It's not hard to find projects which were delivered on time and budget, with stakeholders satisfied in every other respect except for the poor quality of the project's deliverables. Usually, this factor alone causes projects to be considered a failure. Quality isn’t just a buzzword in project management—it’s the difference between a deliverable that dazzles... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Projects, like trains speeding down the tracks, gain momentum quickly and can be challenging to redirect once in motion. That's why effective stakeholder communication is a project manager’s mission-critical tool for keeping the journey on course. Since stakeholders hold the key to defining a project’s success, their engagement is vital to avoid derailing into project... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
I was once part of a project which went behind schedule and over budget. In response the project manager asked the project team to come up with reasons why the project was late. Naturally the team produced several reasons, and a change in schedule and budget was approved. Everything sounded like it was back on... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Before a project even begins, a project charter is a document that incorporates the project and appoints the project manager. More than just a formality, it’s the foundation stone that defines the project’s purpose, scope, and direction, setting the stage for everything that follows. Think of it as the project’s birth certificate—a concise yet powerful... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project status reports are essential tools for keeping teams, stakeholders, and leaders aligned on progress, challenges, and next steps. A well-crafted report provides clarity, builds trust, and ensures everyone understands where things stand. Projects are by definition temporary, that is, they have a defined beginning and end. For this reason, the project schedule is almost... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The foundation for project management theory is called process groups. But although it sounds complicated, process groups are simply phases that each project goes through. The five process groups are: Project Initiation Project Planning Project Execution Monitoring & Controlling Project Closing They all occur in chronological order except one. Monitoring & Controlling (#4) occurs in... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Did you know that over 85% of projects clock in under $100,000, often wrapping up in just a few weeks to a month? These small-scale endeavors, though modest in size, form the backbone of countless industries—yet their brevity and unique dynamics demand a tailored approach to project management. Standard methodologies, like those you’d stumble across... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Although it isn't in the dictionary, the project management industry uses the term deliverables almost daily. I must say, I am tired of MS Word underlining it as a spelling mistake. Deliverables are the products, services, and results that a project produces. Thus, they are the cornerstone to project success. Every project has to produce something.... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
It's amazing how many projects do not know their true status until near the end, when there is little that can be done to ensure they finish on time or budget. The proper time to rigorously track project status is at the beginning, not at the end. This is when project risk can be managed... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Projects don't manage themselves. Professional project management requires the development of a plan that outlines how it will be managed. According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (section 4.2), the project management plan fulfills this purpose. Although it includes any and all items that define the management of the project, there are certain standard items.... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The project sponsor is a very important part of the project management organizational chart. In fact, every project has a sponsor. The project sponsor is one, and only one, level above the project manager. They do not manage the day to day operations of the project but they ensure the resources are in place, promote... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The difference between a successful project and an unsuccessful one can usually be narrowed down to one word: Planning. The Project Management Institute (PMI) reports that only 64% of projects meet their intended goals, and from my experience working for a large engineering company, this is probably not too far out. But there is a... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project planning is immensely underrated. Everyone has a story of how they could have planned better to avoid a disaster, even if they didn't look back and realise it. The Project Management Institute suggests that planning should ideally consist of about 20 - 30% of the time required to perform the project work. This is... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
If there is only one foundational part of project management, it would have to be breaking down the project into manageable parts. Those parts are called phases and tasks. Everything else is built upon that foundation, so it should not be taken lightly. Although it seems trivial, it is one of the most important parts... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), projects are divided into five phases. These phases are: Initiating. The project is authorized, funded and defined. This phase occurs on the organizational level (i.e. above the project). The organization defines a business need the project is meant to satisfy. Planning. The project manager develops a... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer