A procurement management plan documents how a project will conduct its procurement (purchasing). In the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), it is the component of the overall Project Management Plan that deals with external purchasing for the project. It is separate from the statement of work (SOW), also known as the terms of reference (TOR) which … [Read more...]
Guide to Project Procurement Management
Due to expertise or resource constraints, many projects require external resources to complete their work. These resources can come from either the project's parent organization or from external sources. But regardless of how they are obtained, project procurement is one of the most exciting areas of project management but also results in the biggest headeaches … [Read more...]
Guide to Project Resource Management
One of the most important jobs of the project manager is that of project resource management. Like a carpenter using a saw, like a pilot landing an airplane, like a programmer writing code, ask any project manager and they will tell you that managing the project resources is the day to day work they spend most of their time on. Project resources include everything … [Read more...]
8 Functions of Project Management Information Systems
A Project Management Information System (PMIS) is one or more software tools used for a project's information storage and distribution. There are many types of PMIS, and equally diverse ways of applying these types of systems for optimal benefit to the organization. The components of a project management information system are: Scheduling Estimating … [Read more...]
The 4 Vital Parts of a Project Report
Writing a project report can seem like peering through the morning fog, into the unknown with no sense of direction. But there is a standard structure which, if followed, can pierce the veil and reveal the road to the destination. A project report has a 5 part structure: Executive Summary Introduction Main Body Statement of Problem Description of … [Read more...]
10 Parts of a Communications Management Plan
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) specifies the creation of a Communications Management Plan. The PRINCE2 project management methodology specifies an equivalent Communications Management Approach. This plan describes how project communications will be managed, planned, structured, implemented and monitored for effectiveness. A communications … [Read more...]
How to Perform a Stakeholder Analysis
Stakeholders are to a project like players are to a team. Having the best players is one of the easiest ways to win the game, but strategy and tactics led by the coach (project manager) can go a long ways. Thus, successful projects know who their stakeholders are and what motivates them. That's where stakeholder analysis comes in. Stakeholder … [Read more...]
10 Roles and Responsibilities of a PMO
There is much confusion over what roles a project management office (PMO) plays, and indeed the term is quite broad. But PMO's have undergone significant development in recent years and their roles have become more standardized. So whether you're considering establishing a new PMO or wondering what roles your existing PMO should play, use this comprehensive list … [Read more...]
What is a Project Management Office?
A Project Management Office, usually abbreviated PMO, is an organizational project support function which assists project managers in the management of projects. There is no single definition of a PMO, and the roles and responsibilities vary quite widely. It depends mostly on the organization's project support needs. Some PMO's perform project management … [Read more...]
IPMA Certification vs. PMP
Project management certification can be a difficult field to navigate. You want to be recognized for your expertise and further your job prospects, but if you choose the wrong certification you could jeopardize those goals. You have to know which to choose before pursuing them. There are many variables to consider, including geography, popularity, cost, and … [Read more...]