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
Effective decision-making is a critical skill that has big ramifications in both personal and professional life. Projects often present complex choices where the optimal path is unclear or every option carries significant trade-offs. How can we navigate these challenges with confidence? This article explores the science behind strong decision-making, offering practical steps to select the... [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
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 lifeblood of any successful project. Much like an airplane relying on the seamless interaction of countless components, a project depends on a network of stakeholders working toward a shared goal. When communication falters, even minor missteps can lead to major setbacks. Project communications management ensures that the information needs of the... [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
Although projects span a huge spectrum from big to small, innovative to routine, and technical to repetitive, there is in fact a standard project organization chart within which all projects fall. With the exception of a few variable parts all project fit into a standard mold. According to project management theory, each member of a... [Read More]| ProjectEngineer
A few years ago I was part of a project which involved replacing a bridge over an irrigation canal. Because the canal authority shut off the water when winter set in and turned it back on in the spring, winter was a perfect time to build this bridge. We wrote penalties into the construction contract... [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
In the realm of project management, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just knocking on the door; it's already inside, reshaping the landscape with every passing day. As we look into the future, the integration of AI into project management promises a seismic shift in how projects are planned, executed, and ultimately, how project managers perform... [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
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
