PMcrunch

Project Requirements Gathering is a complex and challenging activity. It is also one of the most important activities in project management, as it establishes the baseline against which the product of the project is measured. Here are some thoughts and ideas on effective requirements gathering for any project.

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Determining project requirements has many challenges, but one of the most common that I have encountered is what I call the “Solution Trap”. I have usually identified this when someone states something like “What I need is a …” This is usually a hint that there is an underlying problem that needs to be surfaced and further investigated.

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There has been a tremendous amount of buzz more recently about PMOs, otherwise known as Project Management Offices. Here is what a select group of experts are saying about PMOs today.

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MBWA (Management by Walking Around) is a technique that has been around for quite awhile. I am not sure exactly where it originated, but I have practiced it myself and have observed others practicing it - both intentionally and unintentionally. It is very effective if used properly - and very ineffective if not used correctly!

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How important are interviews to [tag-ice]project management[/tag-ice]? Suffice it to say that the success (and failure) of many projects rests on how well some interviews are conducted. Much responsibility rides on the shoulders of the person using this tool of [tag-tec]project communication and assessment[/tag-tec]. Interviews, used in the right manner, can reveal the right candidate for a project and verify elements regarding procedures and practices involved.

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There are 3 basic types of Project Management Office (PMO) organizations. They vary in the degree of control and influence they have on projects within the organization.

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The TenStep set of free templates are helpful as a very basis step to structured management of your project, and the most helpful piece was the Project Charter. Given my use in framing a relatively small project, I would also say that it has limited use for larger projects, but is still of value as a first cut for any project. That being said, my breakdown was framing a larger project into a smaller, shorter term project that would define the larder project. This could be a great way for others to use the product.

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Basecamp represents terrific “project management tools for the masses”. It is lighter weight, purely web-based, hosted, and oriented to smaller users who would benefit by connecting over the web. It is “everyman’s project management software” - but without being software at all.

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Sometimes – more often than we like – a “circular reference” enters the scene, and it can threaten the success of your project – or even the success or an entire portfolio or organization. As a Project Manager and leader, you need to stop circular references by intervening strongly and showing the way!

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Engineering analysis is often an input to overall project management. However, in larger organizations, or in consulting firms that service a multitude of customers, the engineering analysis is a project unto itself. This brings to the surface the question, “What is the process for these types of projects, and how does it map to the PMBOK?”

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