In this first out of five project management processes, the project is created and defined to the extent necessary to begin planning the project. This step involves the project setup, and ensures that the performing organization is clear about the purposes and priorities surrounding the project. There are usually certain issues that require setup, like... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Effective project team management is the backbone of successful project delivery. It involves guiding team members, aligning resources, and resolving challenges to drive optimal performance. While it’s one of the most critical aspects of project management, it’s also one of the most complex, inspiring countless books and diverse approaches. At its core, however, project team... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Lean Project Management blends the efficiency-driven principles of lean methodology with the structured discipline of project management to deliver exceptional results. Originating in manufacturing, lean focuses on boosting quality and efficiency by eliminating waste. In project management, which aims to deliver a unique product or service while meeting stakeholder expectations and project requirements, lean principles... [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
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
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 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
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
Carpenters have hammers, plumbers have wrenches, and programmers have computers. But does a project manager have any tools which help them perform their work better, quicker, or cheaper? Absolutely! In fact, if you don't use these tools you will be at a serious disadvantage to other project managers. And if you do, your career will... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
There is no universal definition of project success. Since the very definition of a project is temporary (Project Management Body of Knowledge, 6th Edition), virtually all projects must meet a deadline and budget. But some projects must satisfy certain stakeholders. Others must meet regulatory criteria. Still others must achieve a certain return on investment. For these reasons,... [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
Most projects have a million things that can go wrong. Because a project is by definition temporary, it is inevitable that the budget and schedule factor prominently in project success. But it is a surprisingly common scenario that project managers think the project is going great because the variables they are concerned with are on... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Almost every project requires an estimate. Since a project is, by definition, temporary, somebody must approve a budget for it. Which means they must know how much to approve. The available types of estimates can be categorized into the following groups: Accuracy Source of Data Estimating techniques Accuracy In many industries, project estimates start very... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer