Happy New Year! As we begin 2024, it’s time to level up our project management skills! Understanding your stakeholders is key, so let me introduce the stakeholder matrix – a simple yet powerful tool for categorizing project stakeholders based on their interest and influence. Using this matrix means better communication and engagement with the right people at the right times. The result? More effective project execution and happier stakeholders all around. What is a Stakeholder Matrix? At its core, a stakeholder matrix is a simple visual for categorizing the various people and groups who have a ..read more

What’s the difference between project and program management? Understanding the key contrasts will empower you to navigate project complexity. This article will detail key distinctions, and provide best practices to transition from directing single projects to overseeing strategic programs comprised of multiple, interconnected efforts. Project Management: a Definition Let’s unpack project management first. At its core, project management refers to the application of processes, methods and tools to accomplish a unique objective, with defined start and end dates, under defined budgets and resour ..read more

The IT industry is notorious for buzzwords that come and go. In recent years we’ve seen hype surround blockchain, NFTs, and the metaverse – just to mention a few – but the latest buzz is around SaaS (Software as a Service), a subscription-based model that has existed for the last two decades but that since last year is on everyone’s lips. Improvised Twitter/X gurus claim “people underestimate the potential of vertical SaaS” and insist “you HAVE TO start a vertical SaaS” in order to be successful in 2023. But what do these terms really mean, and is the SaaS hype justified? In this article, we’l ..read more

In our previous article, we provided tips on landing your first project management job. Now that you’ve got the interview scheduled, it’s time to prepare for those critical project management interview questions. Read on for tips that will help you demonstrate your skills and stand out from other candidates. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to ace the interview and launch your PM career. Research the Organization Thoroughly To ace the interview, you need to thoroughly research the organization. This demonstrates your interest in the company and the position. It also helps you craft ..read more

Many aspiring project managers ask me on X / Twitter: how do I break into the field and land my first project management job? It’s a competitive industry, but with the right strategy, it’s possible to achieve this easily. In this article, I’ll provide insider tips on how to position yourself as an attractive candidate for that critical first project management role. Whether you’re changing careers or fresh out of school, these practical steps will guide you on the path to launching your PM career. Use your current role to practice PM skills Even if your current job isn’t in project management ..read more

Serverless architecture has been a hot topic in recent years, but some are asking if its popularity has peaked. This article explains what exactly serverless computing entails and its main challenges, explores the origins of the “serverless is dead” discussion, and analyzes whether serverless still has a promising future. By the end, you’ll have a balanced perspective on the viability of this cloud computing model. What is meant by serverless computing? Serverless computing refers to cloud services and architectures where the cloud provider dynamically allocates machine resources on demand, ta ..read more

Not only in project management, green is generally associated to progress while red flags problems. The so-called watermelon metrics appear “green” on the surface, seemingly indicating success. But when sliced open, the inside proves “red” – full of issues. Understanding and avoiding watermelon metrics is essential for leaders pursuing actual improvement, not mirages. This article will explain how to spot and avoid potential watermelon metrics so that attention can be focused on meaningful measures based on true performance. What are Watermelon Metrics? Watermelon metrics create the illusion o ..read more

Document version control is a critical aspect of project management. While it presents similarities with the topic of version control in the context of software engineering, this article focuses solely on tracking changes in documents, so please refer to our other article if you are interested in resolving conflicts and merging code. Effective document version control ensures team alignment, and minimizes errors. Throughout this article, we will closely examine the various document versioning options available so you can implement the best strategy to manage your project’s essential documents ..read more

I was browsing my LinkedIn feed today when I stumbled upon a poll with a very simple question: “Who owns the Sprint Backlog?”. Surprisingly, even though the poll was posted on one of the largest Agile groups on LinkedIn (with over 250,000 members), it turned out that more than half of the respondents got the answer wrong. Meanwhile on LinkedIn, in a popular #Agile group with +250K members… I just realized how many folks still struggle to grasp the key differences between product and sprint backlogs. pic.twitter.com/9S2oWQFliS — Manfredi | Delivery Management (@deliverymgt) August 24, 2023 T ..read more

Top-down and bottom-up are two of the most popular approaches used to estimate project costs. While top-down uses historical data to estimate total cost, bottom-up estimating builds up cost from individual tasks. Both have pros and cons. This article explains these two estimating methods so you can determine which fits your needs and resources. You’ll learn the key differences, steps for each, and weigh their advantages to make informed estimations. What is Top-Down Estimating? Top-down estimating is a technique used to quickly forecast the total cost of a project. It works by breaking down a ..read more