A robust and realistic project management communication plan is essential for project success. This informative and easy-to-read article looks at basic concepts of a project management communication plan, and provides examples, strategies and best practices. There are several paths to project glory. However, one characteristic that all successful projects have in common is effective and efficient communications. Or, to put things more bluntly yet  perhaps more memorably: while there are many reasons for project failure, a lack of quality communication is often the biggest factor. Indeed ..read more

How Much Do Project Managers Make? This informative and easy-to-read article answers the question “How much do project managers make?”, and provides practical tips for project managers to significantly boost their earning potential, career prospects, and job satisfaction. While some professions are struggling to survive in the face automation and obsolescence, others are accelerating in the other direction as supply for talent significantly — and in some labor markets dramatically — outstrips demand. Project managers are firmly in this latter category, and they are being suitably compensated ..read more

What is Triple Constraint? One of the oldest and most useful concepts in project management is triple constraint. Sometimes referred to as iron triangle or project triangle, triple constraint captures the reality that in order for a project to achieve its required objectives and meet quality expectations, it must successfully operate within three boundaries: scope, cost and time. Triple Constraint Model is About Trade-Offs The triple constraint model acknowledges that a major piece of the project management puzzle is about making trade-offs. For example, a project that is falling behind sched ..read more

If you ask an experienced project manager “what does a project manager do?”, then be prepared to have your inquiry answered with another question: “well, what doesn’t a project manager do?” Indeed, the responsibilities of a project manager are broad, and range from performing tactical and technical tasks, to carrying out strategic and executive functions – and often in the same hour! This article sheds more light on the question of “what does a project manager do?”. This will be especially helpful for individuals who are considering a career in project management, as well as those who are not ..read more

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is an essential project management tool that is used for planning, scheduling, control, resource management, risk management, and communications. This informative and easy-to-read article explores the basics of a work breakdown structure, and offers valuable WBS best practices for new and experienced project managers alike. What is a Work Breakdown Structure? A work breakdown structure is a hierarchical breakdown of all the work products that must be carried out by team members, in order for a project to achieve its various deliverables – and ultimately, to ac ..read more

16th century poet George Herbert said that “a bad workman quarrels with his tools.” And while there is practical wisdom in this observation, just don’t try and mention it to people in the 21st century who have been saddled with ineffective, limited, or just plain awful agile project management tools – because instead of a knowing nod, one is likely to be greeted with an icy glare. Best Agile Project Management Tools If inferior agile project management tools trigger confusion and chaos, then naturally it follows that superior agile project management tools drive efficiency, productivity, enga ..read more

Project Planning Software: 3 Critical Questions to Choose the Right Solution Legendary crooner Frank Sinatra – along with legions of inebriated wedding guests who (unfortunately) considered themselves karaoke superstars – have belted out the epic song “My Way,” which contains the signature lyrics “regrets, I’ve had a few; but then again, too few to mention.”  Well, when it comes to choosing project planning software, some enterprise executives around the world have more than a few mentionable regrets. In fact, they are riddled with remorse, because the solution they selected turned out to ..read more

Project Risk Management : The Basics What is Project Risk Management? All projects – regardless of whether they are relatively short and straightforward, or long and complex – carry a degree of risk. This is because while many factors may be known, established and predictable, there are some aspects and variables that are unknown or iterative (i.e. more is known as the project unfolds). Project risk management is an approach that involves identifying, managing, mitigating, and at times exploiting these risks to increase the chances of project success. Project Risk Management Processes Accordi ..read more

Team Project Management: DO’s and DON’Ts While there are many ways to achieve project success, there is a unifying factor that all successful projects share regardless of whether their mission is to develop new software, construct a skyscraper, launch a comprehensive marketing campaign, or do anything else important and worthwhile: they make team project management a top priority. Indeed, in this sense succeeding on the project management landscape is similar to that in the world of sports. Yes, there are elite stars who make great things happen. But ultimately, it is the ability and performa ..read more

What is Agile Methodology and How Does it Work in Project Management? Folk wisdom advises us “never to answer a question with a question.” However, there are times when it is helpful to break this rule, because in order to grasp an important point we first need to step back and take a look at the bigger picture – and this situation qualifies. And so, before we can dive into answering “what is agile methodology and how does it work in project management?”, let us briefly shift our perspective on a more fundamental issue: “what is meant by agile methodology?” Methodology & Mindset Although ..read more