project management

Project manager working with software clients Project Management in Any Industry

Software teams in niche industries may think they require a project manager with expertise in their domain. Good project managers can anticipate and address the primary considerations for any project, regardless of industry, but if you encounter a skeptic, here’s a generic template you can use to pitch any project.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
A software professional about to sign a contract Be Careful What You Ask For: Contract Considerations for New Projects

In a new project, there are always going to be challenges and delays, and when the end date is looming, you may be tempted to rush through the contracting and procurement process. But that can have dire consequences down the line if roles, responsibilities, and expectations aren't clear. Take the time to communicate.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
Risk management checklist A Checklist for Managing Go-Live Decisions and Risks

If you have to replace a complex existing data system in production, decisions about when and whether to go live should be treated with gravity and care. One process that can help keep you honest is developing checklists that describe very clearly what is expected to be accomplished and verified at each milestone.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
Project manager smiles while pointing to action items on sticky notes 5 Ways to Improve Your Project Management

As a project manager, it's your job to cut through the noise to make clear objectives for your projects. But it’s not so easy to do, especially when your superiors or board are politely “suggesting” another action item. Help your team stay on track with these five tips to move more efficiently through your projects.

Josh Spilker's picture
Josh Spilker
A group of people all putting their hands in the middle A Primer for IT Project Sponsors: 10 Steps for Success

Much time has been spent examining the project manager’s role in IT project success, but the role and duties of project sponsors are often overlooked—even though sponsors are an essential element of success (and failure). Here are ten rights and obligations a project sponsor should perform to improve project success.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
An organized desk with computer, planner, calendar, and more Stress and Project Management: 5 Ways to Relieve Project Pressure

Project managers have many sources of stress. They are responsible for the performance of their team members, and often for whether a project is successful or fails. Keep the pressure off with these five tips for reducing your stress and ensure a smoothly functioning team.

Krystle Dickerson's picture
Krystle Dickerson
Tortoise walking slowly through grass, photo by Luca Ambrosi Slow Down to Speed Up

Have you ever heard someone say, “How is it we never have time to do it right but we always have time to do it over?” When we rush to complete work, that's often when errors happen. It may seem counterintuitive, but slowing down may be one of the best ways to get the job done quickly—and right the first time.

Naomi Karten's picture
Naomi Karten
Woman examining a contract for new software When Buying New Software, Make Sure You're Getting What You Really Need

The first step in any significant software procurement is to assure there is a clear definition of the business problem being solved. If you don’t know what you want, you aren’t prepared to negotiate for it, so you'll end up with a system or tool that isn't what you need—and you'll likely be disappointed at delivery.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall