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As someone who hopes to be a PMP soon--as soon as I get off my duff to
do the paperwork and take the test--I can see acceptable motives behind
the PMO request. The PMI Body of Knowledge calls for requiring prior
approval for changes to virtually any part of the project plans or
processes (called "Integrated Change Control"). *Unplanned* meetings
with SMEs would fall under this: those meetings take labor hours the PM
has apparently not included in the original project schedule, and
therefore can impact the "iron triangle" of costs vs. time vs. quality.
But the key word is "unplanned," because that can be changed.
My recommendation is that you (James) find out how to submit a change
request per the project management plan. Then submit a change that calls
for addition of an activity called something like "Update Documents."
Include in that request:
* A business justification--don't assume the PM or other possible
reviewers understand the value and purpose of documentation updates.
* The number of labor hours you estimate will be required (totaled
across the project dates), broken into:
-- Hours of your time.
-- Hours of SME time, by name or title.
* Nomination of yourself as the staff member responsible for the
activity.
Just as upper managers respond best to proposals tied to financial
rewards, PMs respond best to proposals that follow their processes.
Good luck,
Jim
Jim Morgan
Senior Technical Writer and sometimes PM
Seattle, WA
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