How software development misremembered Winston Royce and then made the misunderstanding real I recently read Winston W. Royce’s 1970 paper, Managing the Development of Large Software Systems which many say defined the start of the Waterfall method for software development. Like many project professionals, I knew the paper mainly through […]
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For decades, the profession of project management (and most project managers) have attempted to sell us all a comforting myth. The myth is that projects are, by default, certain. That with enough upfront planning, the right tools and techniques, and sufficient discipline, uncertainty can be reduced to the point where […]
I have been working and thinking a lot lately about creative projects and managing them successfully. Creative projects are projects that are both delivering something relatively hard to define throughout substantial portions of the project, and also involve creative types of people delivering the work. These two facets make them […]
There is a persistent belief in the creative world that project management (or management of any sort) is the enemy of creativity. That once you introduce structure, plans, schedules, or budgets, the magic drains out of the work creativity gets “managed” to death. I think this is a myth. And […]
In the profession of project management, one size rarely fits all. The best project management methodology is not a fixed, universal solution but one that aligns with the specific needs of a project. Factors such as project duration, complexity, practitioners’ competency, and organizational maturity play crucial roles in determining […]
In the world of project management, rules (e.g. processes, tools, and techniques) are often seen as the bedrock of different approaches and methodologies. It seems that each one has their own particular sets of rules designed to ensure maximum chances of project success. But there’s an unspoken truth that lurks […]
There is something weird (and unique) about the profession of project management and its view of credentials. Often on LinkedIn you will see an opinion or post expressing doubt about the usefulness of credentials and qualifications, and quite loudly proclaiming that experience is the only thing that matters. What’s weird […]
Poor change management is often a significant contributor to project failure. Without a structured approach to manage the transitions that a project necessitates, there’s a high risk of resistance from team members and stakeholders. This resistance can manifest as low engagement, poor adoption of new processes or systems, and an […]
The role of a project manager is not just about charts, timelines, and resources. It’s also about leading a team and fostering a positive work environment. In this regard, interpersonal skills are as crucial as technical know-how. Let’s delve into the interpersonal skills that are essential for every project manager. […]