#projectmanagement Archives | Project Management Nerd

15 strategies for managing time, tasks and projects

I’ve put together a list related to your time, tasks and projects below. This is based on my experience managing an online project management office.

Firstly, I strongly advise creating a thorough business plan. This important step lets you set your vision, mission, and goals. With this foundational document, you can map out the operational and project-related tasks needed to bring your vision to life in an organised way.

Numerous platforms are available to help you with your time, tasks and projects Each one has particular strengths for managing projects. I have personally used Microsoft Project, Trello, and Monday.com, among others. I recently started using Notion, an amazing application with project planning features, communication team channels, and customisation options that tailor your system to your specifications. You ought to explore it since it’s a useful tool.

Further Reading | The importance of setting goals |

Time Management

Arrange jobs according to priority by using the Eisenhower Matrix (quadrant approach) to divide them into four categories: urgent/important, urgent/not important, urgent/not important, and neither. Prioritise the most crucial things first.

1. Establish Specific Goals

Specify your immediate and long-term objectives. You’ll be better able to manage your time because you’ll know exactly what you’re aiming for.

Further Reading |How to manage a saboteur in your team |

2. Time Blocking

Set up particular time slots for various kinds of work. As an illustration, designate a block of time for meetings, email checks, and concentrated work.

Further Reading |Book Review – “Doing Agile Right: transformation without chaos” |

3. Employ Time Management Tools

To help you keep organised and responsible, make use of digital tools such as calendars, task management apps (like Trello, Asana), and time-tracking apps (like Toggl).

Refrain from multitasking as it can lead to a decline in productivity. To finish a task effectively, concentrate on it one at a time.

As your company expands, assign responsibilities to team members or think about outsourcing to free up your time for more strategic endeavours.

Further Reading |PMBOK Principle 6 – LEADERSHIP |

Organising Tasks

4. Make a To-Do List

Make a list of things you need to get done every day. As new jobs are assigned, update the list.

Further Reading |What are processes in a project management framework? |

5. Establish Achievable Deadlines

Be honest about how long things will take and establish deadlines that are doable. Don’t pack too much into your calendar.

Further Reading |What are some effective strategies for remote team collaboration? |

6. Divide Up the Work into Manageable Steps

Big tasks can be intimidating. To make them more reachable, break them up into smaller, more doable tasks.

Further Reading |Case Study – Improving Team Communication Skills |

7. Employ a Task Management System

To efficiently organise and prioritise work, use a task management system such as Getting Things Done (GTD) or Kanban (e.g., Trello).

Further Reading |How to Promote Team Collaboration in Your Organisation |

8. Review and Update Frequently

Make sure you’re working on the most important and relevant things by regularly going over your to-do list. Refresh as needed.

Further Reading |PMBOK Principle 8 -BUILDING QUALITY |

9. Batch Similar jobs

To boost productivity, combine related jobs into one group. Manage all of your emails and phone calls, for instance, inside designated time slots.

Further Reading |PMBOK Principle 4 – VALUE FOCUS |

Project Administration

10. Plan your projects

Clearly state the goals, parameters, and deliverables of the work. Make a project plan with assigned tasks, due dates, and roles.

Further Reading |Project Quality Management |

11. Employ project management software

Asana, Monday.com, Jira, Notion and other programs can be used to monitor project status and facilitate teamwork.

Further Reading |PMBOK Principle 7 – THE ART OF TAILORING |

12. Communication

Good communication involves informing your team and making sure that everyone is aware of their responsibilities for the project. Stand-up meetings or routine check-ins can be beneficial.

Further Reading |10 Post Pandemic Project Management Skills |

13. Risk

Risk assessment is the process of identifying possible risks and developing backup strategies to deal with them. This can keep unanticipated problems from causing your initiatives to fail.

Further Reading |PMBOK Principle 10 – NAVIGATING RISKS |

14. Regularly Monitor and Adjust

Keep an eye on the status of the project at all times, and be prepared to make changes as necessary. Being adaptable is essential in a fast-paced professional setting.

Further Reading |PMBOK Principle 3 – EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS |

15. Celebrate Milestones

To inspire your team and keep spirits up, acknowledge and commemorate the accomplishment of project milestones.

Further Reading |Project Closure and Lessons Learned |

In Summary

Keep in mind that efficient time, task, and project management is a continuous process that might require trial and error in order to identify the most efficient strategies for your particular company. Be willing to modify your strategies as your company expands and changes.

Glen McNeill is the Founder of the Project Management Nerd, an organisation that provides training and certification for aspiring project managers. He also runs an online PMO. Glen also has a diverse background in both finance and sport. He is highly regarded in the industry for his expertise and innovative approach to project management.

How do you manage a software development team effectively?

There are several obstacles to overcome when leading a development team, such as unforeseen setbacks, growing complexity, and conflicting priorities. Effective team management requires careful consideration of the following factors if you’re a project manager or scrum master:

Project Vision and Goals

Clearly state the project’s objectives, parameters, and expected results. Ensure that the group is aware of the project’s importance in relation to the organisation’s overall plan.

Agile Methodologies

To improve task management and project monitoring, adopt agile approaches like Scrum or Kanban. Divide the project into doable sprints or iterations and use Jira or Trello or other similar tools for effective task and workflow management.

Further Reading: | Book Review – “Doing Agile Right: transformation without chaos” |

Clear Communication

Plan regular meetings to talk about progress, problems, and possible solutions. Examples of these include sprint planning sessions, retrospectives, and daily stand-ups. Use real-time communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack for collaboration.

Further reading: | How to Promote Team Collaboration in Your Organisation |

Tools and Resources

Make sure your group has access to the tools and assistance it needs to overcome challenges. Make training and skill development investments to keep your personnel knowledgeable about the newest technologies and industry best practises.

Testing and Quality Assurance

To identify and fix problems early in the development process, put in place a strong framework for testing and quality assurance. This covers code reviews, automated and manual testing, and setting up pipelines for continuous integration and continuous deployment, or CI/CD.

Feedback and Ongoing Improvement

Encourage the sharing of helpful criticism in order to foster a culture of ongoing improvement. Assess team performance on a regular basis, identify areas for development, and implement changes to optimise the process.

Further Reading: | PMBOK Principle 9 – NAVIGATING PROJECT COMPLEXITY |

These tactics provide a disciplined framework for leading a software development team, prioritising project management, encouraging open communication, and stressing continuous improvement and quality.

Glen McNeill is the Founder of the Project Management Nerd, an organization that provides training and certification for aspiring project managers. With a diverse background in both finance and sport, Glen has achieved success in a variety of fields. He is highly regarded in the industry for his expertise and innovative approach to project management.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

While a project manager’s responsibilities include a wide variety of arranging and planning, what exactly does a project manager do?

The Project Manager’s role is multi-faceted

In today’s business environment, project management plays a vital role in making sure that initiatives are carried out effectively, on schedule, and within budget. We will go further into the complex job of a project manager in this article, highlighting the range of duties they perform and the benefits they offer to businesses.

The Foundation of Project Management

Regardless of the size or complexity of the project, project managers are the forgotten heroes charged with the responsibility of its successful conclusion. They act as the pivot, coordinating duties, assets, and team members to accomplish an organisation’s objectives. While the specific tasks may change according to the project type and industry, certain responsibilities remain constant.

Defining Project Goals and Objectives

Clearly defining the project’s goals and objectives is one of a project manager’s main responsibilities. This entails developing a project plan in close collaboration with stakeholders, identifying quantifiable measures for monitoring progress, and working closely with them to understand their requirements and expectations.

Resource Allocation and Team Coordination

The duties of project managers include selecting the best team and distributing resources efficiently. They choose team members, determine the skill sets needed for each project phase, while also ensuring everyone works well together. To keep the project on schedule, project managers also need to prioritise activities, juggle different tasks, and manage schedules.

Further Reading: | Case Study – Improving Team Communication Skills |

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

An essential component of a project manager’s job is risk management. They identify potential risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate them. By addressing challenges proactively, project managers minimize disruptions and enhance the project’s chances of success.

There’s a tremendous bias against taking risks. Everyone is trying to optimize their ass-covering.
Elon Musk

Budget and Cost Management

Developing and overseeing the project budget is also the responsibility of project managers. They keep tabs on costs, keep an eye on how resources are being used, and make sure the project stays within the budget that was provided. Maintaining profitability and preventing budget overruns need effective cost management.

Further Reading: | PMBOK Principle 4 – Value Focus |

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Effective communication is critical to the success of any project. By serving as a liaison between various stakeholders, project managers ensure all parties are informed and in agreement. They handle issues, promote cooperation between stakeholders and team members, and give frequent updates on the status of the project.

Further Reading: | PMBOK Principle 3 – EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS |

Quality Assurance

Maintaining high standards is an additional key component of a project manager’s responsibilities. To make sure that the final outputs meet or surpass expectations, they set quality benchmarks, carry out routine inspections, and place quality control procedures into place.

Adaptability and Problem Solving

Seldom do projects perform exactly as expected. Project managers need to be flexible and be able to think quickly in order to handle unexpected challenges. They come up with ideas, take well-informed positions, and manage the project to completion despite the difficulties.

Further Reading: | 10 Post Pandemic Project Management Skills |

Conclusion

To sum up, a project manager’s job is complex and essential to the success of a project. They ensure that projects are completed effectively and efficiently by acting as organisers, leaders, and issue solvers. Project managers are in great demand as organisations continue to change, which makes their work exciting and challenging.

How to manage a saboteur in your team

Is there someone disrupting your project delivery? Here are 10 strategies to use when you think you have a saboteur in your team.

Employees serve as the heartbeat within any organisation, driving its functions and aspirations. The realisation of strategic goals hinges upon the collective energy and dedication exhibited by the team.

However, the harmony of this ecosystem can be disrupted by internal conflicts, casting a shadow over project outcomes. In more drastic cases, employees driven by a sense of revenge might resort to saboteur tactics, jeopardising the very success of the project.

This crafty behaviour frequently operates covertly and goes for long stretches without being noticed. According to Alexander Serenko’s research, 40% of workers engage in various types of sabotage, with many of them repeating such behaviours. Furthermore, about half of these incidents—a sizeable portion—are the result of interpersonal disputes.

Surprisingly, many saboteur incidents are motivated by retaliation due to prior reprimands. Interviews with these saboteurs reveal an intriguing, unsettling truth: rather than regret, they take pride in their sabotage.

Here are some strategies to help identify and approach project sabotage.

How to Manage a Saboteur in Your Team

Recognize the Signs

Before taking any action, it’s crucial to determine whether a team member is genuinely sabotaging the project or facing personal challenges that are affecting their performance.

Signs of sabotage might include consistently missing deadlines, spreading negative rumours, purposefully providing inaccurate information, or exhibiting a lack of collaboration.

By identifying these patterns early, you can better address the issue.

Private Conversation

If you suspect that a team member is a saboteur, initiate a private conversation with them. Approach the discussion with empathy and curiosity rather than accusation.

Express your concerns about their recent behaviour and ask if there are any challenges they’re facing that might be contributing to their actions. Encourage open communication and listen actively to understand their perspective. This conversation can provide valuable insights into the underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Approach the conversation with genuine interest and avoid accusations.

Clarify Expectations

Sometimes, a team member’s actions might be a result of miscommunication or misunderstanding. Reiterate the project goals, roles, and responsibilities to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Clear communication can help minimise confusion and create a unified team approach. If the sabotaging behaviour continues, you can refer back to these expectations as a point of reference during further discussions.

Document Incidents

In situations where the saboteur’s behaviour persists, it’s essential to keep a record of incidents, including dates, descriptions, and any relevant evidence.

This documentation will serve as a factual record of the behaviour in case more formal actions need to be taken in the future. Having a clear record will also help you maintain objectivity when addressing the issue with higher-ups or HR

Involve Higher Management or HR

If informal discussions fail to resolve the issue, it might be necessary to involve higher management or your organization’s Human Resources department.

Present the documented incidents and explain the impact on the project’s progress and team dynamics. Seek their guidance on proceeding and collaborating on a plan to address the situation effectively.

Offer Support and Resources

In some cases, a saboteur’s behaviour could stem from factors outside of work. Offer your support and resources to the team member, such as access to counselling services or additional training.

Demonstrating that you care about their well-being can help improve their attitude and performance. However, balancing this approach with accountability for their actions is essential.

Set Consequences

If all attempts to address the issue informally have been exhausted, it might be time to set clear consequences for continued sabotaging behaviour.

Communicate these consequences to the team member and ensure they understand their actions’ potential outcomes. While you should strive for a positive and supportive team environment, maintaining accountability is also important.

Reassign or Restructure

In severe cases where the saboteur’s behaviour hinders the project and negatively impacts the team, you might need to consider reassigning the team member to a different role or project.

If feasible, restructuring the team’s dynamics might also alleviate the situation. This decision should be made after careful consideration of the team member’s skills, the project’s needs, and the overall team dynamic.

Focus on the Positive

While dealing with a saboteur can be challenging, focusing on the project’s positive aspects and the rest of the team is essential.

Acknowledge and celebrate the progress and achievements that the team is making despite the challenges. This positivity can help boost morale and keep everyone motivated to work towards the project’s success.

Learn and Prevent

Once the situation has been resolved, take the opportunity to learn from the experience. Analyze what factors might have contributed to the sabotaging behaviour and how to prevent similar situations. Consider implementing strategies for early detection of potential issues and fostering a culture of open communication and support within the team.

Managing a saboteur requires a combination of empathy, clear communication, and assertive action.

Addressing the issue promptly and professionally can help preserve team dynamics and maintain the project’s momentum.

By recognizing the signs, engaging in open conversations, involving higher management or HR when necessary, and focusing on positive outcomes, you can navigate the challenges a sabotaging team member poses while steering your project towards success.

Serenko, A. (2019), “Knowledge sabotage as an extreme form of counterproductive knowledge behavior: conceptualization, typology, and empirical demonstration”, Journal of Knowledge Management, Vol. 23 No. 7, pp. 1260-1288. https://doi.org/10.1108/JKM-01-2018-0007

PMBOK Principle 10 – NAVIGATING RISKS

Discover the art of navigating risks in project management, maximizing opportunities, and minimizing threats.

Introduction

In project management, risks are uncertain events or conditions that can impact project objectives positively or negatively. While identified risks may or may not occur, project teams strive to identify and evaluate both known and emergent risks throughout the project life cycle.

Maximizing Opportunities and Decreasing Threats

Project teams aim to maximize positive risks, known as opportunities, while minimizing exposure to negative risks, referred to as threats. Threats can lead to issues like delays, cost overruns, technical failures, performance shortfalls, or reputational damage.

On the other hand, opportunities can bring benefits such as reduced time and cost, improved performance, increased market share, or an enhanced reputation.

Additionally, project teams continuously monitor the overall project risk, which represents the effect of uncertainty on the project as a whole.

Managing Overall Project Risk

Overall project risk arises from all sources of uncertainty, including individual risks, and reflects the exposure of stakeholders to the implications of variations in project outcomes, both positive and negative. The management of overall project risk aims to keep the project risk exposure within an acceptable range.

Strategies for managing overall project risk include reducing drivers of threats, promoting drivers of opportunities, and maximizing the probability of achieving project objectives.

Michael M. Bissonette

In today’s fast-paced, constantly changing, and extremely competitive environment, risk management is more important than ever for businesses hoping to find their footing in the global market.

Understanding Risk Appetite and Risk Threshold

Project team members engage with relevant stakeholders to understand their risk appetite and risk thresholds. Risk appetite describes the level of uncertainty an organization or individual is willing to accept in anticipation of a reward.

Risk threshold, on the other hand, measures the acceptable variation around an objective and reflects the risk appetite of the organization and stakeholders.

For instance, a risk threshold of ±5% around a cost objective indicates a lower risk appetite compared to a risk threshold of ±10%. The risk appetite and risk threshold guide the project team in navigating risks throughout the project.

Project Management Institute

This is an update and expansion upon PMI’s popular reference, The Practice Standard for Project Risk Management.

Effective Risk Responses

Implementing effective and appropriate risk responses can mitigate individual and overall project threats while enhancing individual and overall opportunities.

When identifying potential risk responses, project teams should consider several characteristics, including:

Appropriateness and timeliness in relation to the significance of the risk.
Cost-effectiveness to ensure efficient resource allocation.
Realism within the project context to ensure feasibility.
Agreement by relevant stakeholders for a comprehensive approach.
Ownership by a responsible person to ensure accountability.

David Hillson, Peter Simon

The book includes: • An entirely new chapter on managing risk in programs, which is an important dimension in today’s world of ever more complex initiatives

Risks Across Organizational Levels

Risks can exist within different levels of an organization, including the enterprise, portfolio, program, project, and product.

In the case of projects that are part of a program or portfolio, risks can influence the realization of benefits and overall value.

Therefore, consistent risk evaluation, planning, and proactive risk implementation are vital for organizations and project teams to minimize costs associated with reactive issue management.

Conclusion

Effectively navigating risks is crucial in project management. By understanding risk appetite, setting risk thresholds, and implementing appropriate risk responses, project teams can maximize opportunities and minimize threats.

Consistent evaluation, planning, and proactive risk management can save organizations and project teams valuable resources in the long run.

Project Quality Management

Explore the principles of quality management in project delivery, covering planning, assurance, control, and continuous improvement for success.

Achieving Excellence through Quality Management in Project Delivery

Introduction

Quality management plays a pivotal role in project success. It encompasses a range of principles and techniques, including quality planning, assurance, control, and continuous improvement.

By embracing these aspects, project managers can ensure the delivery of high-quality projects that meet or exceed stakeholder expectations.

Quality planning serves as the cornerstone for achieving effective quality management. It involves defining the quality objectives, identifying the quality standards and metrics, and determining the processes required to achieve those objectives.

A comprehensive quality plan serves as a roadmap, outlining the actions, resources, and responsibilities needed to deliver a quality project.

Quality Planning

Quality planning serves as the foundation for effective quality management.

It involves defining clear quality objectives, identifying the appropriate quality standards, and determining the necessary processes to achieve those objectives.

By developing a comprehensive quality plan, project managers establish a roadmap that outlines the actions, resources, and responsibilities needed to deliver a project of high quality.

By defining quality objectives, such as reducing defects by 20%, identifying relevant quality standards, such as ISO 9001, and developing processes that focus on thorough testing and inspection, you can create a roadmap for achieving project excellence.”

Quality Assurance

Quality assurance ensures project execution aligns with defined quality standards.

It involves conducting regular audits, inspections, and reviews to identify any deviations from the quality plan and taking prompt corrective actions.

By implementing effective quality assurance measures, project teams can instill confidence in stakeholders and maintain the integrity of the project’s deliverables.

Kenneth Rose

This edition presents case examples that illuminate the theory of quality planning, assurance, and control with real-world narratives, including situation, analysis, and lessons learned.

Regular audits, inspections, and reviews can enable you to identify any deviations from the quality plan and take corrective actions.

This ensures that our project is on track and meets the defined quality standards.

Quality Control:

Quality control refers to the activities performed to monitor and verify that the project’s deliverables meet the specified quality requirements.

It involves inspections, tests, measurements, and data analysis to identify any defects, errors, or deviations from the quality standards.

By implementing robust quality control mechanisms, project teams can identify issues early on and take corrective actions to prevent them from impacting the final product or service.

Through rigorous inspections, tests, and data analysis, we can identify and rectify any defects or deviations from the quality standards. This ensures that the final deliverables meet the desired level of quality.

Further Reading: |Project Closure and Lessons Learned|10 Post Pandemic Project Management Skills|

Timothy J. Kloppenborg, Joseph A. Petrick

Make breakthroughs in project quality by combining project management with quality management – this books shows you how.

Quality Management With Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is a fundamental principle of quality management.

It involves adopting a mindset of consistently seeking ways to enhance processes, practices, and outcomes.

Project teams should foster a culture of learning and innovation, encouraging the identification of improvement opportunities and the implementation of corrective actions.

By embracing continuous improvement, projects can evolve and adapt to changing circumstances, delivering even better results over time.

Continuous improvement involves adopting a mindset of consistently seeking ways to enhance processes, practices, and outcomes.
PM Nerd

For example: “By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we encourage our team members to suggest and implement process enhancements. This allows us to continuously raise the bar and deliver better outcomes with each project.”

Joakim Ahlstrom

Comprehensive, detailed, and easy to read and understand, How to Succeed with Continuous Improvement takes you through a real-life case study of one organization’s journey to a world-class continuous improvement process.

Quality Management Metrics and Measurement

Quality metrics and measurement play a crucial role in assessing the project’s quality performance.

These metrics can include defect rates, customer satisfaction scores, adherence to schedule, and other key performance indicators.

By collecting and analyzing relevant data, project managers can gain insights into the project’s overall quality, identify trends, and make informed decisions to drive quality improvements.

By measuring and tracking defect rates, customer satisfaction scores, and adherence to schedule, we gain valuable insights into our project’s quality performance. This enables us to make data-driven decisions and implement targeted improvements.

Further Reading: |PMBOK Principle 7 – THE ART OF TAILORING|

Stakeholder Engagement

Effective quality management requires active involvement and engagement of stakeholders.

By engaging stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, project managers can gain a better understanding of their expectations and quality requirements.

Regular communication, feedback loops, and collaborative decision-making ensure that the project aligns with stakeholder needs and delivers the desired level of quality.

Through regular communication and engagement with stakeholders, you can ensure that their expectations and quality requirements are understood.

This collaborative approach allows us to meet their needs and deliver a project that satisfies their quality standards.

Further Reading: |PMBOK Principle 3 – EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS|

Quality Culture

Developing a quality culture within the project team and the organization is vital for long-term success.

A quality culture fosters a shared commitment to excellence, where all team members are responsible for upholding quality standards and continuously seeking improvement.

This culture should be supported by leadership, embedded in processes, and reinforced through training and recognition of quality achievements.

By fostering a quality culture, you can empower your team members to take ownership of quality and continuously strive for excellence.

This commitment to quality is driven by leadership support, integrated processes, and recognition of quality achievements.”

Further Reading: |PMBOK Principle 8 -BUILDING QUALITY|

Conclusion

Quality management is a cornerstone of successful project delivery.

By embracing the principles and techniques of quality planning, assurance, control, and continuous improvement, project managers can create a framework for delivering high-quality results that meet or exceed stakeholder expectations.

Adopting a quality culture, engaging stakeholders, utilizing relevant metrics and measurements, and ensuring a smooth flow in writing are essential components of effective quality management.

Let us prioritize quality in our projects, for it is through quality that we achieve excellence.

Further Reading: |Top 10 Project Management Trends Developing in 2023|

PMBOK Principle 9 – NAVIGATING PROJECT COMPLEXITY

Explore the sources and characteristics of project complexity, from human behavior to technological innovation, and learn how to navigate it successfully.

Introduction

In the world of project management, projects are more than just a collection of tasks. They are intricate systems comprising various elements that interact with each other.

However, these interactions can give rise to complexity, which poses significant challenges to project teams.

Complexity can be attributed to factors such as human behavior, system behavior, ambiguity, and technological innovation.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the sources of complexity and explore strategies to effectively navigate and manage it in project environments.

Understanding Complexity in Projects

Complexity, in the context of projects, refers to the intricate and interdependent nature of the project elements and their interactions.

It emerges from the relationships among project components and their connections with external systems and the project environment. The degree of complexity in a project is determined by the nature and number of these interactions.

A project’s complexity is determined by the nature and number of interactions.

While complexity cannot be entirely controlled, project teams can adapt their approaches and modify their activities to address the impacts that arise from complexity.

However, foreseeing the emergence of complexity can be challenging due to the multitude of factors involved. Various interactions, such as risks, dependencies, events, and relationships, can give rise to complexity, making it difficult to isolate a specific cause. Complexity in projects can emerge unexpectedly, necessitating a proactive and adaptable approach to project management.

Factors Contributing to Complexity

To understand complexity in projects, it is essential to recognize the key factors that contribute to its emergence.

Human Behaviour

One such factor is human behavior, which encompasses the conduct, demeanors, attitudes, and experiences of individuals involved in the project. Human behavior can introduce subjectivity and personal agendas that may conflict with the project’s goals and objectives.

Additionally, stakeholders located in remote locations may have different time zones, speak different languages, and adhere to distinct cultural norms, further increasing the complexity of project interactions.

System Behavior

System behavior is another significant contributor to complexity. It refers to the dynamic interdependencies within and among project elements. For example, when integrating different technology systems, threats may arise that could impact project outcomes and success. The interactions among components of the project system can lead to interconnected risks, create emerging or unforeseeable issues, and generate unclear and disproportional cause-and-effect relationships.

Uncertainty and Ambiguity

Ambiguity arises when a situation is unclear or when it is challenging to anticipate or comprehend what to expect. It can stem from having multiple options or a lack of clarity regarding the optimal choice.

Unclear or misleading events, emerging issues, and subjective situations can also contribute to ambiguity in projects.

On the other hand, uncertainty refers to the lack of understanding and awareness of issues, events, paths to follow, or solutions to pursue.

It encompasses the probabilities associated with alternative actions, reactions, and outcomes. Uncertainty includes both “known unknowns” and “unknown unknowns,” the latter referring to emerging factors that are completely outside of existing knowledge or experience.

Kathleen Hass

Discover a new model for managing today’s complex projects

Technological Innovation

Technological innovation, a pervasive force in modern project management, can also introduce complexity.

Innovations, such as the introduction of desktop computing and social media, have fundamentally transformed the way project work is performed.

However, the uncertainty surrounding new technologies and their application contributes to complexity. Technological innovations can either help propel projects toward a solution or disrupt the project when associated uncertainties are not adequately addressed.

Kieran Duck

The essential guide for project managers and leaders.

Navigating Complexity

Successfully navigating complexity requires a proactive and adaptive approach by project teams.

Complexity can manifest in any area of the project and at any point in its life cycle. Therefore, project teams must remain vigilant and continuously monitor the project components as well as the project as a whole for signs of complexity.

Developing a holistic understanding of complex adaptive systems and embracing systems thinking is crucial for effective project management in complex environments.

Complexity requires a proactive and adaptive approach

Additionally, drawing from past project experiences, fostering experimentation, and promoting continuous learning related to system interactions significantly enhance a project team’s ability to navigate complexity when it emerges.

By identifying complexity indicators early on, project teams can proactively adapt their approaches and plans to navigate potential disruptions to effective project delivery.

Addressing complexity requires a multidimensional perspective, considering the interplay between human behavior, system behavior, ambiguity, and technological innovation.

Dr. Wesley E. Donahue

Diverse competencies are required of effective project managers and leaders.

Conclusion

Project complexity poses significant challenges to project teams, requiring them to navigate intricate interactions among project elements, human behavior, system behavior, ambiguity, and technological innovation.

By understanding the sources and characteristics of complexity and adopting proactive strategies, project teams can mitigate its impacts and enhance the likelihood of delivering successful projects.

Embracing adaptability and continuous learning is key to effectively managing complexity in today’s project environments.

|PMBOK Principle 1 – Be a Diligent, Respectful, and Caring Steward|

|PMBOK Principle 2 – Create a Collaborative Project Team Environment|

|PMBOK Principle 3 – EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS|

|PMBOK Principle 4 – VALUE FOCUS|

|PMBOK Principle 5 – System Thinking|

|PMBOK Principle 6 – LEADERSHIP|

|PMBOK Principle 7 – THE ART OF TAILORING|

|PMBOK Principle 8 -BUILDING QUALITY|

Project Closure and Lessons Learned

Discover the importance of formal project closure, including handover, evaluations, and lessons learned, for continuous improvement and future success.

Introduction

Completing a project is a significant milestone, but it’s not the end of the road for project managers. The final phase, project closure, is often overlooked or rushed, yet it holds immense value in ensuring project success and continuous improvement.

In this article, we will delve into the importance of formal project closur. This includes essential activities such as project handover, finalizing documentation, post-project evaluations, and capturing lessons.

Project Handover

During project closure, one crucial activity is the smooth transition of deliverables to the stakeholders or end users.

Project handover involves transferring ownership and responsibility for the project’s outcomes.

This step ensures that the benefits of the project are realized and that the stakeholders are equipped to maintain and operate the deliverables effectively.

Jason Westland

The Project Management Life Cycle reveals the unique Method 123 Project Management Methodology by defining the phases, activities and tasks required to complete a project.

Finalizing Documentation

Documentation is the backbone of any project.

As part of the closure process, it is vital to ensure that all project documentation, including project plans, requirements, design specifications, and test results, are properly organized, updated, and archived.

This documentation serves as a valuable reference for future projects, audits, or compliance purposes.

Conducting Post-Project Evaluations

Post-project evaluations play a crucial role in assessing the project’s overall performance, identifying successes, and pinpointing areas for improvement.

By conducting a comprehensive evaluation, project managers can gain valuable insights into what worked well and what could have been done differently.

This information is vital for enhancing future project planning and execution.

Capturing Lessons Learned

One of the most valuable aspects of project closure is the opportunity to capture lessons learned.

Lessons learned refer to the knowledge and experiences gained throughout the project’s lifecycle. By documenting these insights, project managers and teams can identify best practices, avoid potential pitfalls, and promote continuous improvement in future projects. Lessons learned can range from technical aspects to team dynamics, communication, risk management, and more.

Ginger Levin

This handbook presents a cohesive compilation of program management knowledge from more than 20 certified PgMPs.

Future Improvements

The lessons learned from one project can be applied to benefit future projects.

By incorporating the knowledge gained, organizations can enhance their project management processes, methodologies, and tools.

This enables more efficient project execution, improved stakeholder satisfaction, and increased chances of project success.

Lessons learned can also facilitate knowledge sharing among team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Conclusion

Formal project closure is a critical phase that should not be underestimated or rushed. It provides the opportunity to tie up loose ends, transfer project deliverables, and ensure the project’s success in the long run.

By embracing project closure as an integral part of the project management lifecycle, organizations can enhance their project delivery capabilities and establish a strong foundation for future success.

So, let’s not overlook the power of project closure and the valuable lessons it offers. Embrace the closure phase, learn from it, and watch your future projects thrive.

Further Project Management Reading

PMBOK Principle 8 -BUILDING QUALITY

Discover the importance of quality in project deliverables, the dimensions of quality, and the positive outcomes it can bring.

Introduction

Quality is essential for ensuring that a product, service, or result meets the required standards. It encompasses meeting both the stated and implied needs of the customer. When evaluating deliverables, quality is measured based on their adherence to acceptance criteria and fitness for use.

Dimensions of Quality

Performance: Does the deliverable function as intended by the project team and stakeholders? For example, a software application should perform its intended tasks flawlessly.
Conformity: Is the deliverable suitable for use and does it meet the specified requirements? It should align with the established specifications.
Reliability: Does the deliverable consistently produce accurate results? It should demonstrate stability and deliver consistent metrics.
Resilience: Can the deliverable withstand unforeseen failures and recover quickly? It should exhibit the ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Satisfaction: Does the deliverable elicit positive feedback from end users in terms of usability and user experience? It should leave users satisfied with its functionality.
Uniformity: Does the deliverable demonstrate parity with other deliverables produced in a similar manner? It should maintain consistency throughout the project.
Efficiency: Does the deliverable yield maximum output with minimal inputs and effort? It should optimize resource utilization.
Sustainability: Does the deliverable have a positive impact on economic, social, and environmental factors? It should contribute positively to these aspects.

W. Edwards Deming , Joyce Orsini, Diana Deming

“…quality and operations are all about systems, not individual performance; the system has to be designed so that the worker can perform well.”

Requirements

To ensure quality, project teams employ metrics and acceptance criteria based on requirements.

Requirements, which may originate from stakeholders, contracts, policies, standards, or regulations, act as conditions or capabilities necessary for satisfying a need.

Quality is closely tied to acceptance criteria specified in the statement of work or other design documents.

These criteria should be continuously updated and validated during the acceptance process to reflect experimentation and prioritization.

David Hoyle

From the best-selling quality management author, David Hoyle, Quality Management Essentials is the perfect brief, yet authoritative, introduction to the fundamentals of quality management.

Assessing Deliverable Quality

In addition to evaluating deliverables, quality is also relevant to the project approaches and activities used to create them. While inspection and testing assess deliverables, reviews and audits evaluate project activities and processes.

Quality activities focus on error detection and prevention, aiming to meet customer objectives and minimize resource waste. They involve:

Swift delivery of deliverables to the point of completion.
Early identification or prevention of defects to avoid or reduce rework and scrap.

Getting the Processes Right

Quality management processes and practices play a crucial role in producing deliverables that align with project objectives and stakeholder expectations.

By emphasizing quality in both processes and deliverables, positive outcomes can be achieved, such as:

Deliverables that meet acceptance criteria and are fit for their intended purpose.
Deliverables that meet stakeholder expectations and business objectives.
Deliverables with minimal or no defects.
Timely or expedited delivery.
Enhanced cost control.
Improved quality of product delivery.
Reduced rework and scrap.
Decreased customer complaints.
Effective supply chain integration.
Improved productivity.
Increased project team morale and satisfaction.
Robust service delivery.
Improved decision-making processes.
Continual process improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, prioritizing quality throughout project activities and deliverables is essential for achieving successful outcomes and satisfying the needs of stakeholders and customers alike.

|PMBOK Principle 1 – Be a Diligent, Respectful, and Caring Steward|

|PMBOK Principle 2 – Create a Collaborative Project Team Environment|

|PMBOK Principle 3 – EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS|

|PMBOK Principle 4 – VALUE FOCUS|

|PMBOK Principle 5 – System Thinking|

|PMBOK Principle 6 – LEADERSHIP|

|PMBOK Principle 7 – THE ART OF TAILORING|

10 Post Pandemic Project Management Skills

Explore 10 vital project management competencies that have evolved post-pandemic. Adaptability, remote collaboration, crisis management, and more.

Introduction

During a recent webinar I hosted, a thought-provoking question emerged: “What are the main competencies or skills needed by project managers, especially in the wake of the pandemic?”

This query sparked my curiosity, prompting me to delve into the evolving landscape of project management.

As a result, I have identified ten essential competencies that have gained newfound importance in the post-pandemic era.

In this article, we will explore these competencies, shedding light on the skills that project managers must embrace to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Join me as we unravel the project management competencies that have been reshaped by the pandemic, guiding professionals towards success in this new reality.

Adaptability

Project managers need to be flexible and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

For example, during the pandemic, a project manager leading a marketing campaign had to pivot from in-person events to virtual webinars due to lockdown restrictions.

They adjusted the project plan, leveraging online platforms and collaborating with the team remotely to ensure the campaign’s success.

Remote Collaboration

With the rise of remote work, project managers must excel in virtual collaboration. Proficiency in communication and collaboration tools, such as video conferencing, project management software, and cloud-based platforms, is crucial.

Further Reading: |Case Study – Improving Team Communication Skills| Leading from Afar: Tips for Managing a Successful Virtual Team |

Crisis Management

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of crisis management skills.

Project managers should be adept at identifying and mitigating risks, developing contingency plans, and making timely decisions during unforeseen circumstances.

As an example, when supply chain disruption a construction project, the project manager may reassess the procurement strategy, source alternative suppliers, and modify the construction timeline to minimize the project’s overall delay.

Emotional Intelligence

Strong emotional intelligence helps project managers understand and manage their own emotions and those of their team members.

It enables them to provide support, motivation, and empathy, fostering a positive team dynamic even in remote settings.

For instance, a project manager leading a remote team during the pandemic consistently checked in with team members, acknowledged their challenges, and provided emotional support to boost morale and maintain team cohesion.

Brandon Goleman

Want To See A Drastic Improvement In Your Everyday Life? Then Get Familiar With The Art of Reading People, Accelerate Your Learning, Boost Your Emotional Agility and Skyrocket Your Confidence!

Digital Literacy

The increased reliance on digital tools and technologies requires project managers to be digitally literate. They should have a good understanding of project management software, data analytics, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies relevant to their industry.

For example, a project manager overseeing a digital transformation initiative acquired knowledge of cloud computing, AI, and automation tools, enabling them to effectively guide the team through the project’s technological advancements.

Further Reading: |Project Management in the Digital Age|

Strategic Thinking

Project managers should possess strategic thinking abilities to align projects with organizational goals. They need to assess the broader impact of projects, anticipate future challenges, and make informed decisions that contribute to the long-term success of the organization.

As an illustration, a project manager leading a product launch might conduct market research, analyze competitors, and identify strategic partnerships to ensure the product’s positioning and competitive advantage in the post-pandemic market.

Avinash K. Dixit, Barry J. Nalebuff

A major bestseller in Japan, Financial Times Top Ten book of the year, Book-of-the-Month Club bestseller, and required reading at the best business schools, Thinking Strategically is a crash course in outmaneuvering any rival.

Stakeholder Management

Effective stakeholder management becomes more critical in the post-pandemic era. Project managers should be skilled at identifying stakeholders, understanding their needs and expectations, and maintaining open lines of communication to ensure project success.

For instance, a project manager may organize a virtual conference engaging stakeholders early on, actively seeking their input, and provide regular updates, ensuring their involvement and satisfaction throughout the process.

Further Reading |PMBOK Principle 3 – EFFECTIVELY ENGAGE WITH STAKEHOLDERS|

Resilience and Well-being

The pandemic has increased awareness of the importance of well-being and mental health. Project managers should prioritize their own well-being and that of their team members, promoting work-life balance and fostering a supportive and healthy work environment.

For example, a project manager may implement flexible work schedules, encourage regular breaks, and organize virtual team-building activities to support the team’s well-being during challenging project timelines.

Agile Methodologies

Agile project management approaches have gained popularity during the pandemic due to their flexibility and adaptability. Project managers should be well-versed in agile methodologies and be able to implement them effectively to achieve project objectives.

Glen McNeill

21 Agile Pain Points” provides you with invaluable insights and practical strategies to overcome the most common obstacles encountered on the Agile journey.

Further Reading: |Book Review – “Doing Agile Right: transformation without chaos”|

Continuous Learning

The project management landscape is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest industry trends and best practices is crucial. Project managers should have a mindset of continuous professional development.

Conclusion

While these skills have always been important, the pandemic has highlighted their significance in project management. Adapting to remote work, managing crises, and prioritizing well-being are now more crucial than ever for successful project management in a post-pandemic world.

Time Management

1. Establish Specific Goals

2. Time Blocking

3. Employ Time Management Tools

Organising Tasks

4. Make a To-Do List

5. Establish Achievable Deadlines

6. Divide Up the Work into Manageable Steps

7. Employ a Task Management System

8. Review and Update Frequently

9. Batch Similar jobs

Project Administration

10. Plan your projects

11. Employ project management software

12. Communication

13. Risk

14. Regularly Monitor and Adjust

15. Celebrate Milestones

In Summary

Enjoying this article?

Project Vision and Goals

Agile Methodologies

Clear Communication

Tools and Resources

Testing and Quality Assurance

Feedback and Ongoing Improvement

Enjoying this article?

Enjoying this article?

The Foundation of Project Management

Defining Project Goals and Objectives

Resource Allocation and Team Coordination

Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Budget and Cost Management

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement

Quality Assurance

Adaptability and Problem Solving

Conclusion

Enjoying this article?

Enjoying this article?

How to Manage a Saboteur in Your Team

Recognize the Signs

Private Conversation

Clarify Expectations

Document Incidents

Involve Higher Management or HR

Offer Support and Resources

Set Consequences

Reassign or Restructure

Focus on the Positive

Learn and Prevent

Enjoying this article?

Introduction

Maximizing Opportunities and Decreasing Threats

Get Your free eBook: ​“21 Agile Pain Points”

Managing Overall Project Risk

Michael M. Bissonette

Understanding Risk Appetite and Risk Threshold

Project Management Institute

Effective Risk Responses

David Hillson, Peter Simon

Risks Across Organizational Levels

Conclusion

Further Reading

Achieving Excellence through Quality Management in Project Delivery

Introduction

Quality Planning

Get Your free eBook: ​“21 Agile Pain Points”

Quality Assurance

Kenneth Rose

Quality Control:

Timothy J. Kloppenborg, Joseph A. Petrick

Quality Management With Continuous Improvement

Joakim Ahlstrom

Quality Management Metrics and Measurement

Stakeholder Engagement

Quality Culture

Conclusion

Introduction

Understanding Complexity in Projects

Factors Contributing to Complexity

Get Your free eBook:

“21 Agile Pain Points”

Get Your free eBook:

“21 Agile Pain Points”

Get Your free eBook:

“21 Agile Pain Points”

Get Your free eBook:

“21 Agile Pain Points”