The appetite for innovation is big. It provides a lot of benefits. Companies really want more of it. But how can they get it? How can they be more innovative? This article looks at how companies, large and small, can be intentional about innovation. This is the fourth part of a series of four articles …
There are preconditions to innovation success. And there are important implementation considerations – how things are done. The key is that the overall team works intentionally on innovating in the areas that are most important.This is the third part of a series of four articles on innovation. This article, Part 3 in the series, “Keys …
Many people think that innovation is related to technology. I would argue, however, that while technological inventions may be innovative, innovation can take place in the realm of the non-technical, also. Does that mean that people and organizations can innovate almost anywhere? This is the second part of a series of four articles on innovation. …
Innovation is less technology, and more about mission. People with a clear mission are free to innovate, because they know what to work on. This article sorts through a number of definitions and perspectives on innovation and tries to uncover what innovation really is. One thing that we conclude up front is that the definition …
Software development is complex technically and also in terms of the processes for managing effectively. This function has seen an evolution of project management practices originating from waterfall to more agile practices, with infinite hybrid combinations in between. This article looks at the unique PM tool needs for supporting software development teams and companies – as contrasted …
Construction projects are very complex in terms of coordination of people, equipment, and materials – and doing so within a budget, timeline, and quality constraints. The best PM tools for managing construction projects and portfolios of construction projects within a construction company need to emphasize communication and collaboration. The nature of construction is that it is planned in an office …
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Professional services firms have a three-pronged operational challenge: keeping time & billing under control, managing projects, and having the supporting accounting. The focus of this article is on how professional services firms achieve this, with project management at the center of the operations and the other two as supporting, administrative functions. This article looks at how PM tools specific to the professional services industry need to support these operational functions. This is the second part of a …
In the digital marketing and creative field, professionals tend to be very visual, and the work is typically relatively short task-oriented, the workflow involves numerous team members to get something done, and there is a premium on personal focus and productivity. Let’s take a look at how these and other key needs are handled by project management tools …
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Philanthropy and program management are tightly linked for a number of reasons. First, philanthropy at its most advanced level is strategically driven, and programs are driven by a common thread of purpose and strategy. Second, both are long term in nature. There is no due date; it’s an effort in moving toward a goal on …
Philanthropy and Project Management: Program Management Read More »
There is a difference between charity and philanthropy. This article explores the difference – and how it has an impact on the project / program management approach taken. Charity begins with attitude or frame of mind…and continues with the act of giving time or money. It is laden with purposefulness – and is aimed at …
Giving time is an act of generosity – and one that can be done even by those that lack financial resources. This article explores the act of giving time, how it fits into philanthropy, and the importance of sound project management to the process. It is important to note that giving volunteer time, while critically important, is …
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Giving money is an act of generosity. This article explores the act of giving money, how it fits into philanthropy, and the importance of sound project management to the process. It is important to note that giving money is only a part (albeit a critical one!) of the process of a philanthropic venture. By itself it requires careful …
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The purpose of this article is to identify the types of tools a business analysis needs – based upon the functions that the business analyst does. It is not to do a comparison of tools, but rather to extract the universe of what is state-of-the-art – or best of breed – in the professional. The idea is to provide you with some …
There are multiple stakeholders within the organization of the products and processes of Business Analysts. The list includes Business Analysts themselves, plus the project management team, architects, designers, developers, quality assurance, and testers. This article explores the details needed and interests of each of the stakeholder groups. Let’s take a look at one strategy. Using the basic equation “Thing + Information + Sharing = New Value Proposition", …
Business Analysis: Stakeholders Within the Organization Read More »
A Business Analyst career offers a well-structured path. This includes two primary foundational certifications that can be earned on the way to establishing solid credentials. This article explores those two credentials, the advantages of earning certification, and offers ideas to help you as a Business Analyst to choose the right path for you. This is …
What does a Business Analyst do? Well, on a simplistic level, it’s pretty simple: Business Analysts gather requirements and organize them. But it does get more complicated than that. Who does Business Analysis, and is it in combination with other jobs? What are the left and right bounds of the Business Analysis function? What do Business Analysts …
Business Analysis: Eliciting and Managing Requirements Read More »
To take advantage of the opportunities that the Internet of Things (IoT) presents, you need to get organized for the journey. This will take aligning strategic and project management competencies for the challenges ahead. This article outlines five key things to think about and put into place to get you to your goals. The most important thing …
Let’s take a look at one strategy. Using the basic equation “Thing + Information + Sharing = New Value Proposition", you can identify some things that may change going forward. But how can you do that for an organization? How can an organization that is structured around physical products execute on this idea to seize on the …
A Compelling Strategy Driven By the Internet of Things (IoT) Read More »
The Internet of Things (IoT) is considered to be a “disruptive technology". This means that it disrupts the status quo in a competitive industry. Consider that the value proposition of the IoT is that if you add a valuable information component to a product, and enable it to be shared, you have created value. But it’s new value …
Where the Internet of Things (IoT) Is a Driver of Strategic Opportunity Read More »
The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) is pretty simple: take a “thing" (i.e. a physical product), add valuable information to it and share it…and you are creating value using the IoT. The concept is actually not new. Consider that personal computers first arrived in the early 1980’s, they were great personal productivity devices, especially for word processing and electronic spreadsheets. …
What Does Internet of Things (IoT) Disruption Mean for Project Management? Read More »
