Back to Basics: The Lifecycle of Project Management
A project manager’s role is often perceived as one that’s “in the moment,” corralling all moving pieces of a project as they happen. In reality, project management is multi-faceted. Long before things kick into high gear, project managers are working to define a solution to a business problem. After the project has ended successfully, they’re diving in on the results and uncovering ways to improve next time. Even without an active project, a manager is always “on.” Though the phases vary depending on industry and specific project, the purpose remains largely the same.
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How Artificial Intelligence is Making Project Management More Productive
The initial fear that artificial intelligence (AI) would replace project management jobs has thankfully been put to rest. The massive increase in use of AI technologies across industries has instead proven the value of the human touch in project management.
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From the Chicago Bears to CERN: Meet Thom Baumann-Neylon, Project Controls Consultant
The skills needed to become a successful project controls consultant can be developed almost anywhere. Thom Baumann-Neylon’s career has been a winding one, taking him from sportswriter to instructional designer and, finally, to his current role as a project controls consultant with Manta Ray Consulting. Each experience has provided him the tools needed to succeed in what he calls “the best job in the world.” In fact, he doesn’t think he would be successful today without his previous experiences.
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A guide to managing complex projects remotely
Managing projects remotely is nothing new – project teams have been working effectively and collaborating seamlessly in remote settings well before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, to be successful there are a few important guidelines that team members must adhere to. These are especially key for teams moving to remote collaboration for the first time.
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3 Key Traits of a Great Project Manager
A successful project goes beyond coming in under budget. When done well, a project also leaves team members feeling accomplished, with an understanding of the role they played in its success.
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A Brief History of Earned Value Management
Earned Value Management (EVM) has become a necessity in government and construction project management since its development in the 1960s. In short, EVM takes the legwork and guesswork out of forecasting by pulling scope, time and costs into one integrated system.
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How to Collaborate with Different Personalities
No matter the size of your project team, you’re bound to run into personality clashes. Each team member has his or her own needs, experiences, and goals that affect the project outcome and the path taken to get there. Without a strategy in place that recognizes and respects these differences, a project may struggle or ultimately run off course. Project managers need to prioritize the human aspect by focusing on two key areas: acknowledging differences and preparing in advance.
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3 Warning Signs Your Project is Off Course — and What to Do Next
After investing significant time, money and resources into a complex project, the last thing any manager wants to do is inform the executive team that final goals have not been met. For some projects, there may not be a second chance. Managers must keep an eye out for warning signs that a project is headed in the wrong direction and course correct in real time. Many warning signs boil down to the human element, and correcting them may call for a more qualitative approach. Here are the major flags that your project is off course.
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