Project management is alot like being the captain of a ship, plotting a course and navigating through obstacles to reach its final destination. The project team is the crew, counting on you to navigate the stormy seas of scope creep, tight deadlines, and stakeholder demands. Suddenly, a client calls and asks for a new feature. You weren't planning on adding the … [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...]
Project success is often distilled into simple metrics like meeting budget or schedule, a single pass/fail criteria measured at a single point in time. But these outcomes are rarely fixed targets. In fact, they are often in fail territory for long periods of time prior to entering pass territory for the critical moment. Indeed, there are many variables that are … [Read more...]
A project plan is the roadmap that guides a project from vision to victory, much like a pilot’s flight plan charts the course for a successful journey. It outlines the strategy to deliver the project’s products, services, or results, providing a clear, detailed framework to align executives, stakeholders, and teams on how the project will be managed and executed. To … [Read more...]
Effective decision-making is a critical skill that has big ramifications in both personal and professional life. Projects often present complex choices where the optimal path is unclear or every option carries significant trade-offs. How can we navigate these challenges with confidence? This article explores the science behind strong decision-making, offering … [Read more...]
A project feasibility study is a critical report that evaluates the viability of a proposed project, guiding stakeholders toward a confident go/no-go decision. Essential in industries like oil and gas, mining, renewable energy, and manufacturing, these studies are vital when large capital investments require executive or board approval. Conducted by expert … [Read more...]
If there's one most important skill for a project manager, it would be staying within budget and schedule. It is not an understatement to say that if you master this one thing, most other things will likely fall into place. And the magic ingredient to doing this well is called earned value management (EVM). EVM is one of the foundational processes of project … [Read more...]
Gantt charts are a powerful way to visualize project timelines and tasks. In fact, they are one of (if not the) the most important tool in the project manager's toolbox. But that being said, they don’t have to be complicated! In this post, we’ll explore three simple Gantt chart examples that anyone can create, whether you’re managing a small project or planning a big … [Read more...]
Accurate project estimating is critical in project management, as stakeholders require clear insight into costs for temporary endeavors with defined timelines. Detailed estimates, initiated before a project begins and refined throughout its life cycle, ensure informed decision-making and effective budget planning. Where Does the Detailed Estimated Fit? The Detailed … [Read more...]
Accurate project estimating is a cornerstone of effective project management, as stakeholders demand clarity on costs within fixed budgets. The Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate is the initial cost projection in a project’s life cycle, used to screen potential projects or secure funding approval. Regularly refined at key milestones, the ROM estimate sets the … [Read more...]
