Do you know the two most important documents in the Initiation phase of Project Management? In 2021, I wrote a couple of classes to present at a conference. The classes were canceled, and I thought I would offer the material here. The intent is to create a 5-part series for each phase of the Project Management process. Let us know if this is useful to you. Here is the video: Here is more information on Problem Statements and the Project Initiation. The post The Two Most Important Documents – Initiation appeared first on ProProject Manager ..read more

Sample Gantt chart A critical component of the project is the project management plan. We’ve talked about developing a project management plan and schedule: Project planning – problems, scope, and deliverables, and Scheduling tips and techniques. There’s even a post on developing schedules so they display well on Gantt charts: Tips for developing a Gantt chart. Occasionally, there is a bit of confusion on what a Gantt chart is and how it can be used. Gantt charts The PMBOK, Fifth Edition, page 181, references Gantt charts in the context of  the project schedule, “Bar ..read more

One of the most important functions a project manager performs is communication. PMs communicate with their managers, their teams, and their customers and stakeholders. PMI details a communication plan for every project as part of the process. Sometimes this is just the start. Here are 4 tips for getting the information you need from your teams, stakeholders, and managers. Work with your manager to help with team issues. Meet with your manager It is critical as a project manager that you have open communication with your manager at least once per month. I personally prefer to have a mee ..read more

Work with the hiring manager to demonstrate your skills. In my career, I was laid off from my job a total of 6 times in 30 years. At one point, I was laid off 3 times in 5 years. All but one of these layoffs happened during downturns in the economy and/or the company being sold. Make note – if your company is being acquired, polish your resume. The final layoff happened because the company needed to downsize because of a lack of work. In all these cases, there were usually hundreds of folks let go on the same day. I’ve also experienced being the survivor – the one that wasn’t laid off because ..read more

If you’re not a project manager, you are probably unaware of scope management. I was wrapping up phase one of a complicated infrastructure project. We were installing a large Storage Area Network (SAN) to handle all the U.S. and Canadian Training Centers – 10 locations if I remember correctly – with around 75 training rooms. I was feeling good that we were almost done, and I was planning the close-out of this phase. When I got back to my desk, I mentioned to my co-worker over the wall that we were almost done. Her response? “You’re not even close. You haven’t done the international centers yet ..read more

Use Chaos Theory to manage projects? I have to admit, I’ve been on projects that are pure chaos, but never considered it as a project management methodology. Late in 2019, I was invited to review a new book, “Thriving at the Edge of Chaos: Managing Projects as Complex Adaptive Systems.” The title sounded intriguing to me, so I agree and Jonathan Sapir, the author, sent me a copy. If your organization does repetitive projects, this book could give you lots to think about. I interviewed Mr. Sapir late in January 2020 to ask some questions about his methodology and get further insights ..read more