HERMES is a project management method developed in Switzerland. It provides a clear, standardized framework for running projects, ensuring everyone involved shares a common understanding of the process and goals. While it started in IT, its flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of projects, from developing new services to implementing organizational changes.

The method is open-source and has evolved over the years, with HERMES 2022 being the latest iteration. Its core purpose is to make projects more efficient and successful by providing a ready-made structure that can be tailored to a project's specific needs. Think of it as a toolkit rather than a rigid set of rules.

Every HERMES project is built around four fundamental components: phases, roles, tasks, and deliverables. Together, they create a roadmap that guides a project from start to finish.

Here's a quick look at each component:

• Phases: A project is divided into distinct stages. The standard HERMES model uses four: Initialization, Concept, Realization, and Implementation. Each phase ends with a milestone, which is a decision point where stakeholders decide whether to proceed.

• Roles: HERMES defines specific roles for the project team and the core organization, such as Project Manager, Sponsor, and Specialist. Clearly defining who is responsible for what prevents confusion and improves collaboration.

• Tasks: These are the specific activities that must be completed to produce the project's results. HERMES provides a list of standard tasks associated with each phase.

• Deliverables: These are the tangible outcomes or results of the tasks. For example, a project plan, a tested piece of software, or a user manual are all deliverables.

One of the most powerful features of HERMES is its modularity. You don't have to use every single part of the method for every project. Instead, HERMES uses scenarios to provide a pre-packaged project plan for common project types, like purchasing a standard IT application or developing a new service.

Each scenario is built from various modules, which are bundles of related tasks and deliverables. For example, there might be a module for testing, one for procurement, and another for deployment. This building-block approach allows organizations to customize HERMES to fit their needs perfectly, creating a project plan that is both comprehensive and lean.