INTRODUCTION
In this simple guide to project management I will use the analogy of the Project Management Office being like Air Traffic Control for projects and change. The Project Management Office [PMO] will want confidence that any significant project or change is clear about passengers and crew (participants), fuel (budget), destination (outcome) and route (plans). For each initiative we want to be able to give it a thumbs-up or guidance on what is required for permission to take-off or indeed a safe journey: on-time, on-budget, to-specification, low-risk and high-communication.
This simple guide is based on a blend of Waterfall approach (plan before action eg PRINCE2) and Agile (work it out as you do eg SCRUM)
ATC STEP 5 THE EXECUTION PHASE WITH PROJECT UPDATES
Period-end Project Updates - At this step we need a written down detail of [1] whats done, [2]whats next, [3]any issues, [4]decisions needed. This aims to confirm on-time, on-budget, to-specification, low-risk and high-communication. This update is provided by the Project Manager to the Sponsor and any relevant stakeholders at least monthly.
Key question are we trying to answer: How is it going? (is there anything we should know?)
Process: When you are up-and-running you will be expected to provide a monthly update to let everyone know whats happening. Put this in writing. We have a template for this.
HOW WE BEGIN
At this stage we are at the considering the quotes, specifications, proposals. This is the time when we deciding what we want, can afford, and are able to achieve, but not yet committing to how or when.
CASE STUDY
Jane wants to ensure that all the tasks for each week are done OK and that things are progressing on-time, on-budget, to-plan with few risks and constant updates. She will probably meet with the key people doing the project daily. She will probably tell friends and family what is happening in a weekly update.
CLARITY WRITTEN DOWN
There are the questions your idea phase should aim answer
Question 1 Question to answer: How is it going?
Question 2 How is it going?
Question 3 Where have we been?
Question 4 Whats next on the journey? Issues or Risks? (Any expected or unexpected turbulence?) Decisions needed? By the PM (captain), Project Team (crew) or Sponsor (aircraft owner) or others? Key Resources (Crew) current being used? (name, skillset and days per week/month) Key Resources (Crew) needed next? (name, skillset and likely days per week/month)
USEFUL LINKS AND REFERENCES
About Agile
https://www.guru99.com/waterfall-vs-agile.html
About Waterfall and the leading approach to Waterfall which is PRINCE2
https://prince2.wiki/
ABOUT THE BLOG
This is a series of coaching blogs that eventually will become a book. By blogging each item I hope to share each element in easy to read bite size chunks, maybe invite some people to subscribe to see the next posting and hopefully encourage some comments, feedback and suggestions which will improve the content for the blog and eventually the book. All comments and feedback are therefore welcome.
