Hopefully your projects never have this type of variance! A variance is defined as a schedule, technical, or cost deviation from the project plan. Variances should be tracked and reported, as well as mitigated through corrective actions. There are two types of variance which normally receive most of the attention: Cost Variance Schedule Variance Calculating... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project resource management is at the heart of a project manager’s role, consuming much of their daily focus. Resources like people, materials, tools, expertise, facilities, and infrastructure are the building blocks of any project. In an ideal world, these resources would be readily available, perform flawlessly, and stay within budget. However, reality presents constraints, requiring... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Some projects are like boats without a paddle, drifting aimlessly at sea with little knowledge of what their final destination will be. Most of these projects do not end up at the destination that was planned. Project scheduling is the key to ensuring the original project plan and final project outcome are at least close... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Experts highlight risk management as one of the most overlooked yet vital aspects of project management. While we often assume we’ve got the main threats handled, a little upfront planning can yield outsized rewards, transforming potential chaos into controlled progress. But effective risk management isn’t just about dodging disaster; it’s about turning potential pitfalls into opportunities... [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
Kevin Payravi, Wikimedia Commons The Project Management Institute (PMI) reports that only 64% of projects meet their intended goals. The difference between a successful project and an unsuccessful one can usually be narrowed down to one word: Planning. Even small projects can benefit from a Project Management Plan. The following Project Management Plan checklist is... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In project management, a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a planning tool whereby the project scope is divided into logical sub-components. It is a graphical representation of the project scope and forms the basis for further planning, such as the cost and schedule. It is not a scheduling or costing tool. A good WBS should be created... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Every project, from software launches to skyscraper construction, follows a lifecycle—a roadmap that guides it from vision to victory. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) distills this journey into five distinct phases, offering a proven framework for navigating complexity and delivering results. Whether you’re a seasoned project manager or just starting out, understanding these... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project Management is a field that spans all other fields. Although it is true that the project management field contains its own body of knowledge (technical subject matter), you cannot simply pluck a project manager from, say, a construction site, and drop them into a biotechnology research project and expect to receive the same results. ... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The Project Management Institute (PMI) defines project management as follows: The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. The profession of project management includes the application of many skills, which include: Dividing the project into tasks Creating schedules (deadlines) Estimating budgets Determining project scope Communicating with stakeholders Acquiring the... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Process groups form the foundation for project management theory. Projects generally proceed through five distinct phases. Each of these phases is called a process group, in fact, I call them "phases" in most of my writing on this site because they all occur in chronological order except for one. In the Project Management Body of... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), produced by the Project Management Institute, is the gold standard for the project management profession. It divides project management into the following ten Knowledge Areas: Project Integration Management The stuff that doesn’t fit in any other category, like developing the project management plan itself, making changes to the... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
When a ship is out on the open sea, the driver, called a Helmsman, is responsible for turning the wheel which in turn moves a rudder back and forth to change directions. When the wind or sea conditions are rough, experienced helmsman use their keen sense of how the ship will react to keep it... [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 and... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Managing projects is like steering a ship. When the wind or sea conditions are rough, experienced helmsman use their keen sense of how the ship will react to keep it moving in the right direction. Because the ship doesn't react right away, the helmsman must anticipate the delay between turning the ship's wheel and the... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer