“I need this project finished by Friday, I need the budget cut by twenty percent, and I need it to be the best work we’ve ever done.” Every project manager has heard some version of this. It’s the holy grail of business: faster, cheaper, and better. But here is the hard truth you need to […]
Have you ever felt like the universe was conspiring against your project? Picture this: Your key vendor suddenly declares bankruptcy on a Tuesday. By Wednesday, your lead developer—the only person who understands the legacy code—calls in sick with a two-week flu. This is what we call the “Perfect Storm.” For most project managers, this is […]
Quality is king. But how do you ensure that your projects not only meet standards but soar beyond expectations? Enter three dynamic tools that can be game-changers: the Pareto Chart, Scatter Diagram, and Control Chart. Remember we looked at three other charts in part 1 – https://pmstudent.com/boost-your-project-management-skills-a-deep-dive-into-four-essential-quality-tools/ Imagine walking into a room filled with complexity—data […]
The due date for your project is earlier than the estimates for the work to be completed. In this instance, you need to do something. You can try completing more of the work in parallel or fast-tracking. Your sponsor and other project executives want you to do even more, and they are willing to take […]
You and your team have done an excellent job estimating your project. You have historic data, solid expertise, and you all feel good about your numbers. So when your sponsor asks you to cut the budget, you are surprised and disappointed. What will you do now? Welcome to the life of a project manager.
You and your team have identified and prioritized risks. Some of those risks require you to take action. You need to respond. Let’s consider the types of responses you might use. When a project threat is beyond your team’s authority or scope, the best strategy is to escalate it. This means informing the appropriate higher-level […]
Welcome to the life of a project manager. The series where you are presented with realistic scenarios, and you plan your response. In this scenario of a project manager’s day, a team member comes to you with some information. A key supplier might be shutting down. Is this true, or is it a rumor? All […]
Why perform two kinds of risk analysis? And if you do, what is the expected outcome from these two forms of analysis? If you are unclear about qualitative risk analysis vs. quantitative risk analysis, this is the video for you. This quick explanation will set you straight and ensure that you and your team have […]
It is time to create your project schedule. With great excitement, you open up your super cool scheduling software and you start typing. Your fingers are flying as you add activities and resources, dependencies and estimates. Hey, slow down. Where did all of this information come from? Have you consulted with your team? Together, have […]
Hey Project Manager, Do you manage PRODUCT scope or PROJECT scope? I am not tricking you. Yes, I just addressed you as project manager. Your project creates or modifies a product or service. You manage BOTH the PRODUCT scope and the PROJECT scope. Take a moment and make sure you know the difference.