What makes some software projects thrive while others falter? The answer often lies in how well teams embrace and implement lean principles through agile project management. Lean principles, with roots in manufacturing and a proven track record across industries, serve as the backbone of agile practices. Yet, adopting these principles is no small feat—it requires […]
Scrum and Agile Projects in the Reality of Corporate Governance
In the ideal world of Scrum, teams self-organize, claim the necessary resources, and minimize administrative overhead to focus on delivering value. However, in the reality of corporate governance, this vision often clashes with the complex structures and processes that exist within large organizations. Agile methods, including Scrum, must coexist with established project governance systems, legal […]
The Project Diary: The Project Managers Essential Memory Aid to Save Time and Trouble
Do you find the idea of maintaining a project diary as a project manager far-fetched? Have you even heard of a project diary before? If not, it’s time to familiarize yourself with this invaluable yet often underestimated tool in daily project management. Curious? Keep reading! Can You Still Remember? Can you still recall the decisions […]
Stakeholders Are One of Your Biggest Project Risks
The best processes and methods alone won’t make your project a success. Projects are delivered by people, and it’s people who do the work. Likewise, it’s people who can hinder or even halt your project. Often, the biggest risks to your project aren’t changes, budget overruns, or incorrect assumptions but rather the dynamics and influences […]
Why Written and Precise Agreements Are Essential in Projects
Project documentation management is often underdeveloped, particularly when it comes to recording decisions, agreements, and “relevant facts.” Too often, things are agreed upon verbally, with trust in the other party or an assumption that everything will work out fine. But there are risks lurking here, ones you may not have fully considered in the past. […]
Mastering Uncertainty in Projects Through Continuous Risk Management and Project Control
In the world of project management, success is never guaranteed. No matter how detailed the plan or how skilled the team, the path from concept to completion is often riddled with unseen challenges and unpredictable roadblocks. As project managers, our job isn’t just to execute a plan, but to prepare for the unknown—to anticipate the […]
Why Capability-Based Planning Is the Better Planning Approach Early in a Project
What does it take for an organization to thrive in an unpredictable world? Is it enough to complete projects on time and within budget, or does success hinge on something more fundamental—something deeper? Capability-Based Planning (CBP) suggests the answer lies in building the right capabilities— not just short-term wins. Originally pioneered in the military to […]
Discover the Five Core Elements of Agile Project Management
Agile project management has revolutionized the way teams approach software development projects, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and customer satisfaction. Rooted in the Agile Manifesto, this methodology focuses on continuous improvement and adaptive planning. Agile project management is based on five core elements: Tools & Processes, Practices, Principles, Values, and Mindset. Understanding and integrating these elements is […]
The Project Sponsor – The Vital Role for Successful Projects
Do you feel the presence of the project sponsor in your project? Are you in regular contact with them and are they actively leading the way? The role of a project sponsor is crucial for the success of your project, yet it is often underappreciated. A strong sponsor provides strategic direction, secures necessary resources, and […]
The Origin of the the Earned Value Management System Criteria and Their Future
Earned Value Management has long been a cornerstone of effective project control, providing a structured approach to tracking progress and program performance over the decades. But where did this powerful system originate, and how did it become a standard for managing large projects and multi-billion-dollar programs across industries? The story of the 32 Earned Value […]