INDUSTRY INSIGHTS YOUR PEERS ARE READING
Not everyone is born with great negotiation skills, but everyone can learn to negotiate correctly and fairly. The so-called "Harvard principle" can help you overcome conflicts of interest with your negotiating partner and come to a solution with mutual benefits. MORE
Agile is a methodology which is getting more and more traction in the IT industry, to the point where the word is agile is thrown around out of context and with incorrect capitalisation. There are many variants, but a feature now common to many is the idea of a daily Scrum meeting to manage the work. In our experience, how this meeting is planned and executed will set the tone for the entire project, and how effectively they embrace the true Agile approach. MORE
In part 1 of this article series, we accepted that Projects sometimes need to be cancelled. In part 2, we look at how sometimes the Project being worked on is no longer the right Project. In this part 3, we will look at the other cause of cancelling: the Project isn't being done right. MORE
What is a programme in project management terms? Here’s a definition. A programme is a set of related projects and activities, managed in a coordinated fashion and under a structure that allows for the delivery of outcomes and benefits. And in the UK, we really do spell programme like that! MORE
Let's talk Dependencies. A Dependency is a relationship between two activities, and is most often encountered in the Project Schedule. In this case they are used to structure the order of tasks, to help you plan the Project. MORE
In part 1 of this article series, we accepted that Projects sometimes need to be cancelled. In this part 2, we look at one of the two reasons we identified: it's no longer the right Project. MORE
“Who is free to work on this task?”. That’s something all project managers will hear at some time or another. And it isn’t the best way to allocate work to your project team members. MORE
Understanding project failure is the first step to putting it right. Let’s explore why businesses are so slow to learn the lessons of the past and what you can do to boost your chances of project success. Every researcher, management guru and project manager has their own view on why projects fail. MORE
Lean Six Sigma, a management buzzword that seems to persist and many don't understand. But what is it and how is it related to Project Management? Lean Six Sigma is an approach for Process Improvement Projects, combining many different conceptual tools depending on the situation. MORE
Delivering projects is a tricky business, achieved by skilled practitioners in their field – be it software development, events management, construction, oil & gas etc. MORE
This is a guest post by Nick Nuss from VocationCultivation. Nick Nuss. You can’t tell from the picture, but he’s actually an Excel Wizard. There comes a time when you have to step up and lead your manager, or any senior manager in your organisation. MORE
Paid time off (PTO) policies are central to achieving work-life balance. PTO should be a refuge for people to unplug and re-center, so they can return to work feeling refreshed and productive. MORE
In part 1 of this article series, we accepted that Projects sometimes need to be cancelled. In part 2, we look at how sometimes the Project being worked on is no longer the right Project, and in part 3, we looked at the other cause of cancelling: the Project isn't being done right. MORE
In our Precious Blog entry we reflected generally on Project Lessons Learned. Now let us spell out a structured Process that we suggest: Plan Lessons Capture - Lessons Learned (L.L.) need to be pro-actively orchestrated by the Project Manager, they won't just happen by accident. MORE
We all make Assumptions every day, mostly without thinking about it. The reason we don't think about it is because we are so confident they are true; be it how something will turn out, what someone will do or what something is like. MORE
Some Project Management Offices (PMOs) never get off the ground. I've seen others that are started and year or so later die a slow painful death. So, how can you build a PMO you can be proud of, one that thrives? Why Are There So Many Troubled PMOs? MORE
Here's the thing about Lessons Learned: you're not learning them. In our experience, most organisations at best identify them - but is anything actually learned? Is changed behaviour ingrained into the lifeblood of the organisation? We have our doubts. MORE
Du ring the Project Start-up and planning phase, projects will execute detailed planning processes to produce a Performance Measurement Baseline of Cost/Schedule/Scope and an associated Project Management Plan. MORE
When you're starting a new project, you of course identify staffing requirements as part of your estimating. You start to "put bums on seats" as you ramp up the project towards the Execution phase and on-board your project team. MORE
This is a new one for us - Book Reviews! Continued learning and development is important not just for Project Managers, but for practitioners in any field; this development needs to be a combination of new in-the-field experiences, and the theoretical grounding it is based upon. MORE
There's lots of talking on Projects; too much really. And so little of value said. People lurch from meeting to meeting, telecon to telecon, wear out the carpet on their mobile phones. People proffer opinions, half baked viewpoints, analysis and hot air. MORE
Urgent requests: it seems like most requests we get are. I took over a role recently, and rather than a detailed Knowledge Transfer plan covering many topics over a number of weeks, it basically took half an hour. Most of what I do is respond to urgent requests". MORE
Agile is an approach which is extremely prevent in the IT industry, to the point where unfortunately the word “agile” tends to be thrown around everywhere, often out of context. MORE
PRINCE2 is a popular UK Project Management methodology, that continues to gain traction in other locations around the world. Now managed by Axelos, it is part of a comprehensive and integrated best practice suite along side other methodologies such as Management of Risk (M_o_R) and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP). MORE
Projects are often very complex endeavours, but PRINCE2 is a project management method proven to deliver them successfully. Projects can vary greatly in their nature. The activities carried out by the project manager at any one time can be quite diverse. They depend on the exact nature of the project and where it is in its lifecycle. However, there are certain common activities that a PRINCE2 Certified Project Manager will carry out almost every day. MORE
Have you ever thought about where your career is going as a project manager, or why some people seem to be on the fast-track while others struggle to advance their careers? MORE
Here's the thing about lessons learned in your projects: You're probably not actually learning them. Personal experiences suggest that most organizations, at best, are identifying them—but is anything actually learned? Is behavior changed, and is that change ingrained into the project environment? Or are the mistakes of the past being repeated time and time again? My experience has identified five key factors for lessons learned to work. Read the full article on projectmanagement.com here MORE
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Documentation will always be part of life for Project Managers, sometimes more than you’d like. But how can you make sure it is useful and ultimately delivering value for your project? There are a few basics which, if you get right, will help guide you on the way to project success. MORE
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Project Managers (PMs) live and die by the Plan. MORE
Ka nban is something that features in both Lean Six Sigma and Agile software development. It descended from the Lean improvements of the Toyota Production System, and is a proven approach to optimise effectiveness of a production line system. MORE
Risk Management is one of the well established fundamentals of Project Management. Whatever system or tool you use, the basics of rating risks with some degree of severity and impact is well understood, and then doing something to stop it (because they usually are threats). But I have a challenge for you: look back over your last Project and consider - how many of the issues that occurred along the way were from impacted Risks that were identified on your Risk Log? I predict very few of them. MORE
We regard Processes as the bedrock for successful Project Management. I think W. MORE
We’ve all been there, a manager taking far too much interest in our every action at work, micro managing our day to day lives. We may have even fallen accidentally into this trap ourselves, spending far too much time in the detail. MORE
Project Risk Logs are pretty well institutionalised, and we mentioned them in our last blog post. But what about Issue Logs? We've heard Issues defined as an impacted risk, an unknown question that needs answering, or just a general spanner in the works that will cause you to go off-plan. MORE
Work in Project Management long enough, and eventually you will come across everything - this will include having a Project you were working on cancelled. MORE
On February 12 2002, US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld made a now famous remark that has since went on to be commented on widely by critics and thinkers. MORE
Project Health Check
JULY 23, 2018
Documentation will always be part of life for Project Managers, sometimes more than you’d like. But how can you make sure it is useful and ultimately delivering value for your project? There are a few basics which, if you get right, will help guide you on the way to project success.
Project Health Check
NOVEMBER 27, 2017
In part 1 of this article series, we accepted that Projects sometimes need to be cancelled. In part 2, we look at how sometimes the Project being worked on is no longer the right Project. In this part 3, we will look at the other cause of cancelling: the Project isn't being done right.
Project Health Check
NOVEMBER 15, 2017
Work in Project Management long enough, and eventually you will come across everything - this will include having a Project you were working on cancelled.
Project Health Check
AUGUST 8, 2017
Du ring the Project Start-up and planning phase, projects will execute detailed planning processes to produce a Performance Measurement Baseline of Cost/Schedule/Scope and an associated Project Management Plan.
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How can project planning that stretches over months or years remain relevant and account for new ad-hoc activities that arrive every day?
Project Health Check
OCTOBER 9, 2017
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, Project Managers (PMs) live and die by the Plan.
Project Health Check
MARCH 12, 2018
Delivering projects is a tricky business, achieved by skilled practitioners in their field – be it software development, events management, construction, oil & gas etc.
Project Health Check
AUGUST 27, 2017
Urgent requests: it seems like most requests we get are. I took over a role recently, and rather than a detailed Knowledge Transfer plan covering many topics over a number of weeks, it basically took half an hour. Most of what I do is respond to urgent requests".
Project Health Check
OCTOBER 2, 2017
Lean Six Sigma, a management buzzword that seems to persist and many don't understand. But what is it and how is it related to Project Management? Lean Six Sigma is an approach for Process Improvement Projects, combining many different conceptual tools depending on the situation.
Project Health Check
MARCH 5, 2018
Ka nban is something that features in both Lean Six Sigma and Agile software development. It descended from the Lean improvements of the Toyota Production System, and is a proven approach to optimise effectiveness of a production line system.
Project Health Check
DECEMBER 4, 2017
In part 1 of this article series, we accepted that Projects sometimes need to be cancelled. In part 2, we look at how sometimes the Project being worked on is no longer the right Project, and in part 3, we looked at the other cause of cancelling: the Project isn't being done right.
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This eBook describes the process of managing the project budget and its associated costs.
Project Health Check
FEBRUARY 19, 2018
We’ve all been there, a manager taking far too much interest in our every action at work, micro managing our day to day lives. We may have even fallen accidentally into this trap ourselves, spending far too much time in the detail.
Project Health Check
JULY 3, 2018
Projects are often very complex endeavours, but PRINCE2 is a project management method proven to deliver them successfully. Projects can vary greatly in their nature. The activities carried out by the project manager at any one time can be quite diverse. They depend on the exact nature of the project and where it is in its lifecycle. However, there are certain common activities that a PRINCE2 Certified Project Manager will carry out almost every day.
Project Health Check
OCTOBER 23, 2017
PRINCE2 is a popular UK Project Management methodology, that continues to gain traction in other locations around the world. Now managed by Axelos, it is part of a comprehensive and integrated best practice suite along side other methodologies such as Management of Risk (M_o_R) and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP).
Project Health Check
DECEMBER 11, 2017
Agile is an approach which is extremely prevent in the IT industry, to the point where unfortunately the word “agile” tends to be thrown around everywhere, often out of context.
Project Health Check
AUGUST 21, 2017
We all make Assumptions every day, mostly without thinking about it. The reason we don't think about it is because we are so confident they are true; be it how something will turn out, what someone will do or what something is like.
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These FREE most popular templates will help you perform your role more efficiently.
Project Health Check
SEPTEMBER 18, 2017
Let's talk Dependencies. A Dependency is a relationship between two activities, and is most often encountered in the Project Schedule. In this case they are used to structure the order of tasks, to help you plan the Project.
Project Health Check
SEPTEMBER 11, 2017
This is a new one for us - Book Reviews! Continued learning and development is important not just for Project Managers, but for practitioners in any field; this development needs to be a combination of new in-the-field experiences, and the theoretical grounding it is based upon.
Project Health Check
SEPTEMBER 4, 2017
When you're starting a new project, you of course identify staffing requirements as part of your estimating. You start to "put bums on seats" as you ramp up the project towards the Execution phase and on-board your project team.
Project Health Check
AUGUST 24, 2017
There's lots of talking on Projects; too much really. And so little of value said. People lurch from meeting to meeting, telecon to telecon, wear out the carpet on their mobile phones. People proffer opinions, half baked viewpoints, analysis and hot air.
Speaker: Cliff Gilley, The Clever PM
As a Product Manager, you probably have to deal with technical debt. Regularly. Whether you like it or not - because it can’t be avoided. Unexpected details pop up, as small as UX that needs clean-up, and as big as a previously unforeseen flaw in the infrastructure of a project. We have to accept that nobody gets away without some technical debt. And of course, the longer you take to deal with your technical debt, the more difficult it becomes to address fully. Feeling frustrated? Fortunately, we can take a step back, gain clarity, and see how the decisions we make impact our technical debt. Then, we can make decisions about how we want to balance technical debt with other priorities. Are we willing to live with some level of technical debt in order to ship product and meet deadlines? Can we mitigate technical debt to get to an MVP faster?
Project Health Check
AUGUST 14, 2017
In our Precious Blog entry we reflected generally on Project Lessons Learned. Now let us spell out a structured Process that we suggest: Plan Lessons Capture - Lessons Learned (L.L.) need to be pro-actively orchestrated by the Project Manager, they won't just happen by accident.
Project Health Check
AUGUST 6, 2017
Here's the thing about Lessons Learned: you're not learning them. In our experience, most organisations at best identify them - but is anything actually learned? Is changed behaviour ingrained into the lifeblood of the organisation? We have our doubts.
Project Health Check
AUGUST 2, 2017
Project Risk Logs are pretty well institutionalised, and we mentioned them in our last blog post. But what about Issue Logs? We've heard Issues defined as an impacted risk, an unknown question that needs answering, or just a general spanner in the works that will cause you to go off-plan.
Project Health Check
JULY 30, 2017
We regard Processes as the bedrock for successful Project Management. I think W.
Speaker: Josh Martin, Director of Product Marketing, Logi Analytics
Embedded analytics has evolved from an afterthought to a necessity. But most companies don’t realize that the features they embed and how they develop have a lasting impact on revenue, customer churn, and competitive differentiation. The state of embedded analytics in 2018 is in flux. Learn from the experiences of 500+ application teams embedding analytics—including which features actually move the needle, how analytics benefits their companies, and what development approach yields the best results.
Project Health Check
JULY 29, 2017
On February 12 2002, US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld made a now famous remark that has since went on to be commented on widely by critics and thinkers.
Project Health Check
OCTOBER 16, 2017
Agile is a methodology which is getting more and more traction in the IT industry, to the point where the word is agile is thrown around out of context and with incorrect capitalisation. There are many variants, but a feature now common to many is the idea of a daily Scrum meeting to manage the work. In our experience, how this meeting is planned and executed will set the tone for the entire project, and how effectively they embrace the true Agile approach.
Project Health Check
SEPTEMBER 25, 2017
Risk Management is one of the well established fundamentals of Project Management. Whatever system or tool you use, the basics of rating risks with some degree of severity and impact is well understood, and then doing something to stop it (because they usually are threats). But I have a challenge for you: look back over your last Project and consider - how many of the issues that occurred along the way were from impacted Risks that were identified on your Risk Log? I predict very few of them.
Project Health Check
JULY 3, 2018
Here's the thing about lessons learned in your projects: You're probably not actually learning them. Personal experiences suggest that most organizations, at best, are identifying them—but is anything actually learned? Is behavior changed, and is that change ingrained into the project environment? Or are the mistakes of the past being repeated time and time again? My experience has identified five key factors for lessons learned to work. Read the full article on projectmanagement.com here
Speaker: Daniel O'Sullivan, Product Designer, nCino and Jeff Hudock, Senior Product Manager, nCino
We’ve all seen the increasing industry trend of artificial intelligence and big data analytics. In a world of information overload, it's more important than ever to have a dashboard that provides data that's not only interesting but actually relevant and timely. Dashboards assist decision makers facilitate new ideas and business opportunities, increase customer approval rates, and analyze current business process. All of these activities play a vital role in providing the superior experience your customers demand.
Girl's Guide to PM
OCTOBER 22, 2018
Understanding project failure is the first step to putting it right. Let’s explore why businesses are so slow to learn the lessons of the past and what you can do to boost your chances of project success. Every researcher, management guru and project manager has their own view on why projects fail.
Girl's Guide to PM
OCTOBER 1, 2018
What is a programme in project management terms? Here’s a definition. A programme is a set of related projects and activities, managed in a coordinated fashion and under a structure that allows for the delivery of outcomes and benefits. And in the UK, we really do spell programme like that!
Girl's Guide to PM
OCTOBER 15, 2018
This is a guest post by Nick Nuss from VocationCultivation. Nick Nuss. You can’t tell from the picture, but he’s actually an Excel Wizard. There comes a time when you have to step up and lead your manager, or any senior manager in your organisation.
Girl's Guide to PM
SEPTEMBER 17, 2018
“Who is free to work on this task?”. That’s something all project managers will hear at some time or another. And it isn’t the best way to allocate work to your project team members.
Speaker: Tristan Kromer, Lean Agile Coach, Kromatic
Some teams struggle to constantly optimize conversion rates without understanding the financial impact of those conversion rates. Sometimes that 0.1% increase isn't worth the engineering time we're spending! Early stage startups in particular may not need a four year business plan, but they need to start building out a model which will show how they can someday be profitable. At the very least, they need to be able to see the impact of a change in retention rates to their user growth.
Girl's Guide to PM
OCTOBER 4, 2018
Have you ever thought about where your career is going as a project manager, or why some people seem to be on the fast-track while others struggle to advance their careers?
ProjectManager.com
OCTOBER 12, 2018
Paid time off (PTO) policies are central to achieving work-life balance. PTO should be a refuge for people to unplug and re-center, so they can return to work feeling refreshed and productive.
Inloox
OCTOBER 22, 2018
Not everyone is born with great negotiation skills, but everyone can learn to negotiate correctly and fairly. The so-called "Harvard principle" can help you overcome conflicts of interest with your negotiating partner and come to a solution with mutual benefits.
Project Risk Coach
OCTOBER 22, 2018
Some Project Management Offices (PMOs) never get off the ground. I've seen others that are started and year or so later die a slow painful death. So, how can you build a PMO you can be proud of, one that thrives? Why Are There So Many Troubled PMOs?
Speaker: Johanna Rothman, Management Consultant, Rothman Consulting Group
Before agile approaches took the world by storm, we used Gantt charts and defects to measure project and program progress. We had trouble measuring product progress until just before release—often too late to change anything. Join Johanna as she discusses how agile approaches change what we measure, and possible measures you might use in projects, programs, and to assess the product as the team(s) build it.
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