Every successful project follows a natural progression, a series of stages that take it from a spark of an idea to a completed outcome. Understanding the project lifecycle isn’t just for professional project managers; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to stay organized, anticipate challenges, and deliver results. In this post, we’ll walk you through the essential … [Read more...]
In the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) the process groups are the chronological phases that the project goes through, and the knowledge areas occur throughout any time during the process groups. The process groups are horizontal, and the knowledge areas are vertical. They are the core technical subject matter of the project management profession, and they … [Read more...]
Every successful project—whether it’s launching a product, building a bridge, or organizing an event—starts with a solid foundation. That’s where project management fundamentals come in. These core principles guide teams through planning, execution, and delivery, turning big ideas into tangible results. In this article, we’ll explore the essential building blocks of … [Read more...]
Project management can feel like navigating a maze—tight budgets, shifting timelines, and endless variables vying for your attention. How do you know if you’re truly on track? Earned Value Analysis (EVA) is a powerful method that blends cost, schedule, and performance into a clear picture of project health. Whether you’re a seasoned PM or just dipping your toes into … [Read more...]
I'm continually amazed at how many project managers, even in large, important projects, do not know the true status of their project until near the end, when there is little that can be done to ensure they finish on time or budget. The proper time to rigorously track project status is at the beginning, not at the end. This is when project risk can be managed and … [Read more...]
Let’s face it: managing a project can sometimes feel like a frantic dash to put out fires. A missed deadline here, a budget overrun there—too often, project managers end up reacting to chaos instead of steering the ship. But here's the truth: Putting out fires is rarely a good project management strategy. It’s exhausting, inefficient, and leaves little room for real … [Read more...]
So you want to introduce Six Sigma into your organization. Congratulations! Thousands of organizations have walked this path and found not just gold at the end of the rainbow, but satisfied employees, improved morale, and other benefits. When it comes to driving efficiency, slashing errors, and boosting quality, few approaches rival Six Sigma. This data-driven … [Read more...]
If you’ve ever wondered how to take your problem-solving skills to the next level or boost your career with a standout credential, Six Sigma certification might be the answer. This globally recognized qualification isn’t just for engineers or factory managers—it’s for anyone eager to master a methodical approach to improving processes and delivering results. But what … [Read more...]
In a world where efficiency and quality can make or break a business, Six Sigma stands out as a proven approach to getting things right. It was developed by Motorola during the 1980's and subsequently adopted and popularized by General Electric (GE) during the 1990's. GE's famous CEO Jack Welch, a chemical engineer, implemented it throughout the organization. In his … [Read more...]
Human nature tends toward the familiar. We stick to what we know, and in project management, that often means recycling the same old approaches—safe, predictable, but not always the best. Most projects shy away from out-of-the-box thinking, prioritizing comfort over innovation, even when costs balloon or efficiency lags. Existing processes and bureaucracies would … [Read more...]
