Unlike most of the project management knowledge areas, which deal with a specific area of expertise of the project manager, the Project Integration Management knowledge area is something of a catch-all, containing many of the everyday actions of a project manager. It is the glue that holds the project together. The processes within the Project... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
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
Before a project even begins, a project charter is a document that incorporates the project and appoints the project manager. Many projects operate without a project charter, even multimillion dollar projects. But the formal authorization of the project by the performing organization can be important to ensure the lines of authority are clear and identify... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
Project initiation is where it all begins—the moment a project takes shape, its purpose sharpens, and the foundation for planning is set. But it's significance is far more than administrative, rather, it forms the heartbeat of a project’s potential success. Beyond paperwork or procedural hoops, the project initiation phase builds the foundation for the future... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
The project charter and scope statement can seem like one and the same sometimes. They are both usually contained early in the project management plan, and they both itemize the scope of the project to some extent. So what's the difference? Well, they have a slight difference in purpose. The project charter should contain the rationale... [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
All projects have stakeholders. If they didn't, the project wouldn't exist. As a minimum, the project sponsor is a stakeholder who is expecting to receive the project's deliverables. Usually there are expectations to receive them at a certain time, cost, quality level, or other criteria as well. The project manager must know who the stakeholders... [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
The project sponsor is an integral part of the project management organizational chart. In fact, every project has a sponsor in one form or another. It is a central cog in the wheel in the existence of a project. The project sponsor is NOT a personal financial contributor to the project. Think of it this... [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
Did you know that over 85% of projects clock in under $100,000, often wrapping up in just a few weeks to a month? These small-scale endeavors, though modest in size, form the backbone of countless industries—yet their brevity and unique dynamics demand a tailored approach to project management. Standard methodologies, like those you’d stumble across... [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
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
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
