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Project Links
Last Updated: 12.04.2000 |
Project Management Articles
"Data Warehouse Project Management"Adelmann, Sid This article was designed to help managers deal with the initial phases and problems that are involved with managing different projects. The items discussed pertain primarily with projects that deal with data warehouses, but the concepts can easily be transferred into usable suggestions for more common projects. The article provides details dealing with the basic concepts of everything from initial project plans and scope to change control and risk management. Back to Top
"What CEOs Must Demand to Achieve Effective Project Management"Archibald, Russell D. This article is targeted for those individuals and companies implementing the project management programs. It is written for CEOs and other executives as well as project managers. It discusses the different objectives of project management once the programs are implemented, but also the different steps that need to be taken for the project management programs to be implemented correctly. It is a good article, because it discusses the different objectives for the different points of view. Back to Top
"Project Planning: The really creative and highly political first step"Bellows, Dick Many projects fail due to unclear objectives at the planning stage of the project. Dick Bellows offers a few ways to combat this problem. Firstly, never ever start to plan or execute a project unless you have a clear definition of what the measure of success will be. Gently force the project sponsor to define a measurable and preferably quantifiable end result. Not only will this increase the chances for project success, it also will aid in project scope management. Back to Top
"Key Financial Issues in Emerging Markets"Carawan, Mark, Partner, Andersen, Arthur Mark Carawan, a partner at the consulting firm of Arthur Andersen, discusses financial and risk issues associated with locating a project within an emerging country. Some of the main issues discussed are English language barriers, cash management, taxation considerations, and corrupt or unusual financial practices. Carawan also provides a list of DOs and DON'Ts with regards to taxation principles. As more and more projects are being moved into emerging markets due to the lower cost of labor, it is important for project managers to understand the financial and procurement risks associated. Since most project managers have difficulty when it comes to financial issues, this is a definite must read. Back to Top
"When People Matter"Durbin, Patrick With the resource layout in industry constantly changing, project managers need to learn to better manage their staff. Although this article is basically a sales pitch for the author's software program, it offers a real solution to the growing problem of staffing projects with the correct people for the job. The software system implements a "Resource Database" in which you can query the system to find the person with the specific skill set you are looking for, and check their future availability. Software systems such as this can be a very valuable tool to project managers. Back to Top
"If at First You Don't Succeed"Hildebrand, Carol David Anderson found himself in danger of losing his job when his IT project he was leading was headed for certain disaster. He had to do some major rework, such as cut his losses with his main software provider causing about 1/3 of the original project budget to turn into sunk costs, but he revived this doomed project and turned it into a great success for the company. This article also includes several "Lessons learned" regarding issues such as travel, consultants, and technology from the project that are helpful to review. In addition, the article also offers six "Vital Signs" of a project which can predict the success (or failure) of a project. Back to Top
"Time Management and Project Scheduling"Jentz, Kathy Kathy Jentz is a communications manager for the National School Supply and Equipment Association in Maryland. This article is a quick look into simple ideas and concepts that can be used to manage the different projects a person takes on from day to day based on her experiences within the field. The main focus being the proper management of time through the use of a project calendar. The benefits and time savings this system offers are also listed. Back to Top
"Does Your Company Need A CPO? A Case for the Central Project Office and a Chief Project Officer"Levine, Harvey A. Harvey Levine points out the recent trend indicating growing popularity of project management. This growth is contrasted with the slower growth in full time project management positions. Corporations claim to be committed to successful project management yet few organizations have a CPO. Levine explains the benefits of having a CEO and the problems with not having one. Back to Top
"Tenstep Project Management Process"Mochal, Tom This website was constructed by a 20 year project veteran as a means of illustrating the importance of having a well defined scope within a project that is undertaken. It defines a variety of different tools, techniques, and deliverables that may be desired as a project manager. The author also describes helpful processes to follow for small, medium, and large projects. Primarily focused on scope, this site serves as an excellent guide to defining and implementing the main definition of the project. Back to Top
"Critical Chain Scheduling and Buffer Management. Getting Out From Between Parkinson's Rock and Murphy's Hard Place"Patrick, Frank S. Patrick's article is a well-written description of Critical Chain Scheduling and Buffer Management. There are normal aspects of human nature that typically prevent early or on-time completion of projects. Patrick describes how Critical Chain Scheduling can work around the effects of human nature to promote efficient project execution. The author goes on to describe how buffers can alleviate problems associated with Murphy's Law and Parkinson's syndrome. The Critical Chain approach requires some changes in management philosophy. In the end, this scheduling technique can do a better job of protecting the project completion date. Back to Top
"Risk Management"Simmons, C.W. Chester Simmons uses this web page to address different risk management techniques necessary for successfully managing a project. Some of the main topics that are addressed are defining the different risks that occur, conceptual risk problems, risk management structure, and the tools necessary to manage the different risks that are taken. The article also thoroughly covers how to identify risks, and the steps necessary to make sure the risks don't become problems at a later date. Back to Top
"Chaos"The Standish Group This article by the Standish Group discusses some of the reasons that software projects fail. The paper is thick with various project statistics; statistics are broken down by company size, with smaller companies generally performing better. Companies were surveyed for the most influential factors for project success and failure. The paper also compares four case studies on projects conducted by: the California DMV, American Airlines, Hyatt Hotels and Banco Itamarati. These case studies are evaluated using the criteria for project success developed earlier in the paper. The scores from the evaluations closely matched the actual outcome of these projects. Back to Top
"Current and Future Trends in the Education of Project Managers"Turner, J. Rodney This article deals with the education of project managers, as the project management position becomes more and more a profession. It talks about how knowledge can come from education, and intuition comes from experience. It discusses how good project managers need the formal education to gain the theoretical knowledge base. It talks of some of the different skills needed to be a good project manager. It also is shows how project management is becoming an international issue, as this article is written in Europe. Back to Top
"Is Project Management a Profession?"Turner, J. Rodney This article is a similar article to the other article by J. Rodney Turner. This article also discusses the issues of the project management educational programs. This article takes the on the issue of "if a profession needs educational training and background," and if project management is rather young so not much theoretical base has been built, how can project management be a profession? It is an interesting point of view, and one that an opponent of project management would be able to argue. This article does show the importance of project management, as a discipline, needs training from both the educational side of things, and the practical/work experience side of things. Back to Top
"First Principles of Project Management"Wideman, R. Max Max Wideman describes fundamental principles that are required for successful project management. Theses principles are akin to axioms in Mathematics and Science. The principles are a foundation from which project management theories can be developed. Wideman describes seven fundamental principles:
Standard practices and theories for successfully completing projects can then be developed from these First Principles. Back to Top
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