Download
1 / 15
150 likes | 156 Views
Discover the 10 essential project management principles that will help you successfully navigate complex projects. Explore topics such as effective communication, realistic planning, and the importance of teamwork.
E N D
Yaeger’s 10Project Management PostulatesAnthony N YaegerVP, SAIC
Questions • Is it possible to work on different parts of the “item’ in parallel? • Is it possible to design electronics when physical dimensions are not yet known? • Is it possible to work on software when the electronics aren’t done? • How should the work be divided among team members? • What is the role of the project leader?
1. The Project Manager • The Project Manager is the single point of contact for the project and he is the Captain of that ship. • The PM has supporters, advisors, and directors and managers but the PM makes the final call. • Every project manager position (regardless of project size) has the same concept of authority, responsibility and accountability.
2. The Client • Talk to your client every day. If you don’t - someone else will. • Know who your client is, everyone has one. • Understand the client’s expectations. He has needs and wants – know the difference.
3. The Plan • Build a realistic plan and work to the plan. It’s not just wallpaper. • Everyone must agree to the plan. “I’ll do my best” is tantamount to default. • The client has a plan also. Be sure you are in step with him. • SOW, Scope contract, Requirements
4. The Status report • The Project Manager writes the status report. Not the programmer, not the administrative support and certainly not the client. • The status report is the ship’s log. It must be meticulously accurate. • If the project manager says he is not ready to deliver the status report – it then becomes more important to get it now! • When the project manager asks that the status report be prepared less often it usually means they don’t know what’s happening.
5. The Forecast • Forecasting is synonymous with credibility. Sandbagging is unacceptable. • Forecasts flow from the success of the plan. See number 3. • The financial forecast flows from the project status. See number 4.
6. The Surprise • There are no good surprises. Good surprises are bad and bad surprises are fatal. • Good surprises prevent good planning. Think about it. • Bad surprises can break the bank.
7. The Contract • Manage to the contract, anything less is simply wrong. • The client expects delivery of everything in the contract – sooner or later. • If it isn’t written, it doesn’t exist. • But don’t let the words of the contract become an excuse for not delivering to the client. Remember who the client is. See number 2.
8. HELP • At the first sign of trouble, yell for help. • The project is part of a company. You are not alone. • Trouble doesn’t arrive with neon signs blinking. Look for the early warnings. See number 4.
9. The Staff • Know your staff. Spread the strong, support those in need and replace the incompetent. • Establish strict time limits for all observations and potential changes. • It’s a business not a playground. Enjoy but not at the expense of the project.
10. The Team • The project is a team activity and no one sits on the bench. • It’s amazing how much can be accomplished when no one worries about who gets the credit. • If one person is running, everyone should be running at the same speed.
A $64K Question • How can you fail? • Answers: • Not paying attention • Not challenging the data • Not listening to your guts or common sense • Not accepting the truth
