Tips on Avoiding Problems with Vendors: Proper Vendor Management
One of the biggest problems that can come up in a project is difficulties with vendors or contractors. Learn some rules to follow when working with vendors in order to avoid issues.
Monitoring and Controlling the Project
In PMBOK’s phases of project management, the third phase (Execution) and the fourth phase (Monitoring and Controlling) often feel as though they are one and the same. But, make no mistake – they are not, no matter what methodology you are using.
Although, they are tied extremely close together. In fact, it’s sometimes necessary when you reach Phase four to return to Phase two and begin planning again. However, it’s probably more realistic to look at phase three and four this way:
In Phase three, you execute your original project plan. But, it’s pretty rare that all of your project tasks are happening simultaneously. So, it’s quite possible that while you’re executing Task 2 (Phase 3), you’re monitoring Task 1 (Phase 4) to make sure the work is going according to the project plan (Phase 2).
Why Project Managers are Needed to Monitor Outsourced Contracts
Large projects often rely on outsourcing to complete tasks, which becomes increasingly difficult to track and monitor as the project grows. It’s critical for companies to have well-trained Project Managers on staff in order to manage unwieldy projects.
Staying Motivated When Completing a Project: Tips for PMs or Anyone
Motivation is very important for maintaining focus on an issue. Have you ever been in a situation where you had no interesting in continuing a project? Do not panic, here are some tips to overcome your vagaries of motivation.
The Many Advantages of a Managed Pilot Project: A Wise Product Owner’s Choice For Success
Most products benefit from a pilot launch where the product is offered to select customers before the official launch. This endeavor needs to be managed for optimal results.
Basic Description of Earned Value Analysis, Forecasting & To-Complete Performance Index for Project Managers
Part of your job as Project Manager is to keep concerned stakeholders up to date on the progress of your project. This is where Earned Value Analysis comes in. Become familiar with these definitions and processes.
The Project Manager Who Cried Wolf: This Time It’s Not a Fairy Tale
Part of being a project leader means understanding how to manage a project. If you are the type where every phase, element and task is deemed urgent, how well are you really managing the endeavor? Your teams will fight you and soon—may not even listen to you. Jean Scheid explains.
Photo Gallery of Ways for PMs to Decode Body Language Clues
Learn how to match your body language with your words to send the right message every single time. If you know how to read others’ body language correctly, you’ll know how to make the proper adjustments to your own. Mastering this skill is a win-win for career success.
3 Different Methods of Giving Feedback to Your Project Team
A project manager relies on periodic feedback sessions to keep a team on track, within budget and cohesive. There are three techniques that promise success — if you know how to properly apply them. Be aware that user error can result in project management nightmares!
A Comprehensive Guide to the Project Monitor and Control Process
This guide to the project monitor and control process provides a collection of insightful articles on these important project management stages. They encompass a detailed overview of the topics, strategies and best practices, tools and techniques in use and much more.
How Solid Are Your Earned Value Management Skills? Test Yourself With This Quiz
The Project Management Body of Knowledge published by the Project Management Institute defines cost monitoring and controlling techniques used in the Project Cost Management knowledge area. Test your understanding of this topic with this fun, interactive quiz.
Free Downloads: Construction Project Management Monthly Reporting Forms
Status reports, change orders, and even subcontractor status reports are a must on any construction project. An important element here is uniformity and clear communication. Here, Jean Scheid discusses their importance plus some free links to sample forms.
What Are the Different Criteria for Project Termination?
You are required to terminate your project. What are the different criteria for project termination that you will consider before taking this step? Read on to find out more about about the basic requirements that have to be met in order to terminate a project.
Project Reporting: How Often Should You Send Status Reports?
Ray Ahern explains the practicalities behind choosing appropriate reporting periods for your project. Getting the reports aligned to your control cycle will save you time, effort and heartache as you deliver your project.
Understanding the Power of Influence Model to Energize Project Management
Do you dread asking favors from people over whom you have no authority? The Cohen-Bradford Influence Model helps in identifying what other people value, and recommends framing a win-win proposal based on such values to secure information, help or support from strangers or hostile people.
Intelligent Project Controls: Tips for Simplifying Project Reporting
If you want to save time in your project reporting commitments, the best way to do so is to invest extra effort into establishing effective project controls.
A Look at Some Value Stream Map Examples and Tips on How to Use
As a manufacturer or process owner you remain hard pressed to find out what is going wrong. You do your part perfectly but still the product or service does not realize its intended benefits. The answer may lie in value stream maps that trace the entire supply chain from start to finish.
The Requirements for Closing Out Your Project
Project closure is just as important as the work put into it. Projects should only last so long before they receive a proper ending to signify that the work is finished. Your team will then be prepared to work on other opportunities.
Work Order Tracking Software to Make Your Life Easier
If you are searching for software programs with work order tracking features, you are in the right page. Find details about the top five work order tracking software programs to help you manage your work orders efficiently.
Helpful Tips to Manage Project Slippage
In order to manage project slippage, you have to determine the causes of the slippage and then systematically repair or replace what isn’t working for your project. It may take some time, but it will also allow your project to continue rather than having to close out early.
Active Listening Techniques to Make You a Better Project Manager.
If you are a project manager, and you are hearing comments like “You are not getting my point,” “You are just not listening to me,” “You just don’t understand,” or “I don’t think we are in the same page on this;” it is a warning sign that you might need to develop your listening skills.
