The real benefit of the earned value method is in the early warning signal it provides. In my previous life at a large engineering company, I saw many project managers get to a monthly billing cycle before they realized the project was behind, and even then they would rationalize it by deciding their project team was... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In project management, getting an early indication of problems can mean the difference between triumph and turmoil. The Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is a powerful little number that tells you, at a glance, whether you're on pace or off the rails, and by how much. But more than just a metric, it’s a reality check,... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
In project management, getting an early indication of problems is the silver bullet that allows the project manager to correct problems before they start. That’s where schedule variance comes in—a critical metric that acts like a radar, spotting deviations from your timeline before they snowball into chaos. But the Schedule Variance doesn’t just tell you... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Every great project starts with a vision, but without a solid plan to back it up, even the best ideas can spiral into chaos. That’s where project schedule planning comes in. It's a roadmap that turns ambition into action, keeping teams aligned, deadlines on track, and stress at bay. Whether you’re launching a product, building... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Everyone has stories of quality problems and the anxiety they cause: The assembly line is down, a customer complained about the product, or the report missed an important element. In that moment the only thing that matters is that someone didn't achieve the quality expectations. But the very presence of defective products is not inherently... [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
Missing deadlines reflects poorly on a project manager. With few exceptions, deadlines are a major component of project success. Because projects are by definition temporary, someone has authorized the project and expects its deliverables in a timely fashion. A schedule management plan is a subset of the project management plan whose purpose is to put... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Want to unlock the secret to delivering projects on time and within budget? Earned Value Management (EVM) might just be your key. This powerful project control technique gives project managers a clear, data-driven snapshot of where a project stands—tracking both budget and schedule performance in real time. But more than that, it forecasts how those... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project management can feel like navigating a maze—tight budgets, shifting timelines, and endless variables vying for your attention. How do you know if you’re truly on track? Earned Value Analysis (EVA) is a powerful method that blends cost, schedule, and performance into a clear picture of project health. Whether you’re a seasoned PM or just... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Every successful project—whether it’s launching a product, building a bridge, or organizing an event—starts with a solid foundation. That’s where project management fundamentals come in. These core principles guide teams through planning, execution, and delivery, turning big ideas into tangible results. In this article, we’ll explore the essential building blocks of project management, from defining... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The true power of the earned value method lies in its ability to sound the alarm before a project veers off track. In my days at a large engineering firm, I watched countless project managers stumble into a rude awakening at the end of the monthly billing cycle, only then realizing their project was lagging. ... [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
Every project is a gamble. Will it soar to success or stumble into disaster? The difference lies in spotting the landmines before you step on them. Project risks aren’t just possibilities; they’re the hidden threats that can derail deadlines, blow budgets, or sink morale if left unchecked. The good news is you don’t need a... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Every project is a puzzle, and the pieces don’t fall into place by magic—they’re guided by the people who make it happen. That’s where the project organization chart comes in: a clear, visual snapshot of who’s doing what, who reports to whom, and how the team fits together. But more than just lines and boxes,... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Breaking a project into manageable parts is one of the most foundational parts of project management. Whether you’re tackling a work assignment, a personal goal, or managing a megaproject, one truth stands out: breaking a project into smaller tasks is the cornerstone of effective project management. Without a clear task list, even the most exciting... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project Management is like fixing a car—there are many interrelated, moving parts. When things go wrong, you won't find the problem if you can't isolate the defective part, and you can't fix the problem if you can't remove and replace it. Without a clear plan, you’re just guessing which parts need attention, and chaos ensues. ... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project risk management is what separates good project managers from great ones. Even when everything has been planned and executed to perfection, an unexpected event can cause considerable duress on the project stakeholders and even cause the project to be considered a failure. Risk management is a three step process: Risk Identification Risk Analysis Qualitative Analysis Quantitative... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Active project risk management is a concept that has been growing momentum as of late. Project managers are expected to know the risks inherent in their projects and give them the appropriate level of scrutiny. Risk is defined by the Project Management Institute as an uncertain event or condition that, if it occurs, has a... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The largest projects in the world, from the summer olympics to big petrochemical projects, have one major thing in common at the project management level: A relentless focus on risk. What happens if there is a riot? Or a catastrophic explosion? What if protestors disrupt the project, or regulatory agencies reject it? These large megaprojects must allocate... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer