| Scope Management |
|
|
 Defining the Scope of a Project |
A number of techniques to assist you define the scope of an IT Project. Number of ratings -
1680 |
 |
| Change Management in Projects |
Change Management and dealing with changes is a key project management function for any industry. There might be enormous variance in efforts, cost, schedule, quality of deliverables if changes are not handled effectively. Many projects are delayed and many other are terminated because project managers were not able to manage changes. Number of ratings -
9 |
|
| The Root Causes of Schedule Slippage |
With global and competitive market, it is very important to launch a product or service in the market on time and ahead of competitors. A timely launch definitely depends on on-time-completion of the product development projects. Project planning has lots of challenges to overcome in order to finish the project on time. This article talks about some of the challenges often faced in the Software Product Development industry that cause schedule slippage. Number of ratings -
31 |
 |
| Managing Scope |
Managing scope is one of the most challenging tasks a Project Manager will face. This white paper covers some of the things you must anticipate and address as a Project Manager. Number of ratings -
32 |
|
| Scope Tips |
One of the most popular white papers we prepared is on how to set the scope of a project. Since then, I have been asked on a number of occasions to provide some more tips and techniques for estimating scope. This white paper on scope definition will pull together a number of tips and traps around the topic of defining the scope. Number of ratings -
110 |
|
| Scope Creep Management |
Learn how to manage the inevitable (and even natural) scope creep on a project. Number of ratings -
51
|
|
| Managing Changes to Estimates |
How do you cater for the unknown in project. This White Paper talks about why there will always be "unknowns" and gives you strategies to deal with them. Number of ratings -
43 |
|
| |
|
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| Time Management |
|
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| Managing Uncertainty in Project Planning |
Uncertainty in project planning is widely recognized in many industries and a wide variety of different tools exists to help optimize the planning process and minimize the associated risks. Read more on the topic of managing uncertainty in projects. Number of ratings -
36 |
|
| Reducing Time Spent on Requirements |
A review of the time spent gathering requirements, techniques available to reduce the time, and some innovative thoughts. Number of ratings -
23 |
|
| |
|
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| Resource Management |
|
|
| Project Performance Management - Part 1 |
Getting a project team, or any team to perform at their most effective is a difficult task. This first part of a two part white paper talks about the myths and reality of developing a top performing project team. Number of ratings -
9 |
|
| Project Performance Management - Part 2 |
In the second part of our white paper on team performance, we focus on setting up a performance management system, and reaping the benefits. Number of ratings -
3 |
|
| Motivating a Project Team |
We all know that a motivated team will achieve more than an unmotivated team. The difficulty is creating a motivated team. This white paper talks about some of the factors behind the art of motivation. First Published May 2007. Number of ratings -
79 |
|
| Resource Management and Communication |
This article by Sandeep Mehta takes a subjective look and provides practical understanding of Human Resource Management. First published September 2006. Number of ratings -
32 |
|
| Getting 'Buy-in' from the Business |
One of the most difficult parts of a project is to get buy-in from the business – in particular the Sponsor. This white paper explores a few techniques that can assist with the process. It also covers the engagement of business resources in a project and how that can be improved by a little bit of thought and planning. First published September 2006. Number of ratings -
23 |
|
| Offshore projects using Agile Methodology - Part 1 |
The topic is managing offshore projects using an agile methodology. There is enough learning in that topic to fill several articles. This is a two part white paper by Thavaranjan Thavendran which passes on some of his experiences in the area. First published August 2005. Number of ratings -
28 |
|
Offshore projects using Agile Methodology - Part 2
|
Part two of this white paper concludes the author's experiences in managing offshore projects using an agile methodology. Number of ratings -
16 |
|
| IT Recruitment - Part 1 |
Organizations must always have successful recruiting and hiring strategies in place to stay ahead of the game. This is the first of a three part series by Addicam Sanjay that explores the recruitment and retention of employees in the IT Industry . First published June 2006. Number of ratings -
15 |
|
| IT Recruitment - Part 2 |
Part two of our three part series concentrates on retention of staff. First published July 2006. Number of ratings -
14 |
 |
| IT Recruitment - Part 3 |
Part three focuses on reducing turnover in your project or IT department. First published July 2006. Number of ratings -
8 |
|
| Managing the Sponsor |
Have you had trouble managing a Sponsor? This white paper gives a few tips and tricks to help you manage the Sponsor to be a supportive and contributing part of the team. Number of ratings -
31 |
|
| Social Architecture |
An extensive article that looks at the role of people in software development. Number of ratings -
17 |
|
| Key Stakeholder Support |
If the key stakeholders in a project are not supportive, you are in trouble from day one. This white paper provides a technique for mapping the importance and supportiveness of project participants. Number of ratings -
25 |
|
| Hiring Project Team members |
Hiring project employees is a difficult task. Look at why the customer should not come first. Number of ratings -
16 |
|
| Resourcing a Project Team |
When it comes to resourcing a project, you rarely have the luxury of selecting the ideal people. So how do you manage the situation? This white paper gives some guidelines for dealing with the reality of project resources. Number of ratings -
87 |
|
| Customer Relations with the Business |
The five top things that business have difficulty with when looking at a project. Gives advice as to how to have a better relationship with the Sponsor. Number of ratings -
17 |
|
| Effective People Management in Global IT Projects |
In this white paper we examine some of the human elements of projects and look at how different projects require a different approach to the people involved. Number of ratings -
10 |
|
| Power Developer Squads |
Power Developer Squads is a concept based around using developers in an innovative team environment. It provides a way of sharing workloads while developing team skills. Number of ratings -
27 |
|
| |
|
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| Cost Management |
|
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| Creative Project Accounting |
It might be tedious to manage the finances of a project but there is room for a bit of creative thinking. This white paper puts forward a few ideas to stir up some creative juices as to how you might manage the money. Number of ratings -
33 |
|
| Setting up a Project Budget and managing project Expenditure |
Setting up a project budget can be a daunting task. Project Financial Software may assist but setting up a project chart of accounts is critical. Learn about project financial systems and see a sample set of project accounts. Number of ratings -
172 |
|
| |
|
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| Risk Management |
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|
Basic Risk Management |
A guide to creating a basic risk management plan. Simple guide for doing your plan. Number of ratings -
1326 |
|
| Project Assumptions |
How do you manage assumptions in projects? Read about project assumptions, what they mean, and how to rate them. Find out the relationship between assumptions and risks. Number of ratings -
200 |
|
| |
|
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| Quality Management |
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| 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. Number of ratings -
7 |
 |
| Casual Analysis |
Causal Analysis is a Quality Control tool that, if used effectively, can provide drastic improvements. It is approach is an effective tool for Quality Control and is used in many Software Development and Services engagements. Number of ratings -
32 |
|
| Quality Culture |
Building a quality culture is not an easy task. This white paper talks about how to establish a quality culture in an organisation. and how to sustain a focus on quality -
124 |
|
| Project Quality Plan |
How many projects have a quality plan? Look at a simple pragmatic way to put together a quality plan for your project. Number of ratings -
695 |
|
Quality - A Health Capsule (CMM) |
How use of the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) can improve software quality. Number of ratings -
330 |
|
| Function Points - An Overview |
A short article on the history, application and use of Function Points. Number of ratings -
47 |
 |
| Measuring Project Health |
There is a simple way to answer the question "How is the project going?" This White Paper proposes an approach based on a series of traffic lights to display current project status. Number of ratings -
538 |
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| |
|
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| Communication Mgmt. |
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| 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. Number of ratings -
4 |
|
| Change Management - a Case Study |
The management of change is an important discipline in today’s ever changing business environment. Change is never easy, and managing it in a large corporate environment is even more challenging. This article is based on a research report that was conducted in 2004 and deals with the management of change in a large South African banking institution. -
60 |
|
| Communication Planning & Change Management |
This is a PowerPoint presentation that can be downloaded. It was presented to the Australian Computer Society in August 05 covering how to set up a Communication Plan, and detailing an approach to change management. It is approximately 80 slides. |
|
| Communications Plan |
What are the essential things to consider when developing a communications plan, and how do you go about creating one for your project. Number of ratings -
677 |
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| |
|
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| Procurement Mgmt |
|
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| Project Differentiators |
Understand how to go about differentiating between organisations that may provide project services to you. Number of ratings -
12 |
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| |
|
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| Generic Project Management |
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|
Project Management Introduction 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. Avneet 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 Avneet. |
|
| Project Management Predictions |
What is Project Management going to look like in five or ten years? What trends will emerge and how can you get in front of the pack - for both your organisation and yourself? Read our view of the future of Project Management. Number of ratings -
6 |
|
| Simple Explanation of Project Management |
Ever need to explain what Project Management is all about in 10 words or less? This might exceed 10 words but it is a simple explanation of what a Project Manager is responsible for. It can be used for people thrust into a PM role without any experience, or to give to a Sponsor who has little idea what a Project Manager is there for. Number of ratings -
52 |
|
| Comparing Building and IT Projects |
It is often hard to understand why IT projects can be so difficult. People in the Engineering/Construction project management area are shocked at how over time, and over budget IT projects can become. Perhaps it is time to compare a construction project and an IT project to understand why they are different. Number of ratings -
29 |
|
| Why IT Projects Fail |
Why do IT Projects fail? This well researched article by Taimour Al Neimat explores some of the reasons, and what can be done to avoid failure -
110 |
|
| Effective Project Management |
What are the things that make up effective Project Management? In this white paper contributed by Sandeep Mehta. Sandeep is with Case Consulting Group in Mumbai and outlines some of his experiences in this article. Number of ratings -
220 |
|
| Running a Supply Chain project |
Running a supply chain project has it's own unique problems however most are just a variation on other Project Management problems. See what an expert has to say about running such a project. Number of ratings -
12 |
|
ERP Implementation - Some Traps |
Some comments from people who have implemented an ERP system. Outlines the lessons they learned along the way. Number of ratings -
635 |
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| |
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| Governance, Metrics, Planning & Tracking |
|
| System Models and Simulation |
Understanding how a system really works is the first step towards using, improving, automating or explaining it to others. This paper shows how to model dynamic systems, run time simulations and present the system behaviour with charts, graphs and tables. It provides example models for population growth, bank balance, demographics, production and water management. Number of ratings -
7 |
|
| Stoplights in Microsoft Project |
Ever
wondered how to use project monitoring tools as pro-active aids instead of
reactive reporting tools? Project stoplights can provide an easy guide to
taking pro-active action on tasks or milestones with potential delay within
a one, two or three week window to the future. Number of ratings -
42 |
|
| Earned
Value Management |
Earned Value is one of the few measures of project delivery. Find
out what it is all about and how to apply it to your project. Number
of ratings -
27 |
|
| Helping Business Mgrs Evaluate Potential Projects |
As a Business Manager, are you confused when faced with a new IT Project? This article sets out six questions you should ask before a project is started. Number of ratings -
56 |
|
| Helping Business Mgrs Evaluate Existing Projects |
This is the second of our articles to help a Senior Business Manager evaluate an existing project and gain a degree of comfort that there are no surprises. Number of ratings -
5 |
|
| Basics
of Microsoft Project |
It is surprising how many Microsoft Project schedules defy the basic
rules. This article takes you through all the fundimentals of setting
up a project schedule. Number of ratings -
102 |
|
| IT & Project Governance |
Applying governance to an IT department, or within a project. Has a technique for creating governance models. Number of ratings -
423 |
|
|
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| Project Governance |
With the advent of Sarbanes-Oxley, and the fairly recent corporate scandals, governance is considered risk management. Govern your organization before the authorities decide to govern it for you. Number of ratings -
62 |
|
| Project Status Reports |
A guide to what should and should not be in a project status report. Gives an example of a typical weekly project status report. Number of ratings -
88 |
|
| Microsoft Project Reporting |
Reporting from Microsoft Project using Microsoft Access. Write your own reports for Project. Download a free Access database that will show you how you can tailor reports to suit your project. Number of ratings -
191 |
|
| |
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| |
|
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| Project Methodology and Process |
|
| Project Infrastructure |
Project Infrastructure refers to the organisational structure, processes, tools, techniques and training an organisation puts in place to make projects more successful. It is a holistic view of how an organisation supports its projects. Number of ratings -
47 |
|
| Implementing a Methodology |
Some lessons from implementing a project management methodology. Covers templates versus process, project management methodology and applications development methodology. Number of ratings -
540 |
|
| The Project Advocate. A New Concept. |
Projects will only progress smoothly through an organisation if someone who knows the local processes and procedures is on hand to guide them. This is the concept of a Project Advocate. Number of ratings -
35 |
|
| |
 |
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| |
|
|
| Program Mgmt and Project Office |
|
Setting up a Project Office |
Guidelines for setting up a Project Office. Includes a checklist to help you determine the mandate for a Project Office. Number of ratings -
166 |
|
| Project Portfolio Management (PPM) |
What is Project Portfolio Management? What are the underlying concepts, and what benefits does it deliver. Number of ratings -
334 |
|
| IT Portfolio Management Model |
IT Portfolio Management is one of the latest trends in Business Intelligence industry. The goal of this white paper is to present a conceptual IT Portfolio management model. Number of ratings -
47 |
|
| |
|
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| Project Review |
|
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| 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. Number of ratings -
6 |
|
| Rescuing a project in Crisis - Part 1 |
This is the first of two white papers. It talks about what a rescue mission will entail and the sort of person to lead the review and/or rescue. Number of ratings -
50 |
|
Rescuing a project in Crisis - Part 2
Project Health Check |
This is the second article in a series about managing a project in crisis. It covers how to carry out a project health check to establish exactly what is happening in a project that may be in difficulty. It also provides a useful checklist of what to look for in a normal project health check or project review. Number of ratings -
42 |
|
| Rescuing a project in Crisis - Part 3 |
The third and final paper in the series covers what you actually do when you review a project in crisis. It outlines a generic approach and gives some guidance to assist in sorting out the problems. Number of ratings -
43 |
|
| The Value of Lessons Learned |
Sharing experiences from projects so that mistakes don't happen twice is common sense, but rarely undertaken. Find out the experiences of one project manager as to how he shares the lessons learned. Number of ratings -
147 |
|
| |
|
|
| Miscellaneous |
|
|
| Project Interviewing Techniques |
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. Number of ratings -
3 |
|
| Effective Beta Program |
An effective Beta program can provide you with valuable information, such as whether your product is truly ready to ship, what features should be in the next release and how satisfied customers will or won't be with the product. If done right, it can also set you up for critical launch and marketing deliverables that will add credibility to your story as you bring the product to market. Number of ratings -
9 |
|
| Technology Change Management |
This article takes an objective look at Technology Change Management (TCM). It covers a number of topics such as what do we mean by TCM, how companies carry out TCM within their IT systems and how their investment can bring a high Return on Investment (ROI) and a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Number of ratings -
23 |
|
| Service Delivery Management |
This paper presents a view on service management and what constitutes a Service Delivery role. Well structured and succinct it provides a map of the core requirements. Number of ratings -
259 |
|
| Operational Change Control |
A comprehensive white paper on what is involved in operational change control. Number of ratings -
159 |
|
| Software Knowledge Management |
What is knowledge management and how does it apply to software development. Number of ratings -
87 |
|
| Data Warehouse Decision Making |
Keeping the focus on decision making when building a data warehouse. List of questions to ask key users. Number of ratings -
18 |
|
| Project Folder Structure |
One of the less glamorous parts of project management is setting up a project file structure or project folder structure. Not too important until six months down the track when you try to find something. A Google search turned up next to nothing on this topic so we decided to put our thoughts to paper -
139 |
|
| 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. Number of ratings -
5 |
|
| |
|
|
| Project Initiation & Business Case |
|
| When does a Project Start? |
Many projects seem to float into existence. Ask yourself when your project started? Can you honestly answer? There may be a date on a schedule somewhere but that only reflects when the planning hit the paper. So how do you give birth to a project? Number of ratings -
4 |
|
| Why do I need a Project Manager |
Ever been asked by a business person why you need a project manager. This White Paper provides the answer. Number of ratings -
67 |
|
| Starting a project |
How do you go about starting a project? If a project is not initiated correctly, it is bound to struggle. Find out some of the things you need to do when setting up a project. Number of ratings -
473 |
|
Project Documentation |
The typical information to include in a Business Case, Project Charter or Phase Plan. Number of ratings -
86 |
|
| Vision, Business Problem, Outcome, Objectives & all that stuff.... |
An outline of creating the project context before starting. It covers why we define the vision, outcome, objectives, stakeholders etc. and gives an example. Number of ratings -
62 |
|
| Alternative to a Business Case |
Do you always need a business case? Does a business case stifle creativity in IT? Read about another way to look at justification for an IT project. Number of ratings -
57 |
|
| Market Research in Projects |
Market research is used in the consumer world to identify the pros and cons of new products. Why is it not used more in IT for new projects? Number of ratings -
19 |
|
| |
|
|
| Benefits |
|
|
| Benefit Identification |
Identifying benefits for a project is usually more of a black art than developing the solution. In order to identify benefits, a somewhat different approach needs to be undertaken. This white paper will cover some aspects of benefit identification and realisation. Number of ratings -
51 |
|
| |
|
|
| Requirements |
|
|
| "Method H" ™. A new technique for Business Analysis |
"Method H" ™ is a new and simple technique for business analysis. Business Analysts can use it to improve communication with users and get requirements in a clear, comprehensive format. Number of ratings -
260 |
|
| Requirements Mgmt and Stakeholders |
Although requirements may be thoroughly documented, sometimes the solution is not considered a success. The product delivered at the end may not result in the solution the customer has in mind. Find out how to manage both requirements and stakeholders. Number of ratings -
37 |
|
| Requirements Traceability |
Keeping track of changing requirements is often forgotten. It is only when something goes wrong and the wrong specs are used that traceability becomes an issue. Learn how to manage requirements and why it is important to have traceability. Number of ratings -
164 |
|
| Business Process Modeling Overview |
Ever wondered what business process modeling was all about, and how it fitted with IT development? Read this article for an overview of the subject including some examples. Number of ratings -
37 |
|
| The role of a Facilitator in JAD |
JAD or any other Workshop approach will function far more smoothly if there is a facilitator. This paper outlines what the facilitator should contribute. Number of ratings -
70 |
|
| |
|
|
| Software Selection & Purchase |
|
| Software Purchase Process |
How do you manage a software purchase project? This white paper gives you a process for package software purchase that will keep your organisation focused, and provide a path to follow that you, rather than the vendor, drive. Number of ratings -
33 |
|
Buying Software - Vendor Tricks |
Some of the tricks and techniques used by less then trustworthy software vendors. Some traps to be aware of when buying software. Number of ratings -
99 |
|
| Software Pricing |
An attempt to list all the different types of pricing that a vendor can come up with when you are buying ERP or any sort of software. Number of ratings -
37 |
|
| |
|
|
| Development & Testing |
|
|
| Developing a test strategy |
Some guidelines on how to develop a test strategy and why it is important to put a strategy in place before developing the plan. Number of ratings -
388 |
|
| Developing a test Plan |
Once the strategy is in place, it is time to develop the plan. This gives you some guidance on how to create a test plan. Number of ratings -
259 |
|
| Build & Smoke Testing |
A case study of a development technique to build and test software on a weekly basis. |
|
| Agile Management and Development |
If you have heard about agile programming but never had the time to study it, this gives a good overview. Number of ratings -
62 |
|
| Totally RAD Dude |
How do you manage expectations in a Rapid Applications Development (RAD) project? Number of ratings -
52 |
|
| Lean Project Development |
By using Lean Production/Manufacturing principles not only quality concerns and other issues can be resolved, but also a continuous improvement cycle can be built in to the process. Number of ratings -
25 |
|
Project Management White Paper Index
