Project managers need to be able to assess product quickly with an intelligible set of quality metrics. In general, we recommend paired metrics; for example, in software development we can look at lines of code versus errors per line to keep both metrics “honest.” In the automotive world we like to see Cpk, which is […]
With the recent brouhaha about working from home at a conspicuous company we decided to contribute to the discussion. We think also that there were probably ways to meet the objectives of this company’s CEO while not fully eroding the work from home idea and irritating some of the employees. We think we have a […]
The term “10,000 things” originates in the Far East and generally connotes the idea of many things. It is not a synonym for “everything.” Regardless, the 10,000 things are what we must consider when we go about making long-lasting change. We frequently see books and other media that promise “transformation,” but we know speedy transformation […]
Many organizations struggle with the development of risk response plans. Often they ignore this important step altogether. The reasons for this are numerous, but mostly involve the desire to avoid tying up scarce project resources in the development of a plan the project hopes to never use. So why don’t organizations out-source this effort? The […]
A project comes to an end and now we are in a position to really critique or learn how things went. Ideally, we were learning all along, and now we have the final opportunity to review the project. If our organization has heavy project management influences, we may have a “white book” that captures the […]
Knowing a risk exists and not taking action is similar to standing on the tracks watching as the train nears. You must spend time creating alternative plans in the event the train does, in fact, come. It has been our observation that most project teams, under the pressure to deliver to the current plan, do […]
I have been having a running discussion with one of my colleagues regarding project and cost, specifically the cost of a project that is under consideration for termination. A project is going through a gate review. During this review we find that the objectives are not met by this phase and further action has little […]
Every time we make a decision, we reduce the probability of some risks but may increase the probability of other risks. Consider where the following story may fit into our discussion. We have a project that should have, in fact, started months ago to meet the desired production introduction date. Unfortunately, that did not happen […]
There are a number of quality tools that can help to evoke the risks that may be associated with your project. One such tool usually associated with cause and effect is the Ishikawa diagram. We can use this tool to explore risks as well. We will explore what happens (cause) and how it will impact […]
There are times when the project manager will be subjected to the long list of potential risks brought to them by their team. Handling these issues rather than summarily dismissing the item being brought to their attention as input from a hypercritical or doom-centric team member is important for project success and team morale. If […]