Project Perfect - Project Management

White Paper on Improving Project Estimation

The three pillars for the success of any project are cost, effort and quality. The foundation of these pillars is based on estimation technique used for the project. However, historically it has been observed that lots of projects experience cost, effort and schedule overrun or poor quality. In most of cases, the project end up taking alternate paths to fulfil the budget constraint and ends up delivering an inadequate product/application/service.

In this paper we will look at what could be the possible factors affecting the foundation (i.e. estimation) of any project.

Read more in the white paper at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/white-paper-improving-project-estimation-effectiveness.php

White Paper on Project Negotiation

Do you ever find yourself in one of those yes-no, black-white discussions. Two polarised views that leave no room to move.

“I want it by Monday.” “You can’t have it until Friday.”

Neither side is prepared to move or negotiate. The question is how do you get into negotiation mode?

Projects are full of negotiation. Sometimes it is around what you will deliver. Sometimes it is around getting people to work on the project. Sometimes it is around cost or time. A project manager has to be a negotiator. This white paper will touch on a few things to consider next time you get into a negotiation.

Read a white paper on project negotiation at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/white-paper-project-negotiation.php

The evolution of an idea

When talking with a BA recently, he was surprised at the evolution of an idea. When a business user first raised the idea for an enhancement to the system, we captured the idea in a brief document called a concept paper. It listed the business problem, desired outcome, benefits and stakeholders. All in about a page of information.
A few weeks later we did a Phase Zero, or feasibility study to flesh out the idea to the point where we could undertake the work. Surprise, surprise! The idea had evolved into something completely different. Obviously as people think through an idea it will evolve, and sometimes morph into something new. In this case the enhancements was basically the same but the benefits and stakeholders had changed considerably. The result was we needed to involve a larger pool of people to ensure we built something that fitted all requirements.
Forcing people to document a few key facts is not "red tape". It forces them to think of the idea from a few different perspectives. It will usually lead to an evolution in thinking which results in a better deliverable. Don't overservice the business by jumping to fulfil their every need - or whim. Make sure they have thought it through. In the end it will be a better result for everyone.

Readiness Assessments

Deciding if you are ready to start a project, or ready to go live is often a matter of juggling dozens of criteria in your head. Is this done? Is that complete? It is better to have a list of criteria to check off so that you know what you are trying to achieve, and can work towards that goal.

Read our new white paper on readiness at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/white-paper-readiness-assessment.php

Differences in Project Documents

There is often confusion in project initiation documents. Some are called project plans, others project charter. There are also project management plans, project justification and a range of other documents.

The ISO Project Management Standard in development at the moment has two key documents:

The Project Charter is the justification for the organisation to commit resources, time and money to the project. Think of it as an early business case. It is very much a business focused document.

The Project Plan defines how the project will be managed. It is more a 'planning how we will do it' document. I personally prefer the term Project Execution Plan which seems to clearly define what the purpose of this document really is. Unfortunately it is only used in a small number of industries, and we should all work towards developing a common terminology. The ISO standard is the obvious way to go.

The Project Schedule is the timeline and resource allocation which is typically developed in a scheduling tool such as Microsoft Project.

If you are using these terms in your job, try and develop a common jargon. Everyone who has been around the company for years may know what you are talking about but new employees, or external suppliers can often be confused.

Improving Software Quality

To manage quality in a project, you need to identify defects during the earlier stages of the project. During the course of time you improve based on quantitative measurements that are discussed below and the end product is robust and reliable. View the white paper at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/white-paper-improving-software-quality.php

White Paper on Project Management 2:

The old models of how people interact and collaborate have been radically transformed in recent times. People are using blogs, wikis and collaborative planning tools to work together. All these applications represent a significant opportunity for organizations to create new social and Web-based collaboration and increase productivity. Project management is undergoing significant changes due to the introduction of the new technologies for managing project teams. View the white paper at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/white-paper-project-management-2.php

Free Intro to Project Management Presentation

Ever had to give a presentation to people who knew nothing about project management? Usually you start from scratch to build a PowerPoint slide slow. Aveenet Mathur - one of our regulars - had the same problem. He has been kind enough to provide the presentation to anyone for download. This will save you hours of reinventing the wheel. You can even add your own flavour as it is shipped as a PPT file. Thanks Aveenet.

Download from http://www.projectperfect.com.au/downloads/Info/introduction-to-project-management.ppt

Creativity in Project Management

Every Project Manager needs to be inventive. There are times when brainstorming is essential to move a project forward. This white paper provides a number of techniques to assist idea creation.

Read our white paper on brainstorming techniques at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/white-paper-brainstorming-techniques.php

White Paper on Brainstorming Techniques

Every Project Manager needs to be inventive. There are times when brainstorming is essential to move a project forward. This white paper provides a number of techniques to assist idea creation. Read more about the topic in our white paper at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/white-paper-brainstorming-techniques.php