#planning Archives | Page 2 of 3 | Project Management Nerd

The Concept Canvas – Free Template Included.

Today we have a look at the concept canvas. Free template download included.

The concept canvas is an important tool that allows you and your organisation the ability to link any project opportunity with the outcomes that your organisation wants. It is basically your high level business case.

When you are thinking about project ideas that will provide positive outcomes for your organisation you are at the initiation phase. Before progressing the idea, you should be able to articulate the benefits and constraints to a client or project sponsor.

5 Project Risks That You Need to Know

Its been a while so lets start the conversation going by exploring risk.

What is Project Risk?

When you are planning your projects one of the key considerations is risk. Risk is defined as “an uncertain event or condition, that if it occurs will impact at least one project output or outcome”.

It is common in projects that risks may be identified but not prioritised. If they are not prioritised then it is impossible to develop mitigation strategies!

Earned Value Management

Today we look at EVM!

Ok, this blog site is called Project Management nerd for a reason and this article is a great example of me nerding out on a PM concept. Today I want to have a look at Earned Value Management (EVM). Let’s start with some definitions and then let’s have a look at some examples.

Sprint Planning

Sprint planning is the precursor to the sprint. It is an important step as it determines the goals and what work can be achieved in the sprint. It also outlines what can be achieved.

Sprint planning is a whole of team exercise where the whole scrum team work in collaboration to determine what can realistically be completed.

In scrum the sprint is a set of periods of time where all the work is done. Time frames may vary depending on the team however 2-4 weeks are the most likely timeframes. In scrum a sprint is used as it brings large pieces of work into smaller work packages whilst still providing the team with continuous learning and improving.

The Scrum Process

First identified by Takeuchi & Nonaka in 1986 a scrum is a rugby term that can be used in the context of Agile. It emphasises teamwork with progress in incremental steps and was originally considered for software development projects.

It is primarily focused on complex projects that require goals to be broken up into shorter iterative time frames called sprints. The focus on teamwork means fellow team members will jump in and remove any bottlenecks that may be slowing down a fellow teammate. The flexibility that comes with scrum allows projects that are dynamic and not fully scoped to be completed. Change is ever present in scrum projects and that is part of the allure of the methodology. Scrum teams embrace change and look to quickly respond to changing requirements.

History of the Gantt Chart

Commonly used today the Gantt chart was once the pinnacle of management thought.

The use of Gantt charts has developed from being the height of innovation when first used to the default tool for schedule management today. In fact, the use of Gantt charts is now seen as a fundamental part of any project.

5 Common Agile Myths

We explore 5 common myths surrounding the Agile methodology

To understand Agile better, it may be helpful to dispel some of the myths that surround the methodology. In an age of misinformation many of the Agile concepts and approaches are incorrectly communicated and shared with new and old practitioners alike. By addressing some of these myths we may be able to understand what works and what situations are the most appropriate for adopting an Agile approach. The following myths and explanations may help with understanding the Agile framework and assist practitioners with levelling the expectations from project stakeholders and their own project teams.

Agile Project Management in Traditional Industries

We explore the rise of Agile methodologies in traditional industries.

Industries that have used more traditional frameworks for managing their projects are Increasingly looking to Agile to improve their project delivery. Management and project practitioners have embraced the fundamental advantages that Agile brings which include:

Megaprojects – Yankee Stadium

Today I look at the Yankee Stadium project. Steeped in tradition the home of the Yankees changed significantly through the early 2000s

The Yankee stadium is a baseball venue that is located in Concourse, Brink, New York City. It has two tenants, the New York Yankees Major League Baseball team as well as New York City FC Major League Soccer team.

Project management – why do we need it?

This article explores the importance of project management and why it might mean the difference between success and failure.

Project management is the application of the skills, resources, techniques and knowledge into a project that is designed to exceed the needs and expectations of the stakeholders. In order to achieve this success, the project practitioner needs to balance the competing demands of stakeholder needs and expectations which include: