Core Concepts & Definitions
The terms you need to discuss tailoring precisely — what each means and why it matters.
Tailoring
Intentional adaptation of approach, governance & processes to suit the environment and the work — on every project.
“Just Enough”
Only as much process, method & artifact as needed — maximise value, manage cost, enhance speed.
Methodology
A system of practices, techniques & rules. Informs tailoring but is rarely applied verbatim.
Competing Demands
Speed, cost, value, quality, compliance, stakeholder expectations, adaptability — to be balanced.
Model
A thinking strategy that explains a process, framework or phenomenon.
Method
The means for achieving an outcome, output, result or deliverable.
Artifact
A template, document, output or deliverable — tailored to fit the project.
Suitability Filter
Weighs culture, team & project factors to suggest predictive, hybrid or adaptive.
PMO vs VDO
PMO reviews/approves (oversight). VDO enables & coaches (adaptive orgs).
Inspect & Adapt
Review points, phase gates & retrospectives reveal where to tailor further.
Tailoring Bounds
Policy, safety-critical needs or contracts can mandate a specific approach.
Context & Culture
Principles, values & culture steer the choices — e.g. “customer-centric” shapes methods.
How the building blocks connect
explains→Method
achieves→Artifact
records→Deliverable