There are many projects management methods. Most companies have adopted one as the standard for doing projects. But one has to bear in mind that a project management method is a way to manage a project. So it is about governance. It is about controlling the progress, handle decision making, handing over work and so on.
So let's be clear on the fact that it is not a method to 'make' something. For producing the (final) project product there are in many cases also methods. For example when developing an application one could use a software development method. But also for building a house, or to innovate, or to change an organization or selecting a software package there are methods.
In many cases the decision for which method to use for producing the project product is not taken deliberately or even at all. So when your company would like to make something she does not have a line organization for one needs a method to run the temporary project organization and a method for producing the project one is aiming for.
And, just to make sure, see to it that those two methods are not to be integrated to one method as they serve different purposes. See to it that you run the project with a project management method and produce your deliverables with another one. A good project management method is flexible so it will not inhibit the producing method from functioning.
Is this a responsibility of the Project Board? Yes and no. When a good project manager is selected, he will point the Project Board on this choice. But as stated before, the Project Board is responsible for the final project product. Sometimes it is better to have specialists on the product to be produced advise you on the methods available for this. In the end it is your choice.
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
Notes for Project Boards > Quality first!
The project started so now the Project Board can sit back. Not... ! Project Boards are the subject of this blog. We will continue to talk about the role of the Project Board. This time quality is at stake. What can a Project Board do to make sure the project and its results will meet all quality criteria?
From research one can learn the quality of the final product is determined by the quality of its parts which in their turn are determined by the quality of its production process. In a project we have a temporary organization with directors (you) and processes that should take place. And these processes should not only be executed but also adhere to certain demands and with some kind of evidence.
The organization that starts a project has a quality management system of some form that also sets quality criteria for projects. You, the Project Board are the link from organizational standards to project quality standards. So you have to make sure that the project arguably meets those standards. So agree on what quality standard are to be met. It is up to the project manager to make sure that happens.
From research one can learn the quality of the final product is determined by the quality of its parts which in their turn are determined by the quality of its production process. In a project we have a temporary organization with directors (you) and processes that should take place. And these processes should not only be executed but also adhere to certain demands and with some kind of evidence.
The organization that starts a project has a quality management system of some form that also sets quality criteria for projects. You, the Project Board are the link from organizational standards to project quality standards. So you have to make sure that the project arguably meets those standards. So agree on what quality standard are to be met. It is up to the project manager to make sure that happens.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Notes for Project Boards > Delegate but keep control!
With my last posting the Project Manager was in sight. He is the one to manage the project team. I also mentioned that the Project Board can have criteria a Project Manager should take into consideration when managing the project. There are limits within which a Project Manager is free to operate. This makes management by exceptions possible. You as a Project Board do not have to meet on a regular basis. Only when the Project Managers anticipates a shift out of given limits he might call a meeting with the Project Board.
Most common criteria are money, organization, quality, information and time. It is up to the Project Board to choose and set these criteria. Bear in mind that you, the Project Board, are considered to know the strength and weaknesses of your organization, you know where things might need your attention, what freedom is acceptable in specific circumstances. Again however this does not release your as Project Board from your responsibilities.
Of course you remain entitled to call a meeting whenever you like. Also in this case it is your understanding of the organization that helps you define what the best thing to do is. In many cases phases in a project are used to evaluate the past and consider the next steps. But remember the Project Manager is not expected to decide on these things but to advise and suggest. You are in charge and you will remain in charge by this way of working.
Later on we will consider Quality Assurance. And we will have to look into something called Project Approach. The criteria we mentioned in this posting will also need some further consideration. Are there other things you would like me to discuss?
Most common criteria are money, organization, quality, information and time. It is up to the Project Board to choose and set these criteria. Bear in mind that you, the Project Board, are considered to know the strength and weaknesses of your organization, you know where things might need your attention, what freedom is acceptable in specific circumstances. Again however this does not release your as Project Board from your responsibilities.
Of course you remain entitled to call a meeting whenever you like. Also in this case it is your understanding of the organization that helps you define what the best thing to do is. In many cases phases in a project are used to evaluate the past and consider the next steps. But remember the Project Manager is not expected to decide on these things but to advise and suggest. You are in charge and you will remain in charge by this way of working.
Later on we will consider Quality Assurance. And we will have to look into something called Project Approach. The criteria we mentioned in this posting will also need some further consideration. Are there other things you would like me to discuss?
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