At P3M3 maturity level 1 (Initial Process), an organization's processes are ad-hoc, inconsistent, and not standardized. Success is highly dependent on the competence and heroics of individuals rather than on established organizational procedures. In this environment, project planning software is typically used as a standalone tool by individual project managers to help them manage their specific projects. There is no organizational mandate for a specific tool, nor are there processes for sharing or integrating project data, making the use purely individual.

A. Collaborative: Collaborative use implies shared access and standardized processes for multiple users to work on plans together, a characteristic of higher maturity levels (e.g., Level 3).

C. Integrated: Integration with other corporate systems (like finance or HR) is a feature of a highly mature organization (Level 4 or 5), far beyond the ad-hoc nature of Level 1.

D. Networking: This suggests a shared, networked tool environment for data exchange and consolidation, which requires a level of standardization and infrastructure not present at Level 1.

1. AXELOS. (2013). Portfolio

Programme and Project Offices (P3O). TSO (The Stationery Office).

Appendix D

Section D3.1

Level 1 – initial process: This section describes Level 1 maturity as having "undeveloped and ad hoc" processes where "success depends on the competence of individuals". This directly supports the concept that any tool usage would be on an individual

non-standardized basis. The guide contrasts this with higher levels where processes and tools become standardized and integrated.

2. AXELOS. (2015). P3M3®: Portfolio

Programme

and Project Management Maturity Model v3.0 Introduction and Guide.

Section 3.2

The P3M3 Model Structure

Level 1 – Awareness of process: This guide states that at Level 1

"There is no formal or standard approach... any success is dependent on the skills of the individuals involved." Within the detailed model attributes

the 'Management Control' and 'Tools and Techniques' perspectives for Level 1 confirm that tools are used on a standalone

discretionary basis by individuals

not as part of an enterprise-wide

collaborative

or integrated solution.