Project Perfect - Project Management

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

Project Interviewing Techniques White Paper

Our white paper on project interviewing techniques will give you some useful tips when inevitably you have to interview someone. It might be an interview in a PIR, requirements gathering, understanding issues or employing resources. There are techniques and you need to improve your interview skills to succeed as a project manager. Read more at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/info-project-interviewing-techniques.php

Second White Paper on Project Team Performance

In the second part of our white paper on team performance, we focus on setting up a performance management system, and reaping the benefits.

Read the first paper at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/info_performance_management_1.php and the second part at http://www.projectperfect.com.au/info_performance_management_2.php

SQL Server Back End for Project Administrator

We are pleased to announce the launch of a SQL Server database back end for Project Administrator. Existing databases can be converted to SQL Server and new databases can be set up for SQL Server.
For some time we have been asked by clients to provide a more industrial strength database solution and are now pleased to make it available. You should note that you will need to involve your database administrator in the conversion as it will require DBA skills to set up the new database and configure it to suit your own security and environment.
For more information go to http://www.projectperfect.com.au/pa_sql_server.htm and read all about what it takes to move to SQL Server.