Engineering success in Research Project Management
Leading complex computational and data-driven initiatives through structured, technical project oversight and collaborative excellence.
The Institute for Computational and Data Sciences Project Management Office (ICDS PMO) serves as the central hub for structured coordination, and support of ICDS initiatives across Penn State including externally funded research projects and ICDS-affiliated research Hubs and centers.
From research requiring high-performance computing to complex interdisciplinary research efforts, the PMO provides expert project management that ensures strategic alignment, efficient execution, and continuous quality improvement.
Through the application of best practices in project planning, resource allocation, and quality management, the ICDS PMO empowers research teams to achieve meaningful results—driving innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the academic community. Reach out to us for more information at icds-project-mngmnt-team@lists.psu.edu.
Vision
To be a trusted partner in advancing Penn State’s research computing by delivering expert project management services and continuously evolving practices to support complex, interdisciplinary initiatives.
Rooted in the core values of Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Service over Self, the ICDS PMO fosters a culture of collaboration, transparency, and sustained performance. By partnering closely with investigators, sponsors, technical teams, and financial experts, the PMO upholds these principles to deliver impactful outcomes that advance Penn State’s mission in research computing.
Rooted in the core values of Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Service over Self, the ICDS PMO fosters a culture of collaboration, transparency, and sustained performance. By partnering closely with the investigators, sponsors, technical teams, and financial experts, the PMO upholds these principles to deliver impactful outcomes that advance Penn State’s mission in research computing.
What is project management?
“Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. It’s the practice of planning, organizing, and executing the tasks needed to turn a brilliant idea into a tangible product, service, or deliverable.”
— Project Managment Institute PMI®
- May use a waterfall/predictive, agile/adaptive, or hybrid approach
- Not every project requires every step, process, or tool.
- Facilitate identification of project goals and scope,
- Break down the scope into actionable tasks with clarity around: deadlines, owners, allocated resources, and tasks identification,
- Plan for and provide ongoing communication and reporting with stakeholders,
- Identify, eliminate or mitigate blockers and potential risks, and
- Document project processes and workflows, including visualize various project management tools.
