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.
I recently heard the Pm411.com podcast, by Ron Hallohan, interview with Jagdish Mirani, Product Marketing lead from Mindject Corporation, a maker of mind mapping software. This software seems to apply to multiple aspects of Project Management. Let’s explore the possibilities of where it fits in to the Web 2.0, social networking world.
The product ‘Mindjet Connect’, is web service based product, enables connection with information surrounding your project in an organized way. So, for example, if you are working on a marketing project we with a certain product mind, various keywords can be selected to construct a mind map and determine how your information from around the web can be organized. This all reminds me a bit of RSS feeds, but it does so in a more proactive way. It proactively ‘grabs’ its own RSS feed out of everything on the web.
What is that confused me about the interview was that Mr. Mirani claimed that the mind mapping actually created a strategy. I find it difficult to believe strategy is something that comes from the mind mapping. Strategy formulation is not something that we can particularly automate unless it is accompanied in some major way by artificial intelligence. I don’t think that is exactly what’s happening here. I think that we are the humans who are putting together the strategy.
What I see is the great possibility that this software is in keeping project teams focused and aware of the changing world and changing conditions around them in a realm precisely defined by the team. The important thing is to do a great job up front, and of course adjust along the way, with the mind mapping settings that will define and enable automated searching information relevant to your project.
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John Reiling, PMP
Project Management Training Online
Lean Six Sigma Training Online
3 responses so far ↓
1 LouisvillePM // Oct 14, 2008 at 11:58 pm
John,
I have used MindJet’s MindManager software and have enjoyed it. I think that utilizing a mind map is a more intuitive way to create a work breakdown structure, personally.
-chris
2 MichaelDeutch // Oct 30, 2008 at 11:06 am
John,
Hi, I work at Mindjet with Jag. I read your article and think I may be able to help with the confusion.
MindManager allows users to map out their projects, plans and strategies. They do so either individually or as part of a team of users with our service called Mindjet Connect. Mindjet Connect enables multiple users to work on the same map at the same time, similar to how ‘google docs’ works.
The information in your map can be your thoughts and idea, RSS feeds, spreadsheets, project plans and more. Once all this information is inside your map and you start ’seeing’ the big picture, you can organize, prioritize and ultimately develop effective strategies. In other words, the software provides the big picture. With this clarity, you can develop a more informed strategy.
Feel free to contact me at Mindjet if you have additional questions michael (dot) deutch (at) mindjet (d0t) com.
- Michael
3 John Reiling // Nov 5, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Thanks for the clarification, Micchael. If I understand correctly, the MindJet functionality provides a means to have a collaborative center of information that “feeds”, as an input, the formulation of strategy. Right?
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