Methodology

Implementing SCRUM…the basics - Part 1

I started to write a response to a recent blog post about the effect that a slowing economy will have on the adoption of Agile project management methodologies when I realized from the comments on that site that there may be some folks here that are not yet familiar with Agile/SCRUM. I’m going to speak specifically about [...] Read more »

Effective Opportunity Management for Projects

Glen Alleman left a comment recommending several resources for me, one of which is the book “Effective Opportunity Management for Projects“. I am reading it now and would like to share some of my initial insights thus far.
I’ve found the authors agree with me that standard risk management approaches mostly pay lip service to opportunity [...] Read more »

SCRUM in Under 10 Minutes

A simply wonderful introduction video to SCRUM by Hamid Shojaee. Very well done indeed! Read more »

Estimating Effort: Part 1

This series of articles is extracted from a similar series I wrote for Projects@Work a couple of years ago. I’m posting it here in reaction to my review of Josh’s articles on Earned Value where he (in my opinion) used the term “estimate” when he should have said ”budget.” Many of the terms related [...] Read more »

Project management processes: a PMI study helper

I’ve been studying to get my PMP certification this fall. There is a LOT of theory and terminology to learn! I’ve made myself an Excel workbook with all the processes inputs and outputs. I thought I would share it here, it may be helpful to you too. Read more »

Agile & Waterfall Scheduling and Sprint Planning

In my last article I shared some background and differences between agile and waterfall development methodology. I would now like to share a few lessons learned in managing a project that is utilizing both methodologies concurrently. As I come across more, I will add a post.
Scheduling
Agile, by definition doesn’t typically consider functionality being designed or [...] Read more »

The Case for Opportunity Management

Glen B. Alleman left a great comment with a link to an article refuting the need for Opportunity Management (OM). I have reviewed the article and feel it is describing a version of OM that is not what I am proposing. I’m still formulating my thoughts on this, so please excuse me if it sounds like random babble!!!! Read more »

Agile & Waterfall Background

I am a Lead Systems Engineer on a very large multi-year project to deploy image processing software for a satellite ground system, and would like to share some experience and lessons learned in trying to manage a project using agile and waterfall software development in harmony. Read more »

Successful Projects: It’s Not Rocket Science

There is often a misconception that managing an IT project is difficult. Avoiding the common pitfalls of IT project management is not rocket science, it is simply a case of taking some sensible measures. This article identifies 5 killer mistakes of project management and their solutions. Read more »

All About SCRUM

SCRUM is something I have some experience with, and I believe there are many tools and techniques that grew up in various methodologies that we all can learn from. You may already know that I’ve written about SCRUM on pmStudent.com before, and the various applications of techniques that can be relevant to all types of projects, even those far removed from software development. Read more »