Project Smart ~ Exploring trends and developments in project management today
Our extensive archive of articles provides valuable insights into the discipline of project management.
Not recorded~ Gina Lijoi
As a project manager your most critical responsibility to the organisation you work for is scope management, so here are some solid tactics you can employ.
Not recorded~ Joseph Phillips
All organisations have their approach to procurement. As project manager, you need to understand your organisation's approach and then follow the rules to get the stuff you need.
Not recorded~ Nick Jenkins
The scope triangle illustrates the relationship between three primary forces in a project - time, cost and quality.
Not recorded~ Andrew Cox
Implementing the five essentials for successful teams isn't expensive, doesn't require large amounts of capital or expense money, and doesn't require new bricks and mortar.
Not recorded~ Harley Lovegrove
Any project manager will tell you that the triple constraint (scope, time and budget) is the most important part of managing a project, so why do so many large companies take their eye off the budget?
Not recorded~ Vicki Wrona
A risk management process does not have to be complicated, following a simple seven step approach at the beginning of each project, the project team can prepare for whatever may occur.
Not recorded~ Alison B. Flynn & Timothy J. Mangione
Five simple steps to creating strategic groups for increase efficiency and decrease costs in healthcare.
Not recorded~ Umesh Dwivedi
There are many ways to reduce stress and a few minutes of meditation seems to be the most effective if practiced along with other stress management techniques.
Not recorded~ Robert Norton
PRINCE2 is used to manage projects throughout the business world; but what is a project and what constitutes a successful project?
Not recorded~ Adele Sommers
Using a set of proactive estimating techniques to scope, plan and constrain your project conditions can dramatically improve your estimating practices.
Not recorded~ John Reiling
Is it worth putting in all of the work? Consider these benefits of earning a certification, and if you see the benefits for your situation, go for it!
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
To ensure maximum benefits are realised from projects, businesses need to integrate Project Management with Six Sigma using the standard DMAIC process.
Not recorded~ Harley Lovegrove
If a person has at least eight of the ten attributes required for a project manager then they should seriously consider re-training in project management.
Not recorded~ Kevin Dwyer
Managing change requires a leadership team with project management, communication and analytical skills with a high degree of results orientation.
Not recorded~ Kevin Eikenberry
There have always been projects, but never before has it been so important for every person to be able to lead, manage or participate in projects.
Not recorded~ Andrew Cheah
PRINCE2 project management methodology is a process-driven project management method, which contrasts with other more reactive/adaptive methods.
Not recorded~ Jason Becker
Project recovery is the effort and activities related to addressing troubled projects, either to stop it or drive it to completion.
Not recorded~ Thomas Cutting
A project manager's view on managing requirements with Use Cases and the benefits of adopting the Unified Modeling Language in reducing future surprises and rework.
Not recorded~ Kevin Eikenberry
Nine ways you can contribute more effectively to make the projects you work on more successful, regardless of your specific role.
Not recorded~ Jason Becker
Asking a key technical person to take on project management responsibilities is NOT a good idea unless that person is properly trained in project management disciplines.
Not recorded~ Timothy Nuckles
When it comes to any technology project, you cannot plan enough, or so we have been led to believe.
Not recorded~ James Barlow
Are you trying to simultaneously push and pull an organisation? Don't waste your energy and the goodwill of your customers on Push-Me Pull-You Projects.
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
Six Sigma has certainly helped organisations to improve efficiency and quality, but just like any other quality-improvement concept, it is not completely free from limiting factors.
Not recorded~ Arthur Cooper
How should you set about choosing people for your project and forming them into a well functioning project team?
Not recorded~ Tim Bryce
Having a project management system without a methodology is like attaching a speedometer to an orange crate; it measures nothing.
Not recorded~ John Reiling
If you are preparing for the PMP or CAPM exam, use or adapt this 8 point plan to ensure you pass first time.
Not recorded~ Mark A. Borodynko
If time is money, keeping a project on budget requires utilising the project's estimate, schedule, cost forecasting and earned value systems interactively.
Not recorded~ Kevin Archbold
A ten-fold increase in membership of the Project Management Institute is a significant indication of an increased interest in project management.
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
The DMAIC framework is an essential guide to process improvement projects used by Six Sigma Black Belts and has found favour with many management experts.
Not recorded~ Kevin Adler
Implementing PRINCE2 in the workplace is more than providing staff with training, it's about establishing project management best practice in the working culture.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
What is the maximum number of projects a project manager can run concurrently before they are overloaded?
Not recorded~ Carl Cullotta
The most successful innovators understand the importance of managing the process. These companies understand that the metrics must address the process.
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
A project manager is one who looks into the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to describe, organise, oversee and control the various project processes.
Not recorded~ Robert McIlree
If a project manager is going to be held accountable and responsible for project outcomes, they must have the authority to lead and make decisions, otherwise they're just a project tracker.
Not recorded~ Robert Norton
MSP programme management gives added value to any organisation that needs to manage and control a number of projects by providing a framework for practitioners.
Not recorded~ Lee Iwan
This article outlines a simple beginners guide to project management that will help in organising projects and their participants.
Not recorded~ John Reiling
There are three basic types of Project Management Office (PMO) organisations, varying in the degree of control and influence they have on projects within an organisation.
Not recorded~ Samuel Okoro
In spite of the existence of a detailed body of knowledge on how to manage projects, almost no projects are delivered on time. This article tells you why.
Not recorded~ Peter Draper
A seven step procedure to manage projects from inception to success. It guarantees the best chance of achieving maximum project benefits.
Not recorded~ Project Smart
What does it take to be a great project manager as opposed to one who muddles through and delivers late and over budget?
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
Although one cannot have a project-specific vision right from the very beginning of a Six Sigma initiative, you can develop a comprehensive viewpoint.
Not recorded~ Norm Howe
What do you do when you have a great idea? You know how to save your company a ton of money or you've thought of a way to really improve a product.
Not recorded~ Jeri Merrell
Recently, I was asked to jump in and rescue a small infrastructure project that was headed for disaster. What did I do?
Not recorded~ Brad Squires
Seven tips to keep your design project moving by goal setting, involving the decision makers, engaging your team and estimating accurately.
Not recorded~ Chris Wright
Proper project risk management entails more than simply identification and analysis at the beginning of a project.
Not recorded~ MA&A Group, Inc.
It is important at the beginning of any project to go through the risk identification process. Not all project risks are obvious, so here's how.
Not recorded~ Karl Fischer
This article considers where project management is going in the 21st century and what the role of the new project manager will be.
Not recorded~ Robert Norton
PRINCE2 training explains the series of processes that cover all the activities needed for a project from beginning to end.
Not recorded~ Luc Richard
When forecasting the cost of maintaining a product use Boehm's Model, widely accepted as a valid model for predicting maintenance costs.
Not recorded~ Harry Mingail
It's been a tough climb to your project management position. How do you establish your authority and inspire respect?
Not recorded~ Steve Twine
This article looks at five aspects of PRINCE2 to give you the clear, concise information you need if you're considering investing in PRINCE2 training.
Not recorded~ Demian Entrekin
As project portfolio management (PPM) continues to gain momentum in all sectors of the economy, does it represent a significant departure from traditional management techniques?
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Scope creep causes many project failures. By taking these few simple measures; you can make sure it doesn't affect your projects.
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
All Six Sigma projects need to be clearly defined. Here's how to use a charter to make defining your Six Sigma project quick and painless.
Not recorded~ Andrew Winthorp
Four tips for achieving project management success that have stood the test of time. If you contemplate these suggestions you may discover new insights that lead to greater project success.
Not recorded~ Thomas Cutting
Projects fail all the time, if yours is in trouble what steps should you take to fix it and get back on track.
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
Are you an organised leader? Then consider a career in project management. No longer boring, the field offers a chance for you to be a leader in whatever organisation you work for.
Not recorded~ James Barlow
Success in project management is built on flexibility and pragmatism. Plans are invariably wrong, but proceeding with a less-optimal plan is a better approach than an exhaustive search for the right answer.
Not recorded~ Tony Jacowski
If the Six Sigma project you are implementing is huge how can you get it done in a reasonable timeframe? A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) can help and here's how.
Not recorded~ Anthony Lewis
Studies estimate that 66% of large scale projects fail to achieve their stated business objectives, are delivered late, or are substantially over budget.
Not recorded~ James Barlow
In the absence of personal control of events, everybody hates change. A failure to remember this fundamental insight is the root cause of a great many failed projects.
Not recorded~ Project Smart
Managing scope creep is built into successful project management. What does it take to keep a project on track and deliver to the original specification?
Not recorded~ Tom Carlos
There are many reasons why projects both simple and complex fail. This article highlights some of the most common reasons for failure.
Not recorded~ Michelle LaBrosse
If you think project management is only for the big guys, think again. Project management is a powerful business tool for businesses of any size.
Not recorded~ Vernon Riley
There are a number of problems with both the traditional and RAD methods of controlling custom and complex IT projects.
Not recorded~ Mike Griffiths
Many people are frustrated by the mismatch between project management theory and its application on real life projects. A stretch project is a project that causes traditional project management challenges.
Not recorded~ Dr. Keith Mathis
Delays and changes are a part of every project we do. Setting deadlines and scheduling are great ways to keep your project on track.
Not recorded~ Suresh Malladi
An overview of the six project management basics that you should focus on whenever you find your projects going off track.
Not recorded~ Gina Lijoi
Project teams are often focused on completion of the build, forgetting that actual completion is achieved at the end of successful testing and bug resolution, not at the end of the build.
Not recorded~ Dr. Keith Mathis
Using human resources during a project requires getting the most effective use of the people involved with the project.
Not recorded~ Project Smart
There are common threads that run through failing projects, so how do you avoid taking on projects that are doomed to fail?
Not recorded~ Alex Tylee-Birdsall
Most technical design projects could theoretically be completed in half the time if they were managed perfectly and there was no rework required.
Not recorded~ Venkatesh KV
You may be tempted to manage the e-commerce project yourself and to use the consulting firm's developers as extensions of your own staff, try to resist the urge.
Not recorded~ Marios Alexandrou
The art of project scheduling is based on experience and the more experience you have, the more accurate your schedule will be.
Not recorded~ Sam Elbeik PhD
This article gives you the number one shortcut to successfully manage your projects - it's all in your documentation.
Not recorded~ Micah Mathis
Creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) requires a substantial amount of energy, time and people, but in the end is not rocket science.
Not recorded~ Dr. Keith Mathis
Many things influence project management today. Here are six ways to give proper leadership as you are setting up a project team.
Not recorded~ Brian Krichbaum
Project management can't be accomplished by following a formula or using the right system. The systems and the software only make the job easier; they aren't the elements of success.
Not recorded~ Duncan Brodie
Project management is a complex and demanding role. Starting to work on these seven habits can take you to the next level.
Not recorded~ Dr. Keith Mathis
Have you ever had a project that took longer than was expected, cost more, or ended up totally different than the original plan? You're not alone.
Not recorded~ David Carr
Project management is a necessary service to be provided for all but the smallest project. What is the service that is being provided though? Is it a customer services role or an exercise in paper production?
Not recorded~ Dr. Keith Mathis
Project goals keep the focus on what is most important. However, on some teams these primary goals are lost in their meeting's activities.
Not recorded~ Jakob Jelling
Project management is a very specialised and often complex task and requires more training than the average programmer or executive might expect.
Not recorded~ Jacqueline Geddes
Management is distinctly different from leadership - project leader or project manager, which one are you?
Not recorded~ Duncan Brodie
Project meetings are one of the most common ways of measuring progress and addressing issues, so how can you ensure your project meetings are effective?
Not recorded~ Liz Cassidy
Gantt charts are useful tools for analysing, planning and controlling projects. When a complex or multi-task project is under way, Gantt charts assist in monitoring whether the project is on schedule.
Not recorded~ Mike Griffiths
A look at the top five software project risks identified in 'Waltzing with Bears' and how they have solutions rooted in Agile methods.
Not recorded~ Johanna Rothman
By predicting project success, great people can overcome bad process to deliver a good product.
Not recorded~ Bob McGannon
Diligent planning, mindful scope management and an eye toward the big picture, in addition to good change management procedures can keep your customers happy.
Not recorded~ Brian Irwin
Virtual teams are fast becoming the rule rather than the exception, we will all be required to use these skills at some point in our project leadership careers.
Not recorded~ Avneet Mathur
Project scope management is defined as the processes required to ensure that the project includes all the work required, and only the work required, to complete the project successfully.
Not recorded~ Matthew Sheaff
Best practice project management reminds us that if we successfully initiate, plan, execute and close out our projects our metrics will illustrate greater results.
Not recorded~ Hal Macomber
These ten ideas will help improve your projects. Are these ten rules the top ten? You decide.
Not recorded~ Andy Murray
The Portfolio, Programme and Project Management Maturity Model (P3M3) is a reference guide for structured best practice.
Not recorded~ Tim Bryce
Our electronic communications may be very slick, but if neither party knows what the other is talking about, you are going nowhere fast.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Pareto Analysis or the 80/20 rule enables you to see what 20 percent of cases are causing 80 percent of the problems on a project.
Not recorded~ Kay Wais
Obsessing over our personal and organisational shortcomings traps us, when what we really need is project management confidence.
Not recorded~ Vernon Riley
Before carrying out a project review it is important to decide what the overall purpose is and who should gain what from the output.
Not recorded~ Ann Drinkwater
With a carefully selected vendor and realistic expectations, outsourcing can result in a tremendous increase in efficiency and effectiveness.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Project management processes consist of five process groups and a control system used to apply knowledge and skills to a project. This article provides a breakdown of what's involved.
Not recorded~ Vernon Riley
Project managers should be wary of assuming that the adoption of a particular methodology will be a miracle cure for all projects.
Not recorded~ Dick Grimes
Everyone wants to be part of a high performance work team, but how would a project manager actually develop one?
Not recorded~ Todd Fuller
A good charter could be the single most important thing ever done on your project. Here's how to get one.
Not recorded~ Ann Drinkwater
As blood flows, it pumps oxygen through the body to sustain life. Likewise, communication is the lifeblood of projects and organisations.
Not recorded~ Kay Wais
Earned value is one of the most sophisticated and accurate methods for measuring and controlling project schedules and budgets.
Not recorded~ Peter Peterka
Six Sigma is not just another project management initiative or process improvement programme, it is a robust continuous improvement strategy and process.
Not recorded~ Michael Strange
What to look for to advance your consulting projects from contract to execution.
Not recorded~ Randy McGowan
Follow these steps in any process you adopt or any project you manage and you should find it really will improve your chances at success.
Not recorded~ Harry Mingail
Project management excellence goes beyond producing project charters, detailed schedules and colourful status reports.
Not recorded~ Talibah Adenouga
It is completely possible to run a project without a project plan or timeline; it's just not very smart.
Not recorded~ C J Williams
Risk management is the art of assessing and managing risk, while working on projects in the workplace.
Not recorded~ Natalie Aranda
How to choose project management training courses for IT professionals when a simple computer course is not going to be enough.
Not recorded~ Cliff Murphy
IT systems are at the heart of modern business and the development of new software applications and maintenance of existing systems are critical to productivity and profitability.
Not recorded~ C J Williams
For project team members there are many ways in which they can learn about how projects operate and how they can contribute as team members.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
PROMPTII, PRINCE and PRINCE2, were all introduced to provide a better set of tools to deliver projects on time, within budget and with the right quality.
Not recorded~ Jed Simms
One of the greatest challenges in a major systems implementation is to get senior management to focus on it.
Not recorded~ Manjeet Singh
Rescuing a project is sometimes like starting a new one, you have to assess the extent of the damage and review all aspects of the project.
Not recorded~ Tim Bryce
Project management system evaluation checklist for evaluating a project management package it its pristine form.
Not recorded~ John Reynolds
Find out how outsourcing can effect your project management success. Learn when outsourcing is a necessity and when it should be avoided.
Not recorded~ Tim Bryce
It must be remembered that project management is first and foremost a philosophy of management, not an elaborate set of tools and techniques, nor is it an administrative function.
Not recorded~ Matthew Sheaff
How can project managers efficiently execute a project plan while at the same time meeting the deadlines and expectations of senior management?
Not recorded~ Dr. Angela Lewis
While most people are not formally skilled in project methodology, taking a role in a project team can be an excellent learning opportunity.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
The top 10 signs you are a project manager; top 10 things a project manager should never say to a customer and top 10 things you'll never hear from a project manager.
Not recorded~ Rod Morris
Follow these simple tips and give your offshore software project the best chance of success.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
PRINCE2 is one of the most widely used project management methodologies available. If you're looking to run successful projects, then PRINCE2 is an excellent choice.
Not recorded~ Kevin Dwyer
Skills of a good project manager, if practised, will improve an individual's capability in almost all disciplines and are every bit as valuable as those of a good CEO.
Not recorded~ Sandro Azzopardi
Project Management is an important topic because all organisations, be they large or small, at one time or other are involved in implementing new undertakings.
Not recorded~ Barry De Boer
What is the best approach for successfully managing IT projects, knowing the theory or applying your experience?
Not recorded~ Simon Buehring
Managing your website development need not cause you sleepless nights, providing you learn the secrets of successful project management.
Not recorded~ Barry De Boer
The key to being a smart project manager is to remember how you are going to manage your project, to know what to do if it does not work and to win and keep the support of all of the project stakeholders.
Not recorded~ Matthew Sheaff
Project Management Offices are an untapped tool that government agencies need, to improve quality and produce better and more efficient results.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
A step-by-step guide to recruiting an IT Project Manager with 70 example interview questions.
Not recorded~ Simon Buehring
An introduction to some of the most important best practices which will enable you to plan and manage your projects on time and within budget.
Not recorded~ Jonathan Palmer
Resistance is a key element in why change fails, yet resistance can be principled and creative as well as from vested interest.
Not recorded~ John Avellanet
Now called the 80/20 Rule or the Pareto Principle, its application in the IT world is essential to project success.
Not recorded~ Alan Calder
PRINCE2 project management has emerged as the world's leading methodology for ensuring that IT projects stay on track and deliver real value.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
This project planning article provides a step-by-step approach to creating a simple project plan at the beginning of a project.
Not recorded~ Simon Buehring
Project management best practices can easily be applied on small projects to enable you to plan and manage your project successfully.
Not recorded~ Simon Buehring
This article summarises seven key project management best practices to help you achieve project success.
Not recorded~ Cheryl L. Strait
This article introduces project management methodology and what it offers records and information management professionals.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Failure has become the IT industry norm, so it's time to start addressing some of the key reasons software projects fail.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
How to create a well thought out, detailed project plan using a Work Breakdown Structure and Logic Network while building a committed high performing team.
Not recorded~ Jacky Sherman
How can you make sure you invest your training money, time and effort wisely and get the long term results you want?
Not recorded~ Robert McGannon
The effective project manager takes advantage of every opportunity the team gets together to develop team synergy.
Not recorded~ Dr Malcolm Wheatley
Project management as a management discipline underpins much economic activity. In industries as diverse as pharmaceuticals, software and aerospace, projects drive business.
Not recorded~ Robert McGannon
Intelligent disobedience requires taking risks. Take a risk and consider executing intelligent disobedience as you approach difficult project situations.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Six key areas to consider and where most of the issues lie when offshore outsourcing projects to countries such as India, China and Russia.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
How to improve the maturity of your project management function using an evolutionary path from disorganised processes to a mature, disciplined approach.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Experience and research suggest spending on unnecessary duplication consumes a large proportion of IT budgets. So, how can we avoid this waste?
Not recorded~ Timothy R. Barry
What qualities are most important for a project leader to be effective? Over the past few years, the people at ESI International have looked in to what makes an effective project leader.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
A critical part of any software development project is the requirements gathering. If you are unclear about what you are delivering, how will you know when you have achieved it?
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
The biggest problems that projects face are inadequate definition, scope and planning. How many projects have you been involved in that ran perfectly?
Not recorded~ Geoff Choo
Looking for a new way to get really famous, or infamous, at the office? Try these seven money-back guaranteed ways to really mess up your next project.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Project teams will be successful when the right environmental conditions exist; sadly this is not always the case.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Avoiding the common pitfalls of IT project management is not rocket science; it is simply a case of taking some sensible measures.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
How well-equipped do you feel to carry out an IT development project? Do you get the best from your team and engage your stakeholders to reach a satisfactory conclusion?
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Since being re-launched in 1996, PRINCE2 has gone from strength to strength becoming the UK de-facto standard for project management.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Here are my essential tips and reminders for those new to project management or for those hoping to enter the profession.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Project portfolio management organises a series of projects into a single portfolio of reports that capture project objectives and other critical factors.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
It is a central tenet of the Benefits Realisation Approach that benefits come only with change and, equally, change must be sustained by benefits.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Earned Value is a technique where the project plan, actual work and work completed value is monitored to see if a project is on track.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Whether you're engaged in a project for the first time or a seasoned pro, here's a useful overview of all that project management encompasses.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Running a successful project requires a high degree of stakeholder management. So who are your stakeholders?
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
An essential element of any project is understanding the customer requirements, and this is where the Unified Modeling Language (UML) can help you.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Nobody likes to think about what may go wrong in a project, but to ignore risk management means that you increase the likelihood of an unnecessary failure.
Not recorded~ PMConnection
Tips for passing the PMP Exam that should help calm your nerves and ensure success.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
To be eligible for the PMP certification, you must meet certain levels of educational and professional experience requirements. This article looks at what you need.
Not recorded~ Merlyn Sanchez
Setting goals is easy, but achieving them isn't. Making your goals SMART is the first step in making them a reality.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
PRINCE2 is the UK de-facto standard for project management developed by the Government and used by both the public and private sectors.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Microsoft Project (MSP) is the world's most popular project management software.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
A project manager is a person who has the overall responsibility for the successful planning and execution of a project.
Not recorded~ Rizalito Garcia
A comprehensive glossary of Six Sigma terms and acronyms used in managing Six Sigma projects.
Not recorded~ Duncan Haughey
Tips and advice for estimating project costs, including three point estimating and Monte Carlo Simulation in MS Excel.
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