You feel good about your ability to create project estimates. You are handy with a spreadsheet, understand the calculations, and enjoy the research. Your estimating challenges are not about all of that. Your challenges come from a condition known as ‘estimating while being human.’ There are some things we do or expectations that we encounter […]
Your project might already be in motion, but that does not mean you cannot change your processes and approaches. Continuous improvement is your responsibility. Don’t just watch what happens as your team works toward project completion, be strategic and when you see opportunities for positive changes, make them! These eight recommendations are a good place […]
“If past history were all there was to the game, the richest people would be librarians.” – Warren Buffet. It was the beginning of the semester, and our professor explained the requirements for our class paper. He was on a bit of a tear, addressing one of his pet peeves: “…And do NOT write me […]
In software development, most project managers struggle to make their businesses efficient and flexible. According to research conducted by PMI, 45 percent of projects are not finished by the deadline. 31 percent of projects do not meet the business intent and initial goals. 43 percent of projects go over budget. According to the survey, 91 percent of […]
“You know, I like your presentation, but you forgot to introduce yourself.” – Anonymous Project Stakeholder These were the first words that Mary Carol heard when she visited one of her new project stakeholders. And you know she was correct. When Mary Carol started her presentation, she didn’t say, “I’m Mary Carol,” She just stood […]
WBS stands for work breakdown structure, but it is tempting to call it what breakdown structure. The reason? The WBS shows what needs to happen in order for you and the team to provide the agreed-upon project scope. And too often it is easy to get caught up in when or how or who? All […]
Yes, you need to understand project management. Master those technical aspects of creating a schedule and a budget, and leading your team to clearly define the project scope. If you want to be more than an administrator, it is all about people.
Today on pmStudent we have a ‘crossover’ episode. On some of your favorite TV series or even in some movies, there are episodes or scenes where two different sets of storylines or characters collide. Margaret Meloni, your pmStudent community leader happily teaches you how to be the best project manager that you can be. And, […]
The project scope is finalized. You feel like throwing a celebration. It took more time than planned, but it seems like all of the stakeholders have agreed on what is really needed to meet project objectives. About five minutes after receiving final scope approval, your stakeholders began asking about more definitive estimates for schedule and […]
Professionals, project managers included, have felt a strong need to upskill for career development since the pandemic began. Leaders who lacked key skills for a heavily-digital future found themselves less likely to get new jobs or be assigned vital projects without those capabilities. Many companies and organizations are also placing emphasis on continuous learning for […]