Every project has distinct roles that must be fulfilled in order to function properly and provide the products or services it was intended to provide. As a minimum, it needs a project manager and a project team who does the work, although those roles could be fulfilled by the same person. It also needs a connection to the larger corporate body who ensures funding is … [Read more...]
The 6 Steps of Resource Allocation
Resource allocation is the process of assigning and scheduling resources to project tasks. Resources are the life blood of project management. Resources are used to carry out the project, and are returned to their owners if not consumed by the project. There are 6 steps to performing a proper resource allocation: Divide the Project into Tasks Assign the … [Read more...]
How to Put Your Project on High-Productivity Cruise Control
Project managers wear many hats, but perhaps none is more crucial than being the catalyst for productivity. In an era where efficiency is king, understanding how to boost productivity isn't just beneficial; it's essential for project success. But it's more than that. It's about creating systems that are productive, that is, creating an organizational structure where … [Read more...]
10 Qualities of a Project Leader
Project management is more than just working with numbers, charts, templates, graphs, and computer systems. A common denominator in all projects is people. There is nothing more powerful than a project manager who utilizes one of the three main project management methodologies but focuses most of their time on being a strong leader. This is because strong project … [Read more...]
Social Media as a Project Management Tool
In today’s digital age, social media is not just for sharing personal updates or marketing products; it's an incredibly powerful tool for project managers aiming to improve project delivery. When used strategically, social media can enhance communication, collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and even project marketing. Here are six ways that project managers can … [Read more...]
Project Management in 2040: A Journey Into the Future
In the grand tapestry of human endeavor, project management has always been the thread that weaves chaos into order, the alchemy that turns plans into reality. As we stand at the threshold of 2040, let's embark on a speculative voyage to explore how this ancient art has evolved in the face of technological change, societal shifts, and the unquenchable human desire to … [Read more...]
The 8 Project Performance Domains
The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) uses the concept of Project Performance Domains to focus on a holistic view of project performance and outcomes. Eight performance domains provide a comprehensive framework for managing a project from start to finish, and are designed to be adaptable to any project type or … [Read more...]
High Performance Projects in an Average World
By definition, most of the world is average. In today's fast-paced, ever-evolving business landscape, mediocrity often seems to dominate. From corporate cultures that settle for "good enough" to teams that lack motivation and drive, achieving high performance in project management can be a challenge akin to climbing a mountain without hiking boots. Yet, it is … [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...]
When Scope Creep Becomes Scope Gallop
You've probably been there. A project manager gets a weekly report that shows the project's time and expenses, and it's a little too high. The project hasn't advanced as far as its expenses have. Someone, somewhere has introduced inefficiencies that now need to be addressed. This is scope creep, the unauthorized inclusion of unplanned work into a project. Scope … [Read more...]