Planning is science and art. Whatever you call it, it is a challenging and complex process. A plan should be feasible, challenging, realistic, usable, efficient and optimal. It is difficult. I get it! Below are the project planning concepts that will help you to deliver a plan that leads … [Read more...]

The first project budget example is for a small construction project. You can use the following template for most of the projects. But you need to keep to one critical concept:  You need to use Work Breakdown Structure elements here.  It means I used a specific technique to … [Read more...]

Estimates are like promises. You make them, and you need to keep to them. Your reputation depends on how good you are at making estimates. https://youtu.be/NdPBs6MbpQs There are many techniques and methodologies of producing estimates. Nevertheless, communication is still the key. Below you … [Read more...]

Creating a realistic project schedule is difficult when you have the wrong mindset. Everyone expects that there's always a way to squeeze the whole project scope into the deadline project owners set. Stakeholders put a lot of pressure on you to find a solution. But, in most cases, there's no … [Read more...]

In this article, you'll find a Project Charter Example for a real-life project. In addition, you can get a simple template I developed and used throughout 10 years as a software development project manager. Project Charter is a document issued by the project initiator or sponsor that formally … [Read more...]

Let me put this straight: Project planning is a challenging and complex activity. You need to apply knowledge and skills from all aspects of project management. You operate with an enormous amount of information. And let’s be truthful: You’ll race against the clock. Nevertheless, … [Read more...]

Almost all project management resources on the Web provide “project management templates” to download. I get it. People are looking for a shortcut or inspiration. Why would you invent the wheel if there are templates out there? Well, I think you are shooting in your own foot with such … [Read more...]

Project communications plan is something that you skipped for sure. Why? It doesn’t seem important. We all know how to communicate. Moreover, there are traditional ways organizations use by default. I get it. I have been there too. However, once I actually dedicated time to get through a … [Read more...]

What quality assurance techniques work? Most probably you use some standard practices developed in your organization. The industry you work in may dictate the practices. But, are they efficient? Can you improve them? How? The key question is different. What techniques provide 80% of quality? … [Read more...]

Creating a realistic project schedule is difficult. It is a complex document with dozens of variables. There is always some amount of uncertainty. Stakeholders try to squeeze as much as possible into unrealistic deadlines. On top of that, you need to make a commitment - a promise to the stakeholders … [Read more...]