects, business transformations, or process improvements, familiarity with these concepts will help you communicate effectively with stakeholders and navigate project challenges more efficiently.
For more project management insights, be sure to check out our other posts. If you found this article helpful, share it with your colleagues and stay tuned for more!
Project Manaverse 