The Quality Control Process
Controlling the quality of a project’s deliverables can be the silver bullet that makes everything else feel easy. Unfortunately it’s often easier said than done, but there are tried and true techniques that help you get there. On the flip side, a single poor quality deliverable can create a cycle....
Project Quality Assurance
Performing quality assurance ensures that the processes are in place to produce the project deliverables at the applicable level of quality. Normally called QA, it is the process of auditing and analyzing the systems which produce a product in order to improve their quality. It should not be confused with....
Managing Project Quality
For engineers like me, quality is a big deal. Industry standard quality control dictates that most documents and designs require a "second stamp" i.e. a reviewer who takes as much responsibility as the designer. If non-engineering professions followed this practice, many project quality issues would be solved. The Project Management....
The Elements of a Project Charter
Before a project even begins, a project charter is a document that incorporates the project and appoints the project manager. Many projects operate without a project charter, even multimillion dollar projects. But the formal authorization of the project by the performing organization can be important to ensure the lines of....
Project Management Documents
Many documents are created in the profession of project management. Some of these are critical to the successful completion of the project, and others are merely intended for organizing the work flow. But the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) outlines many documents that have an integral place within the....
Phases of a Project
According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), projects are divided into five phases. These phases are: Initiating. The project is authorized, funded and defined. This phase occurs on the organizational level (i.e. above the project). The organization defines a business need the project is meant to satisfy. Planning. ....
Effective Project Monitoring
I think someone needs to pay closer attention to road! In order to make sure that disasters like this never happen, the project manager should institute a strong system of project monitoring. Fortunately, there is plenty of information within the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) for this. If done....
Closing a Project in Style
It amazes me that project closure is one of the most visible aspects of a project to senior managers and executives, yet it is also the phase that is most often skipped or shortened. I realize that project budgets are often used up (or seriously stretched) in the final phases....
Project Control
Putting out fires is practically part of the job description for some project managers. Every project has changes throughout its life span, sure, but how do you control them, or better yet, how do you stop them from popping up? Project controls are where the project manager earns their wages. ....
Project Scheduling
Some projects are like boats without a paddle, drifting aimlessly at sea with little knowledge of what their final destination will be. Most of these projects do not end up at the destination that was planned. Project scheduling is the key to ensuring the original project plan and final project....
