PMcrunch

As project managers we… well, manage projects! Or, do we? Actually, as I have been thinking about my experience managing projects and my experience managing my own time, I really think all we do manage are tasks. It is actually the practice of project management that simply allows us to manage more complex collections of tasks. Likewise, managing programs enables us to manage all that much more complex tasks, managing a company goes even further, and so on and so forth. This is a revelation to me that I actually find refreshing and empowering.

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For many years now, the debate over global warming and environmental consciousness has raged. This debate has become deeply embedded into the political consciousness, especially in the United States, but also elsewhere in the world. One thing is for sure: this debate will continue for a long time to come, and it will be a long time before any claims are proven indisputably accurate. So, the question is, how can we incorporate environmental correctness into our projects and programs?

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Basic project management teaches us that quality is defined by meeting requirements, but not exceeding them. If we deliver more than what the customer asked for, it is considered to be gold plating – a bad thing. The premise is that there is a balance as per the triple constraint among quality, cost and schedule, and that it is the job of the project manager to manage that balance. In these tough times, however, how can a project manager produce excellence and in essence exceed customer expectations without gold plating?

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The business analysis function is one that needs to be managed with care and the wisdom of experience. Business analysts handle requirements management, systems analysis, business analysis, requirements analysis, or consulting. The various activities around these functions take place throughout the project and require continuous monitoring, starting at a high level near the beginning of the project. This post explores key business analysis activities throughout the project lifecycle.

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Do you know who your project stakeholders are? Effective communications and expectation management starts with understanding the needs of various project stakeholders. To aid in identifying project stakeholders, eight categories are described.

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PMPs are professionals, and they are people! They have lives, families, expenses, times constraints, budgets… It is outrageous and hilarious that someone would criticize those who are providing an “easire” way to earn PDUs. I think it is great that there are options for PMPs to spend less money and time, and in more convenient ways, to earn their PDUs. Providers of services that come up with a better way are helping to SOLVE the problem!

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Scrum or Agile is a hot methodology now, but I think there are a number of things to consider before “replacing” current methodologies with scrum/agile. Here are 6 key points to consider to build a good marriage between management and technology.

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