About
The Transformation Realization Office (TRO) provides a Framework for Tarleton to:
- Prioritize resources on the delivery of high-priority, transformational initiatives that align with the strategic priorities of the University;
- Execute complex initiatives with the right resources, funding, and priorities to accelerate value to our stakeholders;
- Ensure compliance with State of Texas and Texas A&M Requirements for Project Management (TAC216);
- Ensure alignment with Tarleton Forward Strategic Plans;
- Ensure alignment with Best Practices from PMI for Project Management and PROSCI for Change Management; and
- Analyze our core processes and identify opportunities for improvement, automation, and scalability to grow with Tarleton.
TRO Services Request
AI Project Assistant (PAL)
Project Assistant (PAL) is an AI Chat Bot hosted by Texas A&M that prompts the user to answer specific questions about the project. Assists in creating a business case, project charter, and other artifacts. This BOT ensures alignment with and compliance with the State of Texas DIR Standards for Project Management and the Texas A&M TAC216 Companion Guide for 2026.
Portfolio and Dashboards
Under Construction
Will include Dashboards, Portfolio Reports, and Project Scorecards for Self-Service
Framework for Project and Change Initiatives
The Transformation Realization Office provides a framework to plan and execute transformational change initiatives with transparency for Executive Sponsors and the Cabinet; identify and escalate risks before they become issues; and provide a consistent, integrated approach to delivery that is defined, repeatable, and monitored. One of the key deliverables for the project is a workplan that includes change management activities to engage stakeholders, promote awareness of the changes, and ensure training.
Framework for Process Improvement
The Transformation Realization Office provides a framework for documenting processes in an inventory, identifying process owners and data owners, and documenting process mapping for future automation and process improvement.
Continuous Improvement (CI) frameworks are structured approaches for ongoing, incremental enhancements in processes, products, and services, with popular models including Kaizen (small, daily improvements), Lean (waste reduction), Six Sigma (reducing defects using data), and Agile (iterative development), often utilizing tools like the PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) and root cause analysis to foster efficiency, quality, and innovation.
Key Frameworks & Methodologies
Kaizen: A Japanese philosophy focused on small, frequent improvements involving everyone, eliminating waste (muda), unevenness (mura), and overburden (muri).
Lean: Aims to maximize customer value by minimizing waste, often using tools like Value Stream Mapping.
Six Sigma: Uses statistical methods to reduce process variation and defects, aiming for near perfection.
Agile: Iterative, incremental approach, popular in software, emphasizing flexibility and rapid response to change through practices like retrospectives.
Total Quality Management (TQM): A management approach focusing on long-term success through customer satisfaction, involving all employees in quality improvement.
Core Tools & Cycles
PDCA Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act): A fundamental four-step model for testing and implementing changes.
5 Whys: A simple technique to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a problem.
5S: A workplace organization method (Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain).
Fishbone (Ishikawa) Diagrams: Helps visualize potential causes of a problem.
Kanban: A visual system for managing workflow, limiting work-in-progress.
Underlying Principles
Data-Informed Decisions: Using metrics to identify issues and measure improvements.
Employee Involvement: Empowering frontline workers to suggest and implement changes.
Student Focus: Prioritizing activities that add value for the customer.
Incremental Changes: Making small, sustainable adjustments over time rather than large overhauls.
Templates and Tools
TAC 216 Compliance
TAC 216 is a regulatory requirement for the State of Texas for IT projects. Texas A&M has developed a companion guide to help ensure TAC 216 compliance.
The TAC 216 Companion Guide is available here to download. The AI Assistant (PAL) will also review your project documentation and evaluate compliance providing you with a status report and list of corrective actions if required.
https://assets.system.tamus.edu/oit/website/tac216/current/TAC%20216%20Companion%20Guide%202026.pdf
Additional Resources
Texas A&M System Guidance for Project Management – https://it.tamus.edu/governance/project-management/
State of Texas DIR Guidance for Project Management – https://dir.texas.gov/technology-policy-and-planning/digital-project-services/project-management-essentials-pm-essentials
Project Management Institute (PMI) – https://www.pmi.org/
Project Management Institute Kickoff Courses – Free Online (earn badges) – https://www.pmi.org/kickoff
Project Management Institute Learning Resources – https://www.pmi.org/learning/free-online-courses
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) – https://www.pmi.org/standards/pmbok
PROSCI Change Management Framework – https://www.prosci.com/methodology-overview
Agile Alliance – Agile Manifesto – https://agilealliance.org/agile101/the-agile-manifesto/
Agile Alliance – Agile Essentials – https://agilealliance.org/agile-essentials/
Carnegie Foundation – 6 Core Principles of Improvement – https://www.carnegiefoundation.org/about/improvement-in-education/six-core-principles-improvement/
Carnegie Foundation – Improvement Science Framework – https://www.carnegiefoundation.org/our-ideas/
Our Team
Contact Us
Jo Ann Kern, EdD, PMP, PfMP, PROSCI – Director, Transformation Realization Office
Justin Carrell, EdD – Director, Continuous Improvement
Marenda Horton, MBA, PROSCI – Sr. Project Manager, Transformation Realization Office
Clint Jones, MDiv, PMP, PROSCI – Project Manager, Transformation Realization Office