Projects are by definition temporary, that is, they have a defined beginning and end. For this reason, the project schedule is almost always a major factor in project success. It also means that project stakeholders want to be updated on the status regularly, to ascertain whether the project is on track to complete on time. A project status report contains … [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...]
How to Give a Stunning Project Presentation
Many projects require a presentation, whether at the beginning, end, or somewhere in the middle. Sometimes it is given to the managers or executives, sometimes to the project team, and sometimes to stakeholders who have a specific interest in the project. Project presentations can be very nerve racking and difficult for many people, but that doesn't mean they have … [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...]
The PMBOK’s Monitor Stakeholder Engagement Process
Monitor Stakeholder Engagement is the 4th out of four processes within the Project Stakeholder Management knowledge area within the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). It occurs within the Monitoring & Controlling process group. The inputs, tools & techniques, and outputs are as follows: Monitor Stakeholder Engagement is the process … [Read more...]
How to Calculate Total Float
Total Float is a concept within the Critical Path Method which tells the project manager how much a task can be delayed without impacting the project completion date. Float is the final product of the project network diagram. The network diagram is used to determine two things: Tasks which are on the critical path Float (total) of each task The Two … [Read more...]
3 Types of Stakeholder Matrix
A stakeholder matrix is a project management tool used to analyze a project stakeholder to determine the actions which are necessary to align their goals with the project. There are several different types of stakeholder matrices: Power Interest matrix Stakeholder analysis matrix Stakeholder Engagement Assessment matrix Power-Interest Matrix In a … [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...]
The Risk Management Approach in PRINCE2
Risk is defined as an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a positive or negative effect on a project's objectives. Simply put, it is the possibility of losing something of value. Projects have objectives, that is, a product or service that it needs to be produced, or a stakeholder it needs to satisfy. Risks events are those events that could … [Read more...]
Guide to Stakeholder Management
All projects have stakeholders. As a minimum, the project sponsor who initiated the project expects some type of deliverable. In addition, customers and end users are anxiously awaiting the completion of the product, and the project team is eager to use their skills to produce it. Hence, project success is largely defined by the stakeholders. The goal of … [Read more...]