If your scope is pointed the wrong way, you're not going to hit the target! In fact, ineffective project control is one of the biggest sources of project distress. For this reason, one of the most important aspects of a project manager's job is controlling the boundaries of the project, that is, the tasks that... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In an ideal world, a project’s scope would remain a fixed star—unchanging, predictable, and perfectly aligned with the original plan. Yet, reality paints a messier picture: with countless moving parts, shifting priorities, and human variables at play, scope change is a near-inevitable force. Whether it’s the slow drip of unauthorized "scope creep" or the sanctioned... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Scope issues are the #1 reason for project failure. Whether it’s scope creep sneaking in unnoticed or a poorly defined goal from the outset, projects derail fast when boundaries aren’t clear. Project managers are seemingly always dealing with budget and schedule issues, and they always seem to have an origin in the underlying project scope. ... [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
Like termites that build their invisible kingdoms secretly and slowly, projects have a similar parasite that grows under the surface until it suddenly exposes itself with disastrous consequences. It's called scope creep, and it has eaten many projects alive. Scope creep is the unauthorized addition of tasks into a project. If the project manager is... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Scope management, or rather the lack of it, is one of the biggest reasons for project failure. Correctly defining what is and is not included in the project is absolutely foundational to good project management. I've seen many projects go south even though they had the right expertise, schedule, high quality deliverables, and even satisfied... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The project plan is like the flight plan filed by a pilot prior to embarking on a journey. It communicates how the project will attempt to reach its destination. The project plan is the strategy that will be used to produce the project's products, services, or results. It is written in sufficient detail to communicate... [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
Project scope issues are the number one reason for unhappy clients and customers. Human nature is such that unauthorized tasks will always want to slip into a project unannounced, thus project scope management is just as important as the more visible aspects of project management like scheduling and budgeting. For that reason, effective project scope... [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
