ProjectManagement.com

An Essential Paradigm Shift for Implementing Agile

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

True business agility is achieved by transcending the project mindset, changing the culture and rethinking the work of the organization. Here are some specific ways in which the project mindset will limit the ability to leverage agile, and what it would mean to embrace an agile mindset.

Creating a Portfolio of Prioritized Projects

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

By rank ordering projects, many companies mistakenly assume that all projects above the resource line constitute a "prioritized portfolio." An optimal portfolio is a combination of projects that seeks to maximize value subject to a resource constraint while paying no attention to rank order. Follow this blueprint to implement portfolio optimization and maximize portfolio value in your company.

The Problem with Your Interview Questions

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Where do you see yourself in five years? This question has plagued the interview process for too long. It's high time we start asking better questions to get better answers from our prospective PMs.

Lessons Learned for Continuous Personal Development

Mon, 05 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Learning to live each day as a participant in the process-and as an observer of that participation-takes practice. How can you integrate formal personal development into a daily routine?

Help Shape The Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structure

Fri, 02 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structure was updated in 2006 and reaffirmed in 2011. Plans are now underway to update the practice standard to the third edition. If you have experience in work breakdown structure, you are invited to apply now for a seat on this committee.

Digital Transformation

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Cloud computing and services are central to digital transformation. The cloud improves an organization's agility to rapidly roll out new IT solutions to meet business needs. The cloud by its fundamental nature reflects an adaptive (agile or value-driven) approach to delivering products or services. How does that fit into the usual five-gate phases in IT project governance?

First-Cost Estimates in Engineering Projects

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

This is an exploration of the importance of first-cost estimates in engineering projects and how they are used to decide whether to go ahead with market studies and engineering development-or dismiss the project.

Scrum or Kanban?

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

The easiest solution is not always the best. It is more effective if you choose the best methodology for each single project based on its nature. Scrum doesn't fit all projects' needs. Kanban is another agile methodology that, believe it or not, works more smoothly for at least one type of project. But what type?

5 Tips to Keep Communication Alive in the Age of Agile

Thu, 01 Jun 2017 04:00:00 GMT

As more organizations become agile, clear, real-time communication becomes increasingly important. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure your communication remains effective a new fast-paced environment.

Complexity Doesn't Mean What You Think It Does

Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

As we are becoming more (excruciatingly?) aware, we live in a world of increased complexity. But just what does that mean, exactly? And in particular, what does it mean in the context of our projects?

Topic Teasers Vol. 96: Assigning the Blame

Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Question: Okay, I'm not proud of how this project ended, but management is blaming me...me! There were lots of moving people and parts to this one, and we knew from the beginning it would be a challenge. But how do I react to the accusations? I want to be sure no one goes away thinking it was my fault, because I don't think it is. What do I say so that the proper culprits will be blamed and my reputation comes out unscathed?

Responding to Issues in Highly Complex Projects

Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Be ready for surprises in high-complexity projects by developing an action plan for an ad hoc issue response team. Lay out the steps and meeting agenda necessary to tame the most convoluted problems no matter what the cause-or which groups are impacted.

Smart Budget Allocation for Project-Oriented Organizations

Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Spending decisions in a PMO can foster or impede the organization. The process is volatile by the nature of its political implications. To allocate budget and resources in a smart way-and to achieve organizational goals-a measurable approach needs to take the following dimensions into consideration...

The Complexity Elephant

Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Complex projects can be intimidating. A good PM will help the team focus on its own work and not be overwhelmed by the bigger picture-but the PM has to strike that balance.

Department of Defense PM: Forget About the Baselines!

Tue, 30 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

Some baseline calculations become much more intricate when dealing with large projects, especially when fielding new technologies. But at the end of the day, the premise is the same. Is our project within scope, on schedule and within budgeted costs?