Scope defines a project's deliverables and boundaries, which requires both low- and high-level approval. And then one of the most important and challenging of a project manager's responsibilities begins: managing the inevitable changes to scope and explaining their impact on schedule, budget and business value. [6 min.]
Case Studies WHAT I LEARNED AT THE CONSOLIDATION
- by
Tom Barnett, PMP
(December 11, 2008)
… or where’s a work breakdown structure when you need one? Some fundamental lessons were learned the hard way on a complex datacenter consolidation project that failed to meet one urgent (but ultimately undefined) objective. Here’s the first-hand account from a veteran program director.
[more]
Team Talk ONE MINUTE, ONE PAGE
- by
Barry Otterholt
(December 18, 2008)
When it comes to most project meetings with sponsors and other stakeholders, you have one minute, one page. More than that has to be earned, or you’ll probably lose this audience. Here are 10 simple guidelines for keeping the attention of busy or distracted executives.
[more]
Methods & Means CRUNCH PROOF YOUR PROJECTS
- by
Elizabeth Harrin
(December 18, 2008)
If you’ve been fortunate enough to rely on a contingency fund when managing your project budgets in the past, your luck has probably run out by now. Everyone is tightening belts, and project managers need to find ways to tighten up their financial monitoring, too.
[more]
Reviews/Roundups A DASH OF APPEAL
- by
Richard Brunelli
(December 18, 2008)
Sexy or not, effective dashboards help project leaders quickly impart information to a range of audiences, from team members to executives to stakeholders — it’s the 30-second elevator speech on a screen, customized for detail. And it’s getting more advanced as dashboard developers consider user appeal as well as utility.
[more]
Features THE HANDOFF
- by
Cathy Smith
(December 15, 2008)
On bid projects, a poorly managed transition from the sales team to the service delivery team can put the engagement at risk even before the kickoff meeting. Here is advice on what, how and when information should be shared during and after the sales phase in order to align expectations.
[more]
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