Organizational Process Assets (OPAs)
Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) are the plans, processes, policies, procedures, and knowledge bases specific to and used by the performing organization.
Explanation
OPAs are the accumulated knowledge and resources of the organization that can be drawn upon to plan and manage projects. They fall into two categories: processes, policies, and procedures (things the organization has established for how work should be done) and organizational knowledge bases (accumulated information from past projects and operations).
Examples of processes, policies, and procedures include standardized project templates, change control procedures, financial controls, communication requirements, issue and defect management procedures, and risk management policies. Examples of knowledge bases include lessons learned repositories, historical project data, configuration management databases, financial databases, and process measurement data.
OPAs are a critical input to many project management processes. Unlike EEFs, OPAs are within the organization's ability to update and improve. In fact, projects contribute to OPAs when they capture lessons learned, update templates, or add historical performance data. This creates a virtuous cycle: good OPAs help future projects succeed, and well-managed projects improve the OPAs for the organization.
Key Points
- •Two categories: processes/policies/procedures and knowledge bases
- •Accumulated from past projects and organizational experience
- •Can be used by the project team AND updated by the project team
- •Include templates, lessons learned, historical data, and policies
Exam Tip
The key distinction: OPAs are assets you USE and UPDATE; EEFs are conditions you WORK WITHIN. If the exam mentions templates, historical data, or lessons learned, it is referring to OPAs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs)
Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) are conditions, not under the immediate control of the project team, that influence, constrain, or direct the project.
Closing Process Group
The Closing Process Group consists of processes performed to formally complete or close the project, phase, or contract.
Project Management Plan
The project management plan is the document that describes how the project will be executed, monitored and controlled, and closed.
Test your knowledge
Practice scenario-based questions on this topic with detailed explanations.