project planning

Man scuba diving underwater Sunk Cost: Knowing When to Call It Quits

Acknowledging that a product isn't ready to ship may seem like a simple call—if it isn't the desired quality by the target date, why not pull the plug? But when you start considering all the effort, time, and money you've already invested, it becomes harder to make that decision. Here's a story to help you remember.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
An open notebook in front of a computer Why Project Managers Need Exceptional Writing Skills

The project manager’s role is to ensure the project is done efficiently and effectively. The modern project manager needs to have great communication skills to convey the essentials of the project, and most of this communication is done through writing. Here are some examples when good writing skills will help.

Paul Bates's picture
Paul Bates
Black swan The Black Swan Myth Actually Devalues Expertise

People love to hear how someone with no formal training solved a problem that stumped experts because they weren't tainted by years of experience. These "black swan" stories are the exception, though, not the rule, and they can be dangerous because they trivialize hard work and study. Most times, you want an expert.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
Project manager using software to improve productivity 5 Ways to Accelerate Productivity with Project Management Software

Project management software can provide great tools for any project manager who wants to maximize their team’s performance. These tools do more than store all the project-related data in one place; they can also help project managers optimize their work, distribute tasks more effectively, and accelerate productivity.

Scott Pine's picture
Scott Pine
Project communication plan Developing a Clear Project Communication Plan

When planning a software project, you need a thorough project communication plan. Both managers and developers need to take part in formulating the plan so that the correct terms of reference are present, achievable goals are set, and deadlines are attainable. Clear communication is essential. Here's what to include.

Michelle Brooks's picture
Michelle Brooks
Project manager's desktop with a computer, calendar, and schedule notes 4 Tools to Make a Project Manager’s Job Easier

A project manager is responsible for working out all the details of a project. They have to come up with a strategy to work with the team to overcome hurdles in the way of the project’s goals, and they have to accomplish it all without overstepping the budget. Here are four tools that can help keep it all straight.

Michelle Joe's picture
Michelle Joe
Chess king standing after all other chess pieces have been captured Take Credit for Your Risk Management Activities

If you have an important implementation date, early identification of the minimum viable product is a vital risk-management step that helps focus your team’s attention on what's important. Rather than apologizing for intelligent phasing of functionality to manage risk, explain it to stakeholders and take credit.

Payson Hall's picture
Payson Hall
Asphalt with painted arrows pointing in three directions The Good, the Practical, and the Expedient

When a process isn't working, you'll have to make a choice that will help move things along. However, some choices are less about inspecting and adapting than about getting things done quickly, and that incurs risk. To manage this risk you need to be aware of the differences between "practical" and "expedient."

Steve Berczuk's picture
Steve Berczuk