Using the Five Whys
The "Five Whys" technique is a problem-solving method that helps to identify the root cause of an issue by asking "why" repeatedly. As a project manager, you can use the…
Criteria for a Successful Event or Project
Defining the criteria for a successful event or project is essential to guide planning, execution, and evaluation. Success criteria are typically specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Here's a…
The Don’t Say Paper Airplane Activity
As a Project Management Instructor, I like to include various ice breaker activities in my presentations for students to get to know each other as well as get hands on…
Five Techniques for Finding the Root Cause of an Issue
Here are five techniques commonly used by IT project managers to identify the root cause of issues: 5 Whys Technique: This involves asking "why" repeatedly (at least five times) to…
User Stories
User stories are vital tools in project management, especially in agile methodologies. They capture the essence of a feature or functionality from the user's perspective, outlining the 'who,' 'what,' and…
From Waterfall to Agile
Transitioning from a Waterfall to an Agile approach in an IT organization is a significant change that requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps to prepare a company…
Project Priority Matrix
A project priority matrix is a visual tool that helps project managers prioritize tasks, activities, or projects based on multiple criteria. It provides a structured framework for making informed decisions…
Work Breakdown Structure
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a powerful tool that helps IT project managers effectively plan, execute, and control projects. It provides a structured framework for understanding, organizing, and managing the project's various components. By breaking the project into manageable tasks and levels, the WBS serves as a foundation for accurate planning, resource allocation, risk management, and communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Post-Mortem
Conducting a post-mortem is an essential practice for IT project managers to enhance project performance and refine processes for future endeavors. Emphasize the importance of learning from both successes and challenges to foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team.
SWOT Analysis
SWOT analysis is a versatile tool that helps project managers make informed decisions, align project strategies, and mitigate potential risks. It's important to approach it with an open and critical mindset, involving relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and accurate analysis.