Holistic Project Budget

Occupy the high ground and define a holistic set of project financials --- the benefits (tangible and intangible), the one-time costs, recurring costs, and potential investments in future to further scale the business capability, if appropriate. ...

... "There are few things more distressing to a CFO than being told up front about only part of the costs involved in a proposed project. " ...

Via CIO Australia: Get Your Budget Approved by the CFO

Outcome-Based Budgeting; The Right Focus

I recently read that the office of Philadelphia's new mayor, Michael Nutter, is initiating an outcome-based budgeting process. Other cities have had success with this approach as well.

Rather than each department planning their budget in isolation (as many companies do), the budget process will be focused on the outcomes that the money is meant to support, regardless of department.

Not only does an outcome-based focus make sense for budgeting, it makes sense for project measurement, portfolio management, and even Web sites. Much like budgets, all too many web sites are structured around organizational or departmental silos, as opposed to the outcomes that are supposed to be produced.

Project Management Costs

Getting started with your PMO ... training is key to jump-starting the organization. ...

... "For an IT project, approximately 5 percent to 15 percent of the budget should be dedicated to PM functions required to carry it out. " ...

Low Cost