Topic: Project Management Tips & Techniques

The new items published under this topic are as follows.

Tips: Tip of the day # 2 - Managing Troubled Projects By Bill Richardson, PMP

Published on Wednesday, October 08, 2008 - 04:19 PM

Beware of irrational exuberance where team members can jump into new ventures with a lot of excitement but without a thorough understanding of the “how�?. In this emotional state, there is no collective knowledge of the risks, challenges, obstacles or true costs. Collect ideas etc without commitment to direction and clarify that formal project documentation, like the charter, will determine what is possible and what is not.

© 2008 allPM.com

Tips: Theme of the Month: Managing Troubled Projects

Published on Friday, September 19, 2008 - 04:52 PM

Tip # 1 - Preventing the Troubled Project: A Checklist For Managing Projects Effectively By Frank P. Saladis, PMP

With just a small amount of effort it is possible to create a quick checklist for your projects, helping minimize the number of problems you may experience as you manage your project or projects. To create a check list just review your project planning methodology, refer to the PMBOK® Guide for some useful planning tips and details and then customize your list based on your organization’s project management processes and support system. Check lists can always be modified and improved and should be developed based on the type of project. The intent behind a check list is to help minimize the omission of critical items and to ensure everyone has provided their key planning components. Basically, the project check list is another form of risk management. Below are a few items that may be common to many project check lists.

The environmental factors associated with the project have been identified
The organizations standard processes and procedures have been reviewed and communicated to the project team
A clear, concise project charter defining the project has been prepared
Performance objectives using SMART criteria have been written (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time based)
A project scope statement clearly defining the boundaries and constraints has been developed
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) has been
developed to the required level of detail by the project team
Deliverables have been identified by phase
Roles And Responsibilities have been defined using a RAM or RACI chart
A project schedule has been prepared and approved
A network diagram has been developed to ensure logical dependencies have been defined appropriately by the project team
A risk management plan and process has been established for the project.
Project activity durations do not exceed the 80 hour (or 40 hour rule
A Change control process has been developed and communicated to all stakeholders
Expectations have been clearly communicated to all stakeholders (including expectations from the sponsor)
A recognition plan has been developed for the project team
Back-up plans are in place for critical resources
The required subsidiary plans have been developed
A project communications plan has been developed

The project check list details depend on the type of project, the methodology in place and the project management maturity of the organization. There are dozens of websites that provide checklist templates and additional information to help you plan you project effectively. Take the time required to develop a good plan, utilize the expertise of your team and check your work frequently. Simple steps make the difference between success and failure in any project.