Repeatable and sustainable project management processes (part 1/2)

Having replicable and sustainable project management processes is the foundation for any respectable organization or project team. Imagine if a project manager and a project team did not have set guidelines for project management, what would happen? You know what, it would be like taking a random group of random people off the street, having … Continue reading “Repeatable and sustainable project management processes (part 1/2)”

7 tips for gaining competitive advantages as project manager

The competitive advantage that a Project Manager can achieve is strongly associated with project management. This is rarely easy and, consequently, the role of project manager is not a simple task. CONTENT 1. Avoid micromanagement 2. Assess priorities 3. Manage time effectively 4. Manage effective communication 5. Know the ultimate technologies in the industry 6. … Continue reading “7 tips for gaining competitive advantages as project manager”

Employing SMART guidelines for goal setting

SMART guidelines for goal setting are key aspects of project approach. It happens, however, that these guidelines are, in some cases, set aside for the sake of extemporaneousness of the project itself or an alleged clarity of shared objectives. The result is a vicious circle: unclear objectives lengthen and undermine the project results. CONTENT What … Continue reading “Employing SMART guidelines for goal setting”

Effort and duration: difference and priority

Estimating project effort and duration is a core element of any project planning. CONTENT What is effort? Not just Effort but also time factor What does duration mean? Effort and duration relationship Project effort and duration example Duration Effort Project effort and duration relationship Conclusions The goal of effective project management is to complete the … Continue reading “Effort and duration: difference and priority”

Project manager and conflict resolution

Conflicts and how they are managed are elements that every Project Manager has to face, eventually. Each project necessarily involves different individuals working together to complete a complex task. Let’s see, then, how we can best deal with them. CONTENT What is a conflict? Conflict dynamics Conflict resolution approaches 1. Confrontation 2. Compromise 3. Smoothing … Continue reading “Project manager and conflict resolution”

Project tangible and intangible benefits

No project is launched unless it presents at least one benefit. Usually, the tangible benefits are mostly considered when evaluating a project, but there can also be several intangible benefits. CONTENT What’s the difference between tangible and intangible benefits? Tangible benefits Revenue increase Resource cost savings Increased productivity Tangible benefits Process improvement Intangible benefits Organizational … Continue reading “Project tangible and intangible benefits”

Project manager reporting tools

In project management, reporting tools can help you achieve efficient and effective communication. Communication plays a fundamental role in any work process as well as in everyday life. Whatever the scenario, you always find yourself transmitting a message or an opinion. CONTENT Why is the reporting system imperative? The 5 main reporting tools for project … Continue reading “Project manager reporting tools”

How to lead an international project team

Managing and working with international teams from all over the world is becoming the new standard. Companies are experiencing a particular moment: they are growing, on the one hand, and changing their organizational structure on the other. CONTENT 5 tips for leading an international project team in the best possible manner 1. Identify international teams’ … Continue reading “How to lead an international project team”

Better schedule your project deadlines

How many times have you been under stress and nervous trying to meet a project deadline? We all know that deadlines are crucial for a project’s success and without a set deadline you would have no direction or motivation to do anything. CONTENT Why are deadlines important? 6 key steps to meet project deadlines What … Continue reading “Better schedule your project deadlines”

The Quality Plan: an essential project document

The quality plan is often overlooked in project development, yet it is strategic in defining the course and results, let’s see how. CONTENT What information should a project plan include? What is project quality planning? Project quality plan model development All projects, at their end, must produce / provide something, the so-called project output. In … Continue reading “The Quality Plan: an essential project document”

Project Manager: how the role is transforming

The role of the Project Manager, according to the developments of Project Management, is in continuous evolution, driven by new technologies, new business models and a continuously developing workforce. CONTENT A younger workforce Artificial intelligence will play an increasingly major role “Journeys”, not projects Variation and diversification of the PM’s skills The Internet of Things … Continue reading “Project Manager: how the role is transforming”

How to create accurate project plans

The creation of an accurate project plan, no matter what type of project you are working on, is something that should not be underestimated. CONTENT How to write a project plan in 5 steps 1) Define the project 2) Identify risks, preconditions and constraints 3) Planning people for the project 4) List project resources 5) … Continue reading “How to create accurate project plans”

Project status updates

An update report on the status of the project is a core part of every successful communication strategy and project management to update the team and all stakeholders. CONTENT How to create effective status updates What to include in a project status update 1. General project information 2. General status information 3. Milestones review 4. … Continue reading “Project status updates”

Decision matrix: how to make important decisions in a project

What do you do when you have an important decision to make? Draw up a list of pros and cons? Flip a coin? Do you postpone hoping someone else will end up making the decision for you? CONTENT When should you use a decision matrix (and when not to)? What exactly is a decision matrix? … Continue reading “Decision matrix: how to make important decisions in a project”

Determine the strengths and weaknesses of a team

Strengths and weaknesses play an important role in determining who we are, both for employees and project managers. CONTENT How to find out the strengths and weaknesses of a Team: Be up-front and honest How to find out the strengths and weaknesses of a Team: Listen and observe How to find out the strengths and … Continue reading “Determine the strengths and weaknesses of a team”

Project manager’s code of ethics

Ethics for a project manager is a very modern topic and highly relevant to their career, although talking about ethics may seem to be something much more relevant to an ancient branch of philosophy. CONTENT What is ethics? What are the ethical dilemmas that a project manager faces? Why should a Project Manager act ethically? … Continue reading “Project manager’s code of ethics”

Definition and description of a project’s purpose

How does a project originate? How can you tell what it should achieve? How can you tell what approach is required? How can you tell if it will be successful or not? CONTENT Project Purpose: Why does the project exist? So, how do you define a project’s purpose? Identify project needs Confirm project objectives Project … Continue reading “Definition and description of a project’s purpose”

Project manager’s soft skills

The skills required from project managers are manifold and among them we also find transversal skills, also called soft skills. CONTENT Project Manager’s Soft Skills: Leadership Project Manager’s Soft Skills: Motivation Project Manager’s Soft Skills: Communication Project Manager’s Soft Skills: Active Listening Project Manager’s Soft Skills: Negotiation Project Manager’s Soft Skills: Conflict management Soft skills help a project manager … Continue reading “Project manager’s soft skills”

Project metrics

Project management metrics are fundamental to implementing sustainable project management practices and processes in any organization. The key is to keep them simple and relevant to the organization. Project management metrics are also central for improving the way projects are managed and delivered, as well as showing improvements over time in project management maturity. CONTENT … Continue reading “Project metrics”

The most important feedback in a project and how to receive them

Receiving feedback in an effective way as a project manager is as important as being able to give them. CONTENT The benefits of feedback What are the most important feedback in a project How does the feedback request process work? Feedback is a key part of any manager’s skills and contributes enormously to the success … Continue reading “The most important feedback in a project and how to receive them”