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...]
Project Management is like fixing a car—there are many interrelated, moving parts. When things go wrong, you won't find the problem if you can't isolate the defective part, and you can't fix the problem if you can't remove and replace it. Without a clear plan, you’re just guessing which parts need attention, and chaos ensues. That’s where a Work Breakdown Structure … [Read more...]
Scope issues are the #1 reason for project failure. Whether it’s scope creep sneaking in unnoticed or a poorly defined goal from the outset, projects derail fast when boundaries aren’t clear. Project managers are seemingly always dealing with budget and schedule issues, and they always seem to have an origin in the underlying project scope. In project management, … [Read more...]
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 … [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...]
Risk is defined as: An uncertain event or condition that if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on a Project's Objectives (PMBOK). The effect of uncertainty on objectives (ISO 31000). The possibility that something bad or unpleasant will happen (Miriam-Webster) Risk planning is the process of identifying, prioritizing, and managing risk. Every … [Read more...]
