Glossary of Terms

ADKAR (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement): an artifact of PROSCI Change Management

Application: any program, or group of programs, that is designed for the end user. Think of PeopleSoft, SalesForce, Appointment Schedule Tool, Civitas, Sunapsis, etc…

Business Analyst: refer to What is a Business Analyst

Business Unit: an element or segment of a NAU representing a specific business function, and a definite place on the organizational chart, under the domain of a manager. Also called department, division, or a functional area.

Change Management: the process, tools and techniques to manage the people side of change to achieve the required business outcome

Functional Owner: the identified representative from the sponsoring business unit who will be responsible for project involvement, configuration design, training of staff, preparing documentation and ongoing ownership of delivered solution. Upon project closure this person will be, and be responsible for maintaining, an expert of the solution (Subject Matter Expert). This person may also be the Project Sponsor.

Functional Area/Unit: an element or segment of a NAU representing a specific business function, and a definite place on the organizational chart, under the domain of a manager. Also called department, division, or a business unit.

Project: A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

Project Charter: statement of the scope, objectives, and participants in a project. It provides a preliminary delineation of roles and responsibilities, outlines the project objectives, identifies the main stakeholders, and defines the authority of the project manager. It serves as a reference of authority for the future of the project.

Project Manager: the individual or team who plans and organizes the resources necessary to successfully complete the project.

Project Scope: the work that needs to be accomplished to deliver a product, service, or result with the specified features and functions

Project Sponsor: person or group who provides resources and support for the project and is accountable for project success.

ProSci (Professional Science): NAU’s adopted methodology for Change Management; creator of ‘ADKAR’

Requirements: conditions or tasks that must be completed to ensure the success or completion of the project. They provide a clear picture of the work that needs to be done. They’re meant to align the project’s resources with the objectives of the organization.

SPRRC (Strategic Planning Review and Resource Committee): refer to ITS Project Management website

Stakeholder: person or group that has interest or concern in successful completion of project.

Strategic Plan: refer to NAU’s Strategic Plan

Subject Matter Expert: the individual on campus with the greatest knowledge of the implemented solution and configuration. This person is expected to conduct, or oversee the process of, testing in all of its components. This person may also be the Functional Owner.