What is a Project Baseline?
A baseline is defined as a time-based standard against which performance is measured. A project baseline is a time-based, progressive plan as opposed to one, single target value. Projects will often have a single, target value, but it is important to know if the project is in good health at....
Guide to Requirements Management
Many projects have a long list of requirements, from product features to design standards to quality metrics. Each of these requirements originated from a stakeholder, manager, or company policy. To make matters difficult, the stakeholder often can't even articulate their requirements or how they would like it implemented into a....
What is Project Configuration Management?
Project configuration management is the process of tracking and controlling changes to important project documents and products. This includes the project's deliverables as well as project management documents like the schedule. Anything that requires tracking through the project change control system is identified in the configuration management plan. These documents....
The 10 Essential Elements of a Project Plan
The project plan is like the flight plan filed by a pilot prior to embarking on a journey. It communicates how the project will attempt to reach its destination. The project plan is the strategy that will be used to produce the project's products, services, or results. It is written....
What is Project Integration Management?
The first knowledge area within the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) is called Project Integration Management. Although most people forget about it after writing the PMP exam (because it is a unique knowledge area that underpins all of the other, more visible ones), this knowledge area is in....
How to Implement the Theory of Constraints
The Theory of Constraints relates any complex system, such as a manufacturing plant, to a set of one or two constraints which fix the upper limit on its performance. It seeks to manage those constraints to maximize the performance of the plant. The Theory of Constraints was developed by Dr.....
Comprehensive List of Value Stream Mapping Symbols
A value stream map is a tool used in lean manufacturing to identify and communicate the value-producing processes within a factory. Value stream maps utilize a standard set of industry recognized symbols to map out the plant's processes, from raw material to finished product. Value stream maps are used to....
Steps to Powerful Value Stream Mapping
Value stream maps are diagrams used in lean manufacturing which identify each step of the manufacturing process. They are used to determine the value stream, that is, the steps that result in the creation of value. Their purpose is to visualize the manufacturing process so that anything that is not necessary....
Unmasking the Secrets of Jidoka
Jidoka is the ability of machines and assembly line workers to detect when a quality non-conformance issue has occurred and immediately stop the production line to make the necessary improvements to the process. Jidoka originated in the Toyota Production System, where it was not just the worker's right to "pull....
6 Process Improvement Methods that Stick
Human beings are naturally predisposed to resist change because of the risks it entails. Maybe the change will fail. Maybe it will reduce business or personal income. And maybe it will result in a loss of job security. We'd rather the devil we know, than the devil we don't. But....
