Summary
This article provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating and prioritizing HCM change requests and projects using a standardized 5×5 ImpactβEffort Priority Matrix. It outlines how projects enter the review pipeline, how Impact and Effort scores are initially assigned by the BPM team, and how these scores are validated through joint review with functional area directors and HCM leadership. The KBA includes detailed scoring criteria, matrix placement logic, and clearly defined priority zonesβ
Body
Project Prioritization Matrix (5×5) — Impact vs Effort
This Knowledge Base Article (KBA) provides updated guidance on how to prioritize projects using a 5×5 structured matrix that evaluates both impact and effort. The Project Prioritization Matrix supports transparent, data-driven prioritization across the Human Capital Management (HCM) functional areas, ensuring that the most valuable initiatives receive appropriate focus and resources.
Purpose
The purpose of this KBA is to ensure consistent, transparent, and strategic prioritization of projects across functional areas. By using a standardized 5-point scoring system for both Impact and Effort, stakeholders can:
- Compare and evaluate initiatives consistently.
- Identify “quick wins” that deliver high value with minimal effort.
- Plan strategically for projects that require larger investments of time and resources.
- Communicate prioritization decisions effectively across departments.
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Determine Project Source and Review Workflow
Projects and change requests are identified through multiple intake and planning mechanisms:
- Central Team Requests: Submitted through TeamDynamix (TDX) as tickets from central HR, Payroll, Budget, or related functional teams.
- Meeting Discussions: Arise during discovery, governance, or optimization meetings and are documented by the BPM-HCM team through the ticketing system.
- Roadmap Alignment: Identified by Workday Support Services (System Office) or added to the internal HCM roadmap for review and tracking.
Each ticket or project entry includes dropdown fields for Estimated Impact (1–5) and Estimated Effort (1–5). These initial estimates are provided by the BPM team using the rubric outlined in this KBA.
A Project Prioritization Report pulls these scores from TDX for review. The prioritization process then follows these steps:
| Step |
What Happens |
| Initial Scoring (BPM Team) |
BPM staff assign initial Impact and Effort scores using the defined rubric. |
| Functional Area Review |
The report is shared with each functional area director. Directors meet with their assigned BPM representative to validate or adjust Impact and Effort scores for active change requests and projects. |
| Directors’ Group Discussion |
All HCM functional area directors convene as a group to review and finalize prioritization across functional areas and reach consensus on matrix placement. |
| Senior Leadership Review |
The final prioritized list is presented to Senior Leadership for confirmation and approval. |
This ensures that prioritization decisions are made collaboratively, based on standardized criteria, and align with institutional goals.
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Define Evaluation Criteria
πΉ Impact (X-Axis)
Ask:
- How many users or processes are affected?
- Does it improve compliance, audit, or financial integrity?
- Does it eliminate recurring manual work or delays?
- Will it help achieve a strategic or institutional goal?
| Impact |
Label |
Description |
| 1 |
Minimal Impact |
Negligible benefit; minor inconvenience resolved. |
| 2 |
Low Impact |
Small localized improvement; affects a limited group. |
| 3 |
Moderate Impact |
Noticeable improvement across a team or department. |
| 4 |
High Impact |
Substantial value; cross-departmental benefits. |
| 5 |
Transformational Impact |
Strategic or campus-wide change; measurable benefit. |
Detailed Scoring Guide (1–5):
1οΈβ£ – Cosmetic or informational only; no functional change.
2οΈβ£ – Resolves a small issue for a limited audience.
3οΈβ£ – Provides measurable improvements in efficiency or clarity.
4οΈβ£ – Enables cross-departmental impact or improves compliance.
5οΈβ£ – Drives major institutional outcomes, strategy, or compliance.
πΉ Effort (Y-Axis)
Ask:
- Is this a simple update or a large-scale system change?
- Will it require cross-functional collaboration or external approval?
- Does it involve integrations, testing, or new roles/security?
- How long will it take to complete and deploy?
| Effort |
Label |
Description |
| 1 |
Effortless |
Quick win; minimal configuration or testing. |
| 2 |
Manageable |
Requires some coordination; short-term achievable. |
| 3 |
Moderate |
Multi-team collaboration or moderate effort. |
| 4 |
Complex |
Significant coordination, configuration, or testing. |
| 5 |
Extensive |
Enterprise-level project; long timeline and major resources. |
Detailed Scoring Guide (1–5):
1οΈβ£ – Simple text or routing fix; minimal testing.
2οΈβ£ – Minor change requiring basic stakeholder review.
3οΈβ£ – Requires testing and moderate coordination between teams.
4οΈβ£ – Involves design changes, security review, or large data updates.
5οΈβ£ – Large-scale implementation, integration, or multi-month project.
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Assign Scores
Using the detailed guides above, the BPM team assigns initial Impact and Effort scores (1–5). These scores are then reviewed collaboratively with directors and validated through the prioritization process described in Section 1.
| Project Example |
Impact |
Effort |
Matrix Category |
| Remove Two Routing Steps in BP |
4 |
2 |
π‘ Quick Win |
| Add Embedded Analytic to Transaction |
3 |
3 |
π Incremental Improvement |
| Add Academic Appointment |
5 |
3 |
π’ Strategic Initiative |
| Graduate Faculty Status |
5 |
4 |
π΅ Transformational Initiative |
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Plot the Project on the 5×5 Priority Matrix
Once Impact and Effort have been scored (1–5), place each project on the 5×5 matrix. Each color-coded zone reflects the intersection of how valuable the change is (Impact) and how resource-intensive it will be (Effort).
π― 5×5 Priority Matrix (Impact vs Effort)
X-Axis → Impact (1–5) 1 = Minimal • 2 = Low • 3 = Moderate • 4 = High • 5 = Transformational
Y-Axis → Effort (1–5) 1 = Effortless • 2 = Manageable • 3 = Moderate • 4 = Complex • 5 = Extensive
| Effort ↓ / Impact → |
1 Minimal |
2 Low |
3 Moderate |
4 High |
5 Transformational |
| 1 Effortless |
π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
π Incremental Improvement |
π‘ Quick Win |
π‘ Quick Win |
π’ Strategic Initiative |
| 2 Manageable |
π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
π Incremental Improvement |
π‘ Quick Win |
π‘ Quick Win |
π’ Strategic Initiative |
| 3 Moderate |
π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
π Incremental Improvement |
π Incremental Improvement |
π’ Strategic Initiative |
π΅ Transformational Initiative |
| 4 Complex |
π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
π Incremental Improvement |
π’ Strategic Initiative |
π΅ Transformational Initiative |
| 5 Extensive |
π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
π Incremental Improvement |
π’ Strategic Initiative |
π΅ Transformational Initiative |
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Interpret and Categorize Results
| Zone Label |
Definition / Use Case |
Example Projects |
| π΄ Maintenance / Operational |
Low impact, high effort – reassess need or defer |
Legacy process upkeep |
| π Incremental Improvement |
Moderate impact, low effort – ongoing optimization |
Report enhancement, data cleanup |
| π‘ Quick Win |
High impact, low effort – prioritize immediately |
Small workflow or approval fix |
| π’ Strategic Initiative |
High impact, moderate/high effort – plan and resource |
Security redesign, compensation model |
| π΅ Transformational Initiative |
Institution-wide, long-term, high-impact – executive or strategic priority |
New payroll model, Workday optimization |
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Document and Tag
In TeamDynamix and Power BI reporting:
- Record the validated Impact and Effort scores.
- Include the Matrix Category (e.g., “Quick Win,” “Strategic Initiative”).
- Use these fields to drive prioritization dashboards and leadership discussions.
- Re-evaluate scoring quarterly or after major implementations.
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