I was once part of a project which went behind schedule and over budget. In response the project manager asked the project team to come up with reasons why the project was late. Naturally the team produced several reasons, and a change in schedule and budget was approved. Everything sounded like it was back on track. This dance happens countless times at … [Read more...]
Active project risk management is a concept that has been growing momentum as of late. Project managers are expected to know the risks inherent in their projects and give them the appropriate level of scrutiny. Projects are a bit like paddling a boat in shark infested waters—thrilling when it works, terrifying when it doesn’t. Risks are the gusts of wind threatening … [Read more...]
By now most people have heard of the tragic events of October 21, 2021 involving the actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie, "Rust." In case you haven't, a loaded handgun was accidentally used in place of a prop, and was discharged during filming of the movie, killing the camera operator and injuring a producer. The details are easily found on the internet or read … [Read more...]
In today’s fast-paced and unpredictable world, businesses, organizations, and even individuals face a multitude of risks that can derail plans, disrupt operations, or cause significant financial and reputational damage. From natural disasters to cybersecurity breaches, supply chain disruptions to economic downturns, risks are an inevitable part of any endeavor. … [Read more...]
Projects are magnets for surprises—think missed deadlines, budget slips, or that vendor who ghosts you midstream. A Risk Management Plan is the part of the Project Management Plan that plans, identifies, and analyzes project risks. It provides the project management team with a defined plan to identify and manage the risks that can arise and negatively affect the goals … [Read more...]
Project management can feel like herding cats while riding a unicycle and juggling flaming torches—all at once. But it doesn’t have to be a circus act. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI), offers a structured framework to bring order to the chaos. But it’s not just a dusty textbook for earning your PMP … [Read more...]
Projects don't manage themselves. Professional project management requires the development of a plan that outlines how it will be managed. According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (section 4.2), the project management plan fulfills this purpose. Although it includes any and all items that define the management of the project, there are certain standard … [Read more...]
Of all the voices in my head, the ones that makes me lose sleep at night sound something like this: You've sold me a bad product. or This is not worth the money! or I'm never using this company again! The sum of your customer's complaints, needs, and wants is called the voice of the customer. It is whispering to you every day, so ignore it at your own … [Read more...]
While a small project, like building a backyard fence, may not require formal project management, today’s complex commercial projects demand a structured approach to ensure success. The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) introduces eight Project Performance Domains, offering a flexible and holistic framework to guide … [Read more...]
Although it isn't in the dictionary, the project management industry uses the term deliverables almost daily. I must say, I am tired of MS Word underlining it as a spelling mistake. Deliverables are the products, services, and results that a project produces. Thus, they are the cornerstone to project success. Every project has to produce something. If you don't have … [Read more...]
