This blog post is a video.
This is the second video in the short series on how to develop a schedule.
In the first video, we covered the process of scheduling, which are the steps to follow for any
This blog post is a video.
This video cover ‘the process’ of scheduling. Typically developing the schedule for a stage of a project but could be for any other work.
We will not discuss details, only an overview of the steps to develop the initial schedule and some of the concepts required to optimize the schedule.
Continue readingThe text in this blog post is from a seven-volume e-book series that we are working on. It is Chapter 7 from Volume 2.
The Customizable and Adaptable Methodology for Managing Projects
What are these three dimensions?
The first dimension is the project life cycle (the horizontal dimension), which helps practitioners follow a project from idea to closure (and beyond). Figure 5 (the first figure) is repeated from an earlier chapter, and it presents the first dimension. Keep in mind, this image represents the standard model without any customization, adaptation, or other tailoring steps.
The project life cycle consists of phases, stages, stage deliverables, and stage gates. What CAMMP
The intent of assigning “the first dimension” to the project life cycle is to emphasize that a project life cycle is the most basic form of a methodology and must be the starting point. In other words, whether we are dealing with a micro project or a mega project, organizations should follow a project life cycle, or what is also known as a stage-gate process. The project life cycles will vary from one industry to another or project type. Hence the need to start with a standard model, then customize to an industry and organization, adapt to an organizational function, and modify to fit a given project class accounting for size and complexity. The ultimate purpose is to start with a standardized methodological approach to develop tailored methods that are fit for purpose[i].
Volume 3 will provide a detailed explanation of every stage, and its components.
The first dimension can be good enough to manage micro or basic projects without the use of the second dimension. It helps organizations manage a project C2C, concept to closure. Therefore, this dimension is a must for all projects regardless of type, domain, size or complexity. However, once again we must emphasize that as project grow in size or complexity, there is a need for the second dimension.
The second dimension is the vertical dimension of the project life cycle. It is about the application of the project management processes along the project life cycle in every stage or phase. In other words, the PLC help us manage C2C but to manage each phase or stage, we need the second dimension.
Before we show the big picture, let us emphasize a vital point. For the effective management of every phase of the project, we need a set of processes. PMI and ISO offer us the concept of process groups, which we modified and expanded it for the CAMMP
Now, it is time to integrate the first two dimensions, which is the focus of Figure 7 (this third image).
What this image shows, is that in every phase, these set of processes repeat. Keep in mind that CAMMP
Volume 4 will provide more coverage of the second dimension.
A quick refresher first.
Wonderful, then what is the third dimension for?
Unfortunately, we do not have a graphical representation for this since it is not like the first two dimensions; not a specific step or a stage or a process. The third dimension consists of layers, layers that organizations could implement along (and on top of) the project life cycle and the processes. These layers are what help organizations move from a fundamental methodological approach and transform it into a highly sophisticated and robust system that will enable and empower them to seek excellence.
In other words, whether you are managing a small or a mega project, a technology or a marketing project, in for-profit or not-for-profit organization, we need to apply some, if not all of the topics of the third dimension. This would be necessary, if organizations and teams want to elevate their projects and organizational performance to outstanding levels.
Organizations must ensure the competence of those working on projects. The competence would have to be appropriate to the type, domain, or class of the project. Competence is one of the advanced topics of the third dimension.
Along with competence, organizations cannot elevate performance without assessing the success of the projects they complete. We do have a project success model that we incorporate with CAMMP
In addition to competence and project success, we address sustainability and best practices as the other two advanced topics to help organizations reach higher level of project management maturity.
Volume 4 will provide more coverage of the third dimension and its advanced topics.
[i] Volume 6 of this series will provide more details about tailoring the steps for developing tailored methods. In the meantime, this video playlist is a good starting point: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiXup1lJ-_TNEkPCJXBy9eKUBJV8FmlDS.
[ii] The image shown is the SUKAD model for medium-moderate complexity projects.
If you read the last two posts, great continue reading here. However, if you have not, we urge you to go back and read this article first, then this article. Reading is important since we provide a great deal of information through these posts and the learning program will also require reading. In this online learning program, we will help you (coach you) learn and lead a personal project from idea to completion. We will use a project-based learning approach, meaning, you should have a project. Finally, you will learn to deliver your initiative by following The SUKAD Way
It is hard to share a document via social media, so we are documenting this offer via our blog site and YouTube channel. However, if you prefer a PDF copy, email us and we will share. This offer is open NOW and will remain open until mid-August 2018. If you like to join our applied project management program, (a) where we will be using a project-based learning approach, and (b) if you are willing to commit to learning how to lead a personal or private project using the SUKAD way
The PMBOK Guide, Sixth Edition, emphasizes tailoring. However, what is required to develop tailored project management methods? What is a Project Management Method?
The SUKAD Way
How to apply project management in the real world? Recently, we published an article on Can Project Management be Simplified …, and apparently, that article has been popular and well received. Therefore, it is time to build on that success and show that we practice what we preach! This article is the first of a series that we will be publishing over the next few weeks with a focus on PBL, APM, LLL, PM4Y (PM4Youth), and CAMMP
Read on and enjoy the learning! Continue reading
Do you need a project management methodology for managing projects? Or, do you believe that existing standards, guides, and certifications are enough?
Guides are useful, but do they offer a project management methodology?
The #PMP is in high demand but is it enough to manage projects successfully?
We think that #certification is good and has value but not enough on its own.
