PMOplus - Next gen PMO with Specialization Focus
- Kiran Marri, Yogita Sachdeva, Sundaresa Subramanian

The level of detail and the specific direction of this paper put it significantly ahead of most of its peers. The clarity of direction, the elevel of detail and practicality all work toward the implementer’s advantage. The insights allow those responsible for implementation to recognize, and perhaps more importantly adapt, many of the concepts that are laid out therein. The specificity of the paper is what gives it its richness and opens the door for adaptation in a variety of environments. The focus is not software-exclusive, but instead could be applied in virtually any industry with only modest adjustments on a by-industry basis. The rationale provided behind the approach is also sound, making the paper not only practical, but defensible. Bravo.

Strategic Project Governance - A Unique Approach
- Dr. Rahul Vilas Ghodke, Vishal Dilip Sanghi,

The paper spends an enormous amount of time on a history lesson in project management, providing a foundational understanding of how we have arrived at where we are today. This is valuable information, but the level of depth assumes there are few, if any readers who have even a passing familiarity with PM history. On page 6, however, the paper turns the corner and begins providing more valuable information, notably addressing the roles and responsibilities of those managing project governance. As the paper continues, it provides a clear, directive process for ensuring projects are properly governed. The use of tables and modifiable criteria within those tables to clarify project classification was well-considered. And while some topics were given only a “glancing blow”, like risk, the big areas were incorporated and considered and their inclusion affords some clarity on where the process as described could be expanded upon to meet more specific organizational criteria. The inclusion of a case for why to go through the governance process, the benefits of such a process and a clear step-by-step approach for the process, put this paper near the top in a field with some very daunting competition. Handsomely done.

Usage and Interpretation of SPI & CPI for Agile Projects
- Goutam Roy

This paper does a very effective job of both describing the classic applications of sprints in Agile, and then explores how they can be modified to be more applicable in an offshore environment. What I most appreciated about this effort was that it captured not only the existing environment, but also examined the details of a new and innovative process that looks on the surface to be wholly achievable by organizations that have a baseline understanding of Scrum and its nature. It was the innovation in this paper that took the day and made it worth reading. It was not just expository on existing practice, but forward thinking on how to adapt a growing practice in a specific context.