Uniform Project Execution Model

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Uniform Project Execution Model

UPEM:Uwezo's secret to consistent project success

Uwezo have created a structured process for setting schedules, follow-up and reporting: UPEM or Uniform Project Execution Model

UPEM is “Uniform”, but not “Standard”, project execution. Standard models make it difficult

for projects to adhere to rigid governance requirements. The UPEM model accommodates

variations and always fits your projects. Uniform models can be interpreted more freely

compared to the restrictiverules of standard models.

UPEM gives your organization clear rules, freedom with responsibility, and makes project

execution uniform - no matter what you’re building.

Achieve 100% perfection in project execution: lose 30%of the irrelevant project procedures

Many organizations fail at standardization because they try to create a“100% execution model” that accounts for every single step.

UPEM suggests a more pragmatic approach: focus on the common denominator. The UPEM model recognizes that 60 - 70% of the WBS structures, activity codes, activities and flow are identical across an organization - while every project is unique.

A New Way to Visualize Planning: Vertical vs. Horizontal

Are you building your schedule "Vertically" or "Horizontally"? Knowing the difference changes how

you manage deadlines.

Process is key: cross-disciplinary process is required to achieve success, and visualizing is the

route to a baseline.

Project planning is often viewed as a single, messy task. UPEM breaks it down into a logical,

three-dimensional flow:

Scoping (Vertical), Planning (Horizontal), and Realization (Adjustment).

Scoping (The "What"): Adding "Vertical" tasks. This is just a list of what needs doing.

Planning (The "When"): Adding "Horizontal" logic. This is where dependencies and durations

turn a list into a timeline.

Realisation (The "How"): Adjusting both to create a realistic, optimized baseline.

Governance is the "Author’s Outline" for Project Success

Project governance isn't a straitjacket — it’s the "Author’s Outline" that prevents your project from becoming a work of fiction.

In UPEM, governance isn’t about "policing" project managers; it’s about providing the structural integrity necessary for a portfolio to function.

Just as an author uses an outline to keep a story on track, UPEM uses fixed structures (EPS, WBS, and naming conventions) to ensure readability. Without a uniform structure, you cannot report across projects, you cannot collect meaningful "lessons learned," and you cannot scale a PMO.

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You can implement UPEM in your project: we have junior, senior and portfolio planners available as consultants in your PMO, or we can arrange workshops with your project leaders and project control staff