PMcrunch

As Information Technology continues to advance, a new approach called Mind Mapping has emerged. This appears to be based in large part on principles that govern the web based on central and then peripheral keywords. A Mind Map or web around your topics of interest can be created. Let’s take a moment and explore some of the possibilities this creates.

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The issue of scope relates to both product scope, and project scope. Project scope is within the realm of the project manager. Product scope defines what the product of the project will be. Managing product scope is one of the most challenging aspects of project management, and is a key to managing stakeholder’s expectations and project scope.

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There is much discussion, and often confusion over the difference between Lean and Six Sigma. In general, here is the essence of the two approaches: Lean = Improved process flow and Six Sigma = Reduced process variation. This post provides discussion and links to various resources that take a look at this from different angles.

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Projects need to be aligned in some way with corporate strategy . The challenge for project managers is being on top of what that corporate strategy is, in an intimate way, and understanding clearly how their project aligns with that corporate strategy. In this post, I am thinking about the ideal that corporate strategy is not etched in stone. It changes overtime and we must be aware of just what is going on with the dynamics of our organizations strategy.

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Peter Drucker, who died a couple of years ago, was known for his great writings and teachings about management.  Ironically, I am not so sure he actually managed much himself, at least not from the standpoint of being a hands on manager of a larger organization.  However, his 38 books, his many articles, and his […]

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One of the challenges that many managers have is organizing the plethora of projects AND processes that are part of their organizational realm. The first step to dealing with this is to clearly distinguish what is a project and what is a process. Getting clear on gray areas can pave the way for a forceful visions and way ahead on any program.

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The Project Management Plan concerns itself with how the project is going to be managed. This includes consideration for the project management systems to be used to coordinate the plan and the project. The systems that are used are also very important in providing feedback to senior management.

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In today’s information intensive world, managers are inundated with information from many sources. This presents a world of opportunity, but also a challenge in moving ahead. The opportunity is that there is far more valuable information available upon which to base decisions, and the challenge is how to sort through the information efficiently. Let’s take a look at some ideas on how to cope with all this information.

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Software project outsourcing and managing virtual teams are very hot topics today. They present new opportunities as well as new challenges for project and program managers. Below is a collection of recent articles and posts around the internet on this timely topic.

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Six Sigma projects are derived from organizational strategy, in the same way that organizational strategy drives the selection of all projects and programs in an organization’s Portfolio. So, how do the business drivers that are at work result in some projects being Six Sigma projects, and others not?

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