The main building of the University of Helsinki – Photo: Linda Tammisto, University of Helsinki

This year commemorates the remarkable ten-year collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Thinking Portfolio

The collaboration between the University of Helsinki and Thinking Portfolio marks a decade since the launch of the Thinking Portfolio Application Portfolio by the University’s IT Centre. The Project Portfolio joined the lineup six years ago, adding another dimension to this enduring partnership.

A decade’s worth of experience with Thinking Portfolio has been nothing short of transformative. The journey includes the inception of a second portfolio, multiple portfolio development milestones, migration to the HUB platform, active participation in both live and online events, and an ongoing commitment to refining practices and methodologies.

 

Ten years, two portfolios, encompassing 650 applications and over 200 projects — a testament to the robustness of the collaboration.

The Application Portfolio now houses crucial information on 650 data systems, managing the intricacies of University Support Services and the National Library of Finland. Esa Suominen, Chief Architect and Chief User of the Application Portfolio, emphasizes its pivotal role as the core data repository, providing essential information for budgeting, life cycle management, ownership details, accessibility, contingency levels, and data protection.

In adherence to the Information Management Act, vital system data maintained in the application portfolio plays a key role in monitoring various legislation and regulations, a responsibility shared by public administration organizations.

The Project Portfolio, in use at the University for six years, acts as a crucial tool for project management. Veikko Mäkelä, Information Systems Project Manager and Project Portfolio Manager, highlights its role in bringing formalism and a systematic approach to project entities.

The portfolio serves as a repository for management documents, enhancing transparency and contributing to the overall development snapshot.

 

University of Helsinki portfolios show progress in development packages and comprehensive reporting

Main Library of the University of Helsinki (Kaisa-talo) – Photo: Mika Huisman, University of Helsinki

Development at the University of Helsinki unfolds through comprehensive development packages rather than a continuous agile approach. While the Application Portfolio undergoes regular end-user meetings to address development issues, larger changes are communicated to users collectively, followed by a period of stability.

Recent strides in the Application Portfolio include the introduction of a data protection package and the integration of an API interface with reporting tools. The Project Portfolio is also evolving to align with the new digital services approach, linking to strategic objectives and Enterprise Architecture work.

 

In a large organization, centralized user management is valued

The University places great value on reporting, with Power BI reports being widely utilized to track development costs for the coming years. The move to the Thinking Portfolio HUB platform two years ago has streamlined user management, providing centralized control and transparency, especially beneficial for an organization with up to 10,000 users.

In summary, the ten-year journey with Thinking Portfolio stands as a testament to a successful collaboration, marked by continuous improvement, strategic alignment, and a commitment to effective portfolio management at the University of Helsinki.

 

The development of portfolio management at the University of Helsinki was discussed by

Veikko Mäkelä

Information Systems Project Manager

 

 

 

 

Esa Suominen

Chief Architect

 

 

 

 

 

Text: Tyyne Taunila, Marketing Specialist, Thinking Portfolio

Photo: University of Helsinki, Linda Tammisto ja Mika Huisman