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Eliminate Death Marches

Zen Project Management

Agile processes harness change for the customer's competitive advantage. This is part 2 of a 12 part series on the Principles of Agile Welcome changing requirements, even late in development. Another challenge for people new to agile is this idea about welcoming change late in the project. It's not that they don't expect changes, it's the approach taken to deal with it. Usually there is a Byzantine approach that involves change review boards, change request forms and impact assessments.

2014 133
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Changing Technology, Process or organizations – Mistakes to Avoid in Change Management

Fear No Project PM

I recently had the pleasure of participating in an article on Process Change. Kathleen Irwin had been tasked with putting together the article to uncover tips on Costly mistakes that organizations should avoid when attempting to change technology, process(workflow) or team structure. You can read the entire article over at Software Advice’s site – Process […].

2014 64
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Communication: The Essential Ingredient for Good Project Management

Fear No Project PM

Or as a certified PMP, you might have guessed that I would say that processes and procedures are the essentials for managing projects and people. You might expect that, as a Technology guy, I would say that tools are the essential ingredient (And I have certainly written plenty about tools!). And those of you that […]. Communication management Project Management communication project management

2014 80
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Trying New Things

Zen Project Management

In my work environment, we follow an agile process based on Scrum. Over the past weekend I went ice climbing with my son. He is a pretty serious climber and I've picked it up because of him, but neither of us have ever ice climbed before. We went to a place near Cedar Falls Iowa that ices down a grain silo. It's really different from the sport climbing we've done, but it was fun and by the end of the climbing day, I was able to make it to the top of the silo.

2014 100
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Agile2014 - Day 1

Zen Project Management

The team has to own the process and make it work for them. Yesterday was the first full day of Agile2014. In general it was a pretty good day. The original keynote speaker, Aneesh Chopra, apparently had to cancel. His replacement, Sam Guckenheimer, provided an overview of Microsoft's journey to agile. It was an ok case study with some interesting information, but it wasn't a motivational keynote to get us all charged up.

2014 100
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COTS – Commercial off the Shelf Lifecycle Model

Jez Lister

I wanted to share my experience with others who are about to embark on the process of COTS identification, selection, procurement and implementation. There are many such commercial off the shelf packages to suite almost every business process or niche area. Your business will have developed over time and there will be processes, terminology and artefacts used in your business that you won’t find anywhere else.

2014 40
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Tips For Estimating the Return on Your Project Management Software

Function Point

Here are some tangible benefits that you might expect to see from using project management software in your creative agency: Increased productivity and profitability by streamlining processes. There are many aspects to consider when choosing a new project management software for your agency, design studio or internal marketing department. Some of the important factors to consider are: product features. support and training. ease of use. security and integration with other tools.

2014 40
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Building Project Management Capability & Maturity

Jez Lister

When the methodology has been embedded properly within the organisation, you would see the same repeatable processes and techniques used by all projects. When these processes are being continuously reviewed and improved this is called a mature process. It had no repeatable Prince2 systems and processes into which the project managers could engage.

2014 40
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Plan Your Agency’s Success With Project Management Software

Function Point

Transitioning your team to more efficient and profitable workflow processes is easier with an all-in-one project management software. A comment we hear often from agencies we work with is that their workflow processes are becoming too complicated, inconsistent, time-consuming, and there’s a lack of visibility on what is actually getting done and how well the company is doing.

2014 40
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Plan Your Agency’s Success With Project Management Software

Function Point

Transitioning your team to more efficient and profitable workflow processes is easier with an all-in-one project management software. A comment we hear often from agencies we work with is that their workflow processes are becoming too complicated, inconsistent, time-consuming, and there’s a lack of visibility on what is actually getting done and how well the company is doing.

2014 40
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Cynefin Related #NoEstimates Thoughts

quantmleap

When tying the concept of software development estimation with the Cynefin framework one has to consider (or rather ‘sense’) in which domain the system and the environment are and, based on that assessment, tailor the estimation process to account to that situation. T he Cynefin framework identifies five domains within which systems and environments can co-exist.

2014 49
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Lessons Learned from Project Failure at Denver International Airport: Why Checking Bags is Still a Pain

Wrike

Once your MVP works well, repeat the process on a larger playing ground, slowly scaling efforts until you reach the end goal. We regularly review major projects to extract valuable lessons and pass on the knowledge so that everyone can benefit. One failed project we recently took an interest in is Denver International Airport’s luggage handling system. I was compelled to study this project because checking bags at the airport is still one of my biggest fears.

2014 54
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Ho-Ho-How Santa’s Workshop Manages Christmas

Wrike

It’s a long process, but it sets the workshop up for another successful year. Clearly communicate processes — from who’s in charge to how to wrap a gift. Santa Claus: one of the most well-known, eagerly anticipated , and incredibly successful entrepreneurs in history. Each year he oversees the production and distribution of toys to every single child on his Nice List — and with over 1.9 billion children on Earth , that’s a lot of toys!

2014 45
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Agile as an Excuse for Diminishing Commitment

quantmleap

Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage. T he Agile story, at some levels is a rosy one. A Manifesto that stipulates a set of values, a collection of principles that underpins these values and teams of people of different skills working together in collaboration and harmony to deliver value in the most efficient and lean way.

2014 45
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Achieve Creative Freedom With Project Management Software

Function Point

A project management system can help you break free from this perpetual trap by streamlining processes and centralizing information so you don’t waste time searching information you need or miss important data. Making sure your business has solid workflow processes and centralized documentation are some of the best ways to protect your business and to reduce operational stress.

2014 40
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Achieve Creative Freedom With Project Management Software

Function Point

A project management system can help you break free from this perpetual trap by streamlining processes and centralizing information so you don’t waste time searching information you need or miss important data. Making sure your business has solid workflow processes and centralized documentation are some of the best ways to protect your business and to reduce operational stress.

2014 40
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Project Management Retrospection

quantmleap

My project management knowledge and experience evolved through observation, on-the-job and formal training and, at some point in time, through the codification of that journey using the PMBOK / PMP accreditation process. It does not force you to use them all or follow them dogmatically but it certainly suggests that in the application or execution of an average project many of these processes, tools and techniques would be a useful thing to consider.

2014 40
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What is Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)

Jez Lister

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is the process that results in a website appearing higher up the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) on sites such as Google, Yahoo etc. Tools exist to assist with this process. Once again, tools exist to assist with this process. Once again, tools exist that assist in the process including Google’s own set of tools. This is an iterative process and to some extent trial and error. Introduction.

2014 40
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How to Fix Broken Workflows With Project Management Software

Function Point

Understand Your Process. Often, what emerges is a patchwork of ad-hoc processes with no defined standard. Once you’ve figured out what the current process looks like, dig deeper: What confuses people? Once you’ve nailed down your new process, make a specific person accountable for each step. Function Point offers a project management software that streamlines your workflow processes for optimal results.

2014 40
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How to Fix Broken Workflows With Project Management Software

Function Point

Understand Your Process. Often, what emerges is a patchwork of ad-hoc processes with no defined standard. Once you’ve figured out what the current process looks like, dig deeper: What confuses people? Once you’ve nailed down your new process, make a specific person accountable for each step. Function Point offers a project management software that streamlines your workflow processes for optimal results.

2014 40
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Why You Should Use Neuroscience to Master Change Management

Wrike

In times of change, our brains need to know that an outcome (and the process for reaching that outcome) will be fair. How to boost: Focus on transparency with the process and the results. Managing a project for the first time can be overwhelming. First, there’s the technical side to learn: project management methods and tools, organizational techniques, etc. Then, there’s the really important part: the people side of things.

2014 51
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Function Point Increases Productivity in Ad Agency Workplace

Function Point

Most companies today fail to tie strategic targets, and more important, accountability into the video production process,” he writes. That’s why a great agency communication process can separate you from the herd. If your ad agency produces video, you can probably already feel the bandwagon rattling as crowds pile onto it. Within the next 5 years, the pundits tell us, one-third of all online advertising spending will go towards online video production.

2014 40
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Function Point Increases Productivity in Ad Agency Workplace

Function Point

Most companies today fail to tie strategic targets, and more important, accountability into the video production process,” he writes. That’s why a great agency communication process can separate you from the herd. If your ad agency produces video, you can probably already feel the bandwagon rattling as crowds pile onto it. Within the next 5 years, the pundits tell us, one-third of all online advertising spending will go towards online video production.

2014 40
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5 Lessons in Software Project Management from HBO’s Silicon Valley

Wrike

But instead of collapsing in defeat and raising the white flag, the Pied Piper team rises to the occasion and uses the ambitious deadline to buckle down, make their process as lean as possible, and collaborate efficiently. Keep your work organized, refine your process, and stick to essential tasks. . Takeaway: Have fun with work — channel your team’s competitive nature, gamify the process, and inject some laughter into your daily routine.

2014 44
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20 #ProjectManagement Gurus to Follow on Twitter

Wrike

She tweets useful articles about planning and launching projects, handling any bumps in the process, and tips on developing essential skills. Twitter is a fantastic resource for keeping up with the latest trends and connecting with leading figures in project management. But the sheer number of voices can often be overwhelming, especially when you’re new to the world of tweets and hashtags.

2014 44
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5 Project Management Warnings from The Shining

Wrike

And yet, during this entire process, he never once turns to his wife or child for help. With the arrival of another Halloween, I find it refreshing to re-watch one of the most revered classics in horror and suspense films, Stanley Kubrick’s 1980 movie, The Shining. The film is based on Stephen King’s novel of the same title, but deviated so much from the book that the author reportedly hated Kubrick’s final product.

2014 51
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Fundamentals of the Scrum Methodology

Wrike

The Process. Traditionally this has been a software need, but the process also works for any project that is comprised of multiple stages and pieces, such as a marketing launch.) The development team must honor the product owner’s authority in deciding what the team works on, and the product owner needs to respect the team’s need follow whatever work process is best for them. Kanban, Lean, Six Sigma, Scrum… there are a mountain of Agile methodologies to choose from.

2014 43
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Why (and How) a Small Business Chooses Project Management Software

Wrike

Small business owners look for tools that help them streamline processes, use limited resources efficiently, and ensure that every project they take on is profitable. Time is money, and seeing where every minute goes helps small business owners simplify processes and improve efficiency.

2014 34
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8 Attitudes Guaranteed to Sink Your Agile Projects

Wrike

If your team is pushing itself to create truly great, innovative stuff, failure is a valued part of the process. There’s a glut of articles and advice about Agile floating around online. Adoption patterns, education plans, and implementation methodologies abound. But there’s a big difference between doing Agile and being Agile. If your team simply adopts Agile rules without the mindset, you’re going to have problems.

2014 44
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Startups Should Lean on Lean Project Management

Wrike

Startups fail because they don’t create a process to measure progress , learn from mistakes, and improve for the future. ” You should be constantly evaluating your work-process breakdown to make sure you are only spending resources where necessary. If you find your MVP and establish a process to learn from your customers, you have fought half the battle. We are living in a world of entrepreneurs.

2014 37
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Applicability of Agile/Lean/Kanban Methods for fixed scope/budget projects (with short duration)

Sudipta Lahiri

The Pune Chapter Meet of the Limited WIP Society was held on Mar 8, 2014. Resolution Approach: Environment/Infrastructure planning cannot be a batch mode process. Just like capacity planning, Env/Infrastructure needs to be continuous process. Get people from the Infrastructure/ Environment teams involved in the Sprint planning process; if you are following the Kanban method, pull them in whenever Backlog grooming happens.

2014 20
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Project Risk Management Tools (Ultimate Guide to Project Risk, Part 2)

Wrike

Note that risk management isn’t something you check off your project to-do list; it’s an ongoing process. This is the second in a two-part series for our Ultimate Guide to Project Risk. Read Part 1 first: Assessing Risk then return here to continue. Once you’ve completed your risk assessment, you’re ready to create your risk management response plan (using appropriate risk management tools).

2014 34
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Interview with Siddharta Govindaraj

Stepping Into Project Management

Today we interview Siddhartha Govindraj, who specializes in Lean/Agile processes for software development. This is easy to learn, and anyone can learn what a product backlog is and how a particular process works. He has also contributed in the book "Beyond Agile: Tales of Continuous Improvement" published by Modus Cooperandi Press, Feb 2013 and Published in the March 2011 issue of the Cutter IT Journal on "Use of Kanban in Distributed Offshore Environments".

2014 37
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Automations to Increase Project Management Productivity

Wrike

You can even expand the process further by creating new tasks in your client’s Communication folder whenever your client sends a Twitter update. When it comes to project management, productivity tools can be a lifesaver for your sanity and your bottom line. Platforms like Zapier allow you to automate a wide range of tasks by connecting one application to another and indicating what operation must be accomplished.

2014 40
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Interview with Laura Dallas Burford

Stepping Into Project Management

I hope all of you are having an amazing year 2014, t oday we interview Laura Dallas Burford; who is a vision mover with domestic and international experience who focuses on partnering with management by aligning strategy and projects. As the book progressed through the production process, different people became involved and the understanding of expectations changed highlighting the importance of communicating. ?

2014 28
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Capacity Planning for Dynamic Teams following Kanban Method

Sudipta Lahiri

So, an example of an output from such a planning process would look like this. This process would happen for each card whenever it is moved from one lane to next, often during Backlog Grooming. Scope changes are executed using the Change Control process. However, during project execution, using the team Throughput or Velocity, the Capacity Planning process becomes much simpler and accurate. 1. Abstract. Projects are often executed by dynamic teams.

2014 20
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New Resources Pt 1- Interview with Jeff Furman

Stepping Into Project Management

My 2nd Edition just came out in November, 2014. My book also provides a great deal of help toward the certification process. This is a special short and crisp series of posts that promise to help you get prepped up for 2015. And we start with some new available resources that help you get to your goal faster.

2014 31
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Agile Certification Options for Software Developers

Wrike

The 3-day Professional Scrum Developer course sorts students into teams and takes them through the Scrum process, from completing a sprint to developing software in increments. Teams will learn how to self-organize, adapt their designs to changing requirements, and make their development process more efficient. Why pursue Agile certification? Perhaps your employer is requesting it, or you’d like to pump up your resume.

2014 28
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The NextGen (Agile) “Tester”

Sudipta Lahiri

Newer approaches like keyword based test automation addressed this problem, but it still was an expensive process. It shifts focus to the developer sitting with the business or Product Owner and understanding the requirement, in a conversational process. Accepting requirement change: Agile thinking accepts requirement change as a continuous process.

2014 20
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Project Management Terms: A Quickstart Glossary for Newbies (Part 2)

Wrike

It keeps all of the processes, methods, and technologies right at your hand. Documenting your project scope should be a part of your planning process. In our Quickstart Project Management Glossary for Newbies, Part 1 , we revealed the secrets behind Gantt charts, the Critical Path Method, and more. And now your boss has walked in with more confusing jargon to muddle your brain: “Can you double-check our resources to make sure this project isn’t in danger of scope creep?”

2014 28