Have you ever been involved in a project where unexpected issues outside of the control of the project team cause the project schedule to change? Never? I didn't think so, you're way too good for that. But for the rest of us mere mortals, keeping projects on track is an important consideration. Actually, I think larger projects are more likely to see schedule hiccups … [Read more...]
Imagine the following scenarios: A phone call or meeting with the client smooths over late delivery of a report. A subcontractor completes his task late and offers a financial discount that improves the project's economics. These are not uncommon scenarios, and they appear to render the current schedule meaningless. Does this mean it was a waste of time to make a … [Read more...]
In order to meet the completion dates on your projects, it is wise to develop a project schedule. Whether you're managing the construction of the new Oakland Bay bridge or building a new shed in your back yard, adequate planning can ensure any project is completed on time, on budget, and meets all of its intended goals. In this article I will give you a 5 step crash … [Read more...]
I'll admit that project management can seem like paperwork at times, particularly the schedule part. Creating, managing, and controlling the schedule can seem like a whole bunch of needless number crunching when the project success seems to depend on strange, hard to control metrics such as unexpected delays, or relationships with multiple client stakeholders. If you … [Read more...]
Managing the project schedule can be one of the most formidable parts of project management. I've seen more damaged client relationships through this area of project management than any other. Time management is essential to attaining successful projects. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI) contains … [Read more...]
A Requirements Traceability Matrix is a project management tool that provides a formal way to track project requirements. It links project (or product) requirements from their origins to the deliverables that satisfy them. At the outset of each project, prior to even the scope statement, the requirements should be identified and prioritized. Things like paint quality … [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...]
Rolling wave planning is a project management technique that involves more detailed planning for short term than long term work items. As each item is gets closer, it is planned in greater and greater detail. Kind of like surfers who are far more interested in the current wave than the next one (until they get there). If that sounds simple, it is (much simpler than … [Read more...]
As an engineer, I've seen my share of change requests. Some have been fair, some marginal, and some just amount to petty attempts to get some more money. Project scope changes are not to be taken lightly. They represent a change in the project as envisioned, and almost always result in additional costs. Have you ever seen a project manager give money back because the … [Read more...]
How do you define the success of a project? Let's say you're the project manager for a new building which was constructed in record time and the owner is happy to be moving in quicker than expected. However there was a spill during construction and the environmental cleanup will be a long term liability for your client. You developed a software product and were over … [Read more...]
