Tracking project progress effectively is paramount. Burndown and burnup charts are simple but powerful tools in project management. They provide visual representations of project progress, helping team and stakeholders monitor remaining and completed work. These tools facilitate better decision-making, timely adjustments, and clear communication across all levels of an organization. Although commonly associated with agile … Read more

The Critical Path Method (CPM) has been one of the most transformative advancements in project management, enabling professionals to efficiently plan, schedule, and execute complex projects. Originating in the mid-20th century, CPM continues to serve as a foundational tool for identifying critical tasks and ensuring projects are completed on time. By identifying the longest sequence … Read more

The DCMA 14-Point Schedule Assessment is an essential guideline designed for evaluating project schedule quality, ensuring adherence to best practices across various industries. Developed by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and with its roots in large-scale U.S. Department of Defense projects, its methods have gained popularity beyond, helping many sectors achieve robust project management … Read more

Agility in project management isn’t a trend; it’s a vital strategy that aligns teams and processes for effective outcomes. I’m here to guide you through the nuances of agile project management as fostered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI, in partnership with Agile Alliance®, crafted the Agile Practice Guide back in 2017 [Agile Practice … Read more

Time has a unique relationship with all aspects of our lives. In project management, this connection is even more explicit. Imagine a scenario where a team works tirelessly to meet a project deadline. Despite their best efforts, they miss the mark. Why? Because time wasn’t wielded as a strategic resource. Envision time as the foundation … Read more

I’m going to share with you the fundamentals of building a schedule model. Think of a project schedule as a roadmap; it guides the project team from start to finish. At the heart of this roadmap is the schedule model, an essential tool for project managers. This tool mirrors the team’s plan for executing the … Read more

In my day-to-day experiences managing projects, I’ve discovered that a Gantt chart is more than just a tool; it’s a roadmap for success. This graphic display simplifies complex schedules into a user-friendly format that engages my entire team. For clarity, a Gantt chart displays schedules as bars along a calendar, with activities listed on one … Read more

I often see planning as the skeleton of a body. Just as bones hold our bodies together to progress in our lives, planning via a dynamic scheduling model holds everything in projects together. It’s not just jotting down tasks, but more like designing a machine composed of interconnected gears. Each tiny component has a specific … Read more

I think of project planning as the roadmap for successful projects. At its core, planning orchestrates all moving parts of a project to align towards a common goal. It’s not just a preliminary phase; it’s a continual process that guides a project from conception to completion. Recognizing the critical role of project planning is essential. … Read more