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Government’s $74M PEMS Project Raises Concerns About Iterative and Agile Methods

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The Parliamentary Expense Management System (PEMS), which has faced delays and budget overruns, has led some public sector stakeholders to question the effectiveness of agile and iterative methodologies used in the project's development. These methodologies were heavily employed during the project's implementation and were initially expected to streamline processes and enhance support for clients. However, the project's issues have raised concerns about the suitability of agile approaches for large-scale initiatives in the public sector. As a result, the government has referred the PEMS project to the Auditor General for further examination. This move underscores the need to address the functional problems and cost overruns that have plagued the project, while also reevaluating the appropriateness of agile and iterative methodologies for similar projects in the public sector.
 
The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA), an auditor that relies heavily on the Parliamentary Expense Management System (PEMS), has expressed disappointment in the project's delivery and the functionality of the system. IPEA, along with parliamentarians, has been left waiting for a fully functional PEMS to be implemented. Initially, IPEA had high expectations for the SAP-based PEMS, anticipating that it would be a transformative system, providing opportunities for improved efficiency and allowing IPEA to better support its clients through a modern, agile methodology. However, IPEA's assessment of the project thus far has been highly critical. In a submission to an inquiry examining several federal government IT projects, IPEA stated that the current outcome is merely a system that has digitized some manual processes, falling short of the intended objectives.
 
This sentiment raises concerns for development teams working with the government, as the PEMS project has not proven to be a strong endorsement for agile delivery and iterative development methodologies. As the government continues to invest in large-scale IT projects, it will be crucial to assess the suitability of various project management approaches and ensure they align with the specific needs and expectations of stakeholders. The Independent Parliamentary Expenses Authority (IPEA) has expressed that their expectations of the agile methodology used for the Parliamentary Expense Management System (PEMS) project differed from the delivered outcomes. Specifically, IPEA had anticipated a fully functional, user-friendly system after each sprint or release, reflecting a mismatch between client expectations and IT project management norms.
 
IPEA recognizes the potential advantages of an iterative approach, such as the ability to release a product early and then refine its features based on user feedback. However, this approach assumes a stable base, full functionality, established feedback channels, and ongoing resource commitments, which may not always be the case for government-managed systems. In the case of PEMS, IPEA suggests that the iterative approach was not optimal due to the high reputational risks arising from inaccurate data and slow service. Furthermore, although IPEA was not responsible for PEMS, the project's issues affected the authority's reputation, requiring IPEA to invest resources to address these concerns.
 
IPEA's experience with agile and iterative methodologies serves as a cautionary tale for other government programs, highlighting the importance of setting realistic expectations and ensuring that the chosen methodology aligns with stakeholders' needs and requirements. As the inquiry aims to identify lessons learned from various IT project deliveries, it remains uncertain whether insights from individual case studies can be applied to larger departments and agencies. Nonetheless, understanding the potential implications of different project management approaches is crucial for the success of future government initiatives.

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