Archive for May, 2011
Implementing Prince2 Project Management Methodology
PRINCE2 PRojects IN Controlled Environments is an effective processbased method for project management. This article will briefly discuss PRINCE2 and how to ensure the methodology is implemented into the workplace.
PRINCE2 is a processbased approach for managing projects. It helps to work out who should be involved in a project their role and their responsibilities. PRINCE2 has a set of processes to work through and it explains what information needs to be gathered. The method is the defacto standard for project management in the UK and is practiced globally.
The majority of organisations that wish to use PRINCE2 as their chosen project management methodology start with accredited training. Training is a necessity as it is a complex system with many processes and angles; and the training will provide everyone with the knowledge they need to manage a project with an understanding of the terminology used.
PRINCE2 is very adaptable and can be applied to all sorts of projects no matter how big or small the project is; even projects lasting a few days will benefit from selective application of PRINCE2 guidelines. In a training environment the principles sound logical but putting theory into practice can be a different story. Sometimes users of PRINCE2 struggle with fully understanding how the method can enhance a project. This can lead to a fervent adherence to unnecessary levels of formality and detail therefore giving the impression PRINCE2 is bureaucratic and filled with rules and regulations. Equally it could lead to inappropriate short cuts being taken in projects which can undermine the integrity of the method and the control and management of risk it provides.
How to Ensure PRINCE2 is Implemented into the Workplace
An organisation may need help with implementing PRINCE2 if for example:
* It is the first time PRINCE2 will be used within the organisation or team
* PRINCE2 has already been implemented into the organisation but business benefits are not being fully realised.
* The business wants to ensure they are PRINCE2 compliant using the Project Programme and Portfolio Management Maturity Model
* The business is interested in gaining a recognised accreditation for its project management processes
To implement PRINCE2 the process can be treated as a project which has been completed by many organisations. An alternative option is a PRINCE2 business mentor/coach. The objective of mentoring/coaching is to ensure the embedment of PRINCE2 concepts that were learnt during training so that full transference of skills can be transferred into the workplace.
PRINCE2 mentors/coaches specialise in assisting organisations with the management of change that is required to implement PRINCE2 successfully. They can provide guidance and support during the implementation of PRINCE2 through a combination of coaching mentoring and training and ensuring the appropriate skills are nurtured. They also provide onetoone sessions with individuals to support them in their new or enhanced role give briefings or workshops for small groups with specific roles or responsibilities and/or remote support by telephone or email.
The role of mentor and coach do differ. Mentoring is a process in which the mentor serves as a role model trusted counsellor or teacher who provides opportunities for development growth and support to less experienced individuals. Mentors often take a handson approach and have specific knowledge and expertise in one or more areas. A coach is a person who supports people clients to achieve their goals with goal setting encouragement and questions… a coach rarely offers advice.
Conclusion
The key to success with PRINCE2 is to remember it is adaptable and can be tailored for all project types regardless of industry and marketplace. Implementing PRINCE2 is more than providing staff with training it is about establishing project management best practice into the working culture and achieving organisational benefits through improved project governance.
About the writer: Kevin Adler wrote the article ‘Implementing PRINCE2 Project Management Methodology’ and recommends you visit AFAprojects.com to find a PRINCE2 project management course in your area.
If The Lord Of The Rings Was A Project
Let’s assume for a moment that the great quest in The Lord of the Rings was a project. Now that’s not as odd as it might sound. Just think of the criteria:
they had a clear goal and purpose
they had a team of people with defined if unspoken roles
all of the team needed to work together to achieve the goal
there was a definite time constraint in terms of when the goal needed to be achieved
Certainly looks like a project to me….. So if this is the case then just who was the Project Manager?
The role of a Project Manager is to:
be ultimately accountable for the success of the project
prepare the project plan and budget
effectively resource the project
monitor the progress of the plan and budget
manage the project quality risks and issues including mitigation and contingency plans
manage the day to day project
communicate status to key stakeholders
There are 4 main contenders for the role: Aragorn Gandalf Frodo and Elrond. Let’s look at each of these in turn.
Elrond
At the council meeting it was Elrond who spelt out the goals of the “project” and it was also he who chose the team to undertake the mission.
However Elrond soon faded into the background only to reappear towards the climax of the battle against the forces of Sauron. During the vast majority of the quest Elrond had neither influence on the progress nor the ability to influence the methods being used.
In my view therefore Elrond played more of a Project Sponsor or Project Owner role.
Frodo
Frodo has some claims as he was ultimately accountable for the achievement or failure of the project.
However he played no real role in setting tactical or strategic direction for the project. He had one job and one job only.
In my view Frodo was a key project team member but not the Project Manager.
Aragorn
Aragorn displayed the most leadership qualities and was able to act both in a strategic and tactical capacity. He planned both attacks and defences of the various strongholds and was a key motivator for the troops.
However he was not acknowledged by others as the leader until fairly late in the quest. Additionally he would not have been held responsible if the quest failed although he had a key role to play in ensuring the quest would succeed.
Like Frodo I believe Aragorn was a key project team member but not the Project Manager.
Gandalf
This leaves us with Gandalf.
Before Gandalf disappeared in the Mines of Moria he was deferred to by the rest of the team as the leader and when he reappeared in the Forest of Fanghorn he immediately took charge. He sent Aragorn to Theoden to light the fires of Anduril and then moved on to Helms Deep.
It was he who originally insisted that Frodo must be the one to return the ring to the Fire and suggested that Samwise Gange accompany Frodo an inspired move and one which surely saw the quest succeed.
Gandalf also defeated Saruman.
The question is had the quest failed would Gandalf have been held accountable?
Had there been anyone left to judge I believe he would have.
About the writer: Diane Ellis has been a Project and Program Manager for over 20 years and has recently released a new simple guide to project management called Project Management Made Easy. You can learn more about Diane and her new book as well as sign up for a free eCourse on Troubleshooting the Most Common Challenges Project Managers Face at ManageThatProject.
How You Can Get Some Products?
I have been to quite a few seminars and workshops and i can see that a lot of people are attending it. Ever wondering out of so many people attending who will actually make use of the knowledge gained to good use and create a good income for themselves?
Your answer is as good as mine few of them will do anything about it. Well we got to admit it this is human nature as human like to procrastinate and think of problem rather than solutions. A lot of them i met always gave me this excuse that is they do not have any products to sell or do not know where to find them.
Well i will share some ways where you can get some products to sell:
Affiliates Products
You can sell other people products if you do not really have one at the moment. It is the fastest and easiest way to get started. Some of the affiliate programs even pay you as high as 75 to sell their products. For more details www.instantcdproducts.com Are you wondering how to sell? Do not worry most of the time these affiliates products provide tools for you to sell so there is no reason why you cannot get started right away. Some of the sites are:
Private Label Rights Products
These are products where you can get and sell it as though you are the owner or author of it. You can edit change the contents and do anything with it without infringement of rights concerned by the original creator. You can get all range of products ranging from ebooks audios videos etc. Some of these are paid and some are free so you can google and find PLR products to find your niche market!
Ask Someone to Create For You
You can hire programmers and writers to do it for you. There are lots of sites where programmers are waiting for projects like this! Mind you some of them do create quality products where you can sell like hot cakes! Below are some of the sites:
Your Passion
Ask yourself what are you good at? There is sure a niche marketing within your own capabilities and scope take a deeper look at it do a market research to find out what are the niches! For example: For more details www.productcreationsecrets.com Golf you can split to different categories like Golf Accessories Golf Merchandise Golf Courses Golf Books Golf Memberships etc
Products creation is an important task to all internet marketers if you want to succeed in this field DO NOT take it lightly by finding any products to sell research what is niche and what is not and you can split test to see which product is selling better.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;www.instantvideosuite.comwww.instantsoftwareproducts.com
