When to Use a Project Calendar vs. a Gantt Chart
With so many options, how can you identify which project scheduling tool best suits your needs? Here, we’ll break down the differences between a project calendar and a Gantt chart, as well as outline a few scenarios when each one is more suitable.
RACI Improved: Structuring Responsibilities with the Help of Project Management 2.0 Software
In one of my recent posts I wrote that using project management 2.0 software helps project manager guide his team’s work, delegate some of his initial duties and allocate roles and responsibilities so that they are clear to everybody on the team. Project management 2.0 tools also let one apply some traditional methodologies of structuring
The Ultimate Guide to Project Management for Accountants
Welcome to the modern financial professional’s guide to project management for accountants. In this article, we’ll go in-depth into the benefits of using project management methods for every aspect of project-based accounting. We’ll also teach you what the challenges are and how to choose the best tool for your team. Why is project management for accountants
Project Management Methodologies: A Quickstart Guide (Part 2)
Now that you’ve mastered the lingo and have a firm grasp on our first 8 common Project Management methodologies, you’re starting to settle into your new PM role. You’re gearing up for your first project kickoff, and the boss is back in your office: “So, let’s talk methodologies. What do you think is the best
Project Management Methodologies Review (Part 1)
Choosing a project management methodology is like choosing which recipe to follow when baking chocolate chip cookies. One recipe might use room-temperature butter while another recommends melted margarine, or call for dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips. Each recipe gives you delicious cookies, but the steps, ingredients and techniques are all a little different to
How 5 PM Experts Create a Fail-Safe Project Management Plan
Poor planning can doom your project before work even begins. Changing expectations, shrinking budgets, and frustrating miscommunications can derail even the simplest project—and make life stressful for everyone involved. A thorough project plan can prevent scope creep, overblown budgets, and missed goals. But actually sitting down and planning a project can be an overwhelming task. How
5 Project Management Ideas that Should be Extinct
Project management has a wide spectrum of effective approaches. Everything from hands-off supervision to management by walking around... And then there are the ideas that should go the way of the dinosaur — disappear in a ball of flames. This is just a list of the top 5 PM ideas that should be extinct. And if they
The Future of PMOs: Understanding the Challenges
The Project Management Office, or PMO, remains an increasingly essential part of a successful organization. And as new technology emerges and companies seek greater innovation, PMOs must evolve to remain relevant and valuable. So what is a PMO, and how do they add value to your organization?
5 Simple Yet Powerful Must-Have Project Management Features
If you’ve decided to invest in a tool, you want to make sure you’re purchasing the right one. Check out these simple yet powerful project management elements to look for when searching for a project management tool.
Project 2.0 Teams: Creating Project Communities
In my two latest posts (about Level 5 Leadership with Project Management 2.0 here and about Leading Collective Intelligence) I wrote about leaders and leadership aspects in Project Management 2.0. Now, it’s time to discuss project teams and their transformations in the PM 2.0 reality. I came across a very interesting blog discussion lately. Social media
4 Lessons Hockey Has Taught Me About Project Management
Here are some of the key lessons hockey has taught me about project management: 1. Hire Flexible Players In hockey you have six players on the ice and three main positions: Forward, Defense, and Goalie. The goalie is the only one that should truly be a “specialist,” which means the other five players need to have some
Project Management Terms: A Quickstart Glossary for Newbies (Part 2)
In our Quickstart Project Management Glossary for Newbies, Part 1, we revealed the secrets behind Gantt charts, the Critical Path Method, and more. And now your boss has walked in with more confusing jargon to muddle your brain: "Can you double-check our resources to make sure this project isn't in danger of scope creep?" Uh,
Project Management Terms: A Quickstart Glossary for Newbies (Part 1)
Your boss just walked into your office and said: "We've overstretched our resources. I need you to check the Gantt chart and tell me if there is any free float for this task so we don't delay our critical path." Wait, what was that? Gantt chart? Critical path? Maybe I'm just not ready for this...
How to Use Wrike for Professional Services Performance for Project Budget Management
Project budget management is important for professional services teams. Knowing how to calculate project cost and maximize project management efficiency is key for firms looking to boost profit margins.