This post looks at the major elements of the Project Charter and how they link back to strategy. It focuses on how to write a Project Charter – and then asks ChatGPT what it would include in a Project Charter! How to Write a Project Charter The Project Charter is often the first document that … Read more
This post explains how a Work Breakdown Structure can connect implementation to strategy. It can give deeper meaning to tasks at the individual level, and help align priorities to strategic objectives. At the core is purpose – for the organization, the project, and individual. A Strategic Work Breakdown Structure – from Objectives to Personal Tasks … Read more
Leadership is complicated. There are many tools and techniques out here – and yet we often default to using an approach that maps to what motivates and inspires us – but not necessarily others. This post reviews several common approaches to inspiring and motivating others. It then explores a simpler and more versatile approach that … Read more
When starting a new project, or new to a role in the organization, you are part of a change. So how can you add more certainty in this change that you are part of? This post explores a change process that can help, regardless of your role. It looks at the various organization situations, how … Read more
Stakeholder management is an important topic for project managers executives alike. This post identifies several ways handling stakeholder relationships. It emphasizes an “introspective” approach, with up-front planning for engagement with various levels of stakeholders throughout an initiative’s life cycle. It also looks at stakeholder management from the point of view of the strategy and project … Read more
The STaRS transition model is a strategic and implementation framework that can provide great guidance for you when you are starting in a new role. It applies to a transitioning business manager, program manager, or project manager. This post looks at how change plays a role in any transitional situation. It provides a lens through … Read more
This post introduces the Resource Based View strategic framework and provides examples of using it. It provides an outline or process for applying the framework in practice. It identifies the strengths and shortcomings of RBV as a strategic framework and how to overcome those. Finally, it lays out a road map for leveraging RBV using … Read more
The Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM) is a core agile method emphasizing a strong business foundation up front, and execution through the full project development life cycle. This post looks at the key principles and core techniques of DSDM, the strategic implications, and a strategic project manager’s perspective of the DSDM process. What Is the … Read more
Feature Driven Development (FDD) is an agile methodology specifically applied to software development. This post explores what FDD is, FDD best practices, implications of FDD for strategy, and how FDD is implemented with other agile methods while managing a project. What Is the Agile Feature-driven Development Methodology? Feature-driven Development (FDD) is one of several agile … Read more
The agile Crystal methodology provides a unique flavor to the general agile approach to managing projects. This post defines what the agile Crystal method is, key aspects of the mindset behind the Crystal approach, strategic consideration, and impacts for project managers. What Is the Agile Crystal Method? Crystal was introduced by Alistair Cockburn at IBM … Read more