Your project team is the single biggest factor in the successful completion of your project. At its core, a project is nothing more than a bunch of people collaborating to deliver a result, and the quality of their work defines the outcome. Building a high-performing team starts with choosing the right individuals and inspiring them... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
All projects have stakeholders. Like any area of life, no projects exist inside of a bubble. Although some more than others, every project must have a project sponsor (as a minimum) who created the project and expects some sort of deliverable. But most projects have so diverse an array of stakeholders that they must maintain... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project presentations are a critical part of many projects, whether delivered at the kickoff, midpoint, or conclusion. These presentations may target managers, executives, team members, or stakeholders with a vested interest in the project's success. While presenting can feel daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With practice and a few key principles, you can deliver... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Whether you're a seasoned project manager, a business leader, or just starting out, understanding how to effectively engage with stakeholders can make or break your endeavors. In this post, we’ll explore practical strategies, key principles, and actionable tips to identify, prioritize, and collaborate with stakeholders—ensuring their needs are met while keeping your goals on track.... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Effective communication is the backbone of successful project management. The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) emphasizes the need for a Communications Management Plan, while PRINCE2 outlines a similar Communications Management Approach. This plan serves as a roadmap for how project communications will be strategically planned, structured, executed, and monitored to ensure clarity, alignment, and... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Projects are like a ship cutting through stormy seas. Without a good map and a sharp captain’s eye, you’re bound to drift off course, plunder your resources, and sink under the weight of missed deadlines. A weak schedule is like a tattered sail, flapping in the wind of chaos. Without a steady hand and a... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In today’s fast-paced and complex business environment, effective project management is more critical than ever. Whether you’re overseeing a small team or managing a large-scale initiative, understanding the core functions of a Project Management Information System (PMIS) can transform the way you plan, execute, and deliver results. In this post, we’ll explore eight essential functions... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Every successful project deserves a report that captures its essence, showcases its achievements, and provides a clear roadmap of what went down. Whether you're wrapping up a team initiative or presenting to stakeholders, a well-crafted project report is your ticket to clarity and credibility. Writing a project report can seem like peering through the morning... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In this day and age, project success is no longer a matter of luck. So long as the project schedule and budget are realistic and achievable, project management fundamentals provide more than enough tools for the project manager to implement project controls that provide sufficient early warning of variances that require action. Projects, by their... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Stakeholders are to a project like players are to a team. Having the best players is one of the easiest ways to win the game, but strategy and tactics led by the coach (project manager) can go a long ways. Thus, successful projects know who their stakeholders are and what motivates them. That's where stakeholder... [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 definition of a Project is: A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result. The two most important keywords within that definition are: Temporary: A project has a fixed beginning and end. Because of this, there are two factors that come into play in virtually every project: Time (deadlines) and money (budgets). ... [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
According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), the foundation of project management rests upon the five phases that every project goes through: Project Initiation Project Planning Project Execution Monitoring & Controlling Project Closure Project Initiation This process group includes the basic groundwork necessary to create and define the project, usually on the organizational level.... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In 1986, the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger exploded spectacularly upon take-off in front of one of the largest live TV audiences in history (to that time). The investigation concluded that several tiny O-rings that sealed the rocket booster to the fuel supply failed. These O-rings were about 1 foot in diameter. Just like the tiny... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
