While studying for the PMP(r), you will often hear the term “Enterprise Environmental Factors”. The success of a project depends on many factors, both internal and external. Project managers should be aware of all these factors.
If you want to work in project management, EEF is something you need to be aware of. Let’s get to the point and discuss Enterprise Environmental Factors.
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What are Enterprise Environmental Factors?
Enterprise Environmental Factors, as the name suggests, is everything that affects the overall performance of a project. It is the factors that project managers have no control over. It is difficult to predict whether the impact will limit or enhance the project’s success.
These factors could have a negative effect on the feasibility of the project, making it unlikely that it would be feasible. However, there are ways organizations can adapt to the challenges and changes that EEF brings. Enterprise Environmental Factors should always be considered when planning and evaluating a project.
To be able to strategize better, every project manager should have a deep understanding of all external and internal factors that could affect the project.
Organizational Process Assets vs. Enterprise Environmental Factors
Before you dig in to learn more about the EEF factors, it is important to understand how it differs from Organizational process Assets.
OPA is often confused with EEF because both are inputs to almost all processes in the PMBOK(r). OPA, however, is not like EEF. It refers to any or all assets that are used to influence the success or failure of an organization’s project.
OPA is information and data that an organization has collected from past projects. These are now applied in current projects to ensure consistent performance. Since it is an accumulation of past data of a company, OPA is very organization-specific, as opposed to EEF. These assets include project frameworks, security policies and databases, guidelines and policies and many others.
EEF can affect a project either internally or externally, but OPA is always internal to an organisation. To ensure consistency and EEF, project managers must design according to the data obtained through OPA.
Categories of Enterprise Environmental Factors
Enterprise environmental factors include both internal and externe elements that can impact the flow of an operational project within an organization. We will now discuss them.
External Enterprise Environmental Factors
Marketplace
The marketplace is one the most volatile external factors. It includes potential competitors, brand awareness and potential buyers. These branches change constantly, making it difficult to predict the outcome for organizations.
It is important to keep up with changes in the marketplace and adapt the project accordingly. This will impact the overall business pace, analytics, and brand image.
Political factor
We are all familiar with the role of political factors in disrupting individual lives and businesses. Even so, most organizations don’t consider the political climate in a location before setting up camp there.
If you are looking to expand your business internationally, it might not be a good idea to do so with a country that is in constant political conflict.
Expectations of stakeholders
Stakeholders are very interested in project outcomes and it is important that they have control over how the organization meets their expectations.
Communication is key in such situations. Organizations must maintain healthy relationships with stakeholders and communicate regularly with them.
The project’s success will impress current stakeholder.
