Which project management maturity level is characterized by the absence of formal standards and procedures?

The Ad Hoc project management maturity level is indeed characterized by the absence of formal standards and procedures. At this stage, organizations typically rely on individual efforts and informal processes rather than established methodologies or frameworks. This lack of formalization often means that project outcomes can vary significantly due to the inconsistency in how projects are approached and executed.

In contrast, higher maturity levels—such as Managed, Integrated, and Sustained—embody more structured approaches where defined processes, standards, and practices are established. These levels emphasize consistency, repeatability, and the use of best practices in project management, which are absent in the Ad Hoc stage. Thus, the Ad Hoc maturity level serves as a foundational stage where organizations begin to recognize the need for improvement but have not yet committed to formalizing their project management practices.