Project Management

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Project Management

The Trials and Tribulations of Successful Planning

By: Andrew King, Managing Director

mailto:[email protected]


WebSan Solutions Inc.

11 Years in Business

Experience with ERP implementations

globally

Diverse group of IT Professionals

Certified Microsoft Dynamics Partner– Specializing in Dynamics GP (Great Plains)

Implementation, Customization, Integration, Support

and Training


Agenda

Project defined

The ugly truth about complex projects

Why do projects fail?

What is success?

How to run a successful project

– Tools, tips, etc

Open discussion : your

current project challenges


What is a Project

proj·ect

/n. p̍rɒdʒɛkt, -ɪkt; v. prəˈdʒɛkt/ Show Spelled[n. proj-ekt, -ikt; v. pruh-jekt] Show IPA

–noun

1. something that is contemplated, devised, or planned; plan; scheme.

2. a large or major undertaking, especially one involving considerable money, personnel, and equipment.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/money


Are all projects the same?

Yes and No

Some are bigger than others and more complex, but they ALL require the same basic building blocks and fundamentals

– People

– Tools

– A Plan

– Processes/Systems

– Good Project Management


Source: Standish Group (2007)

Companies Less than $200 million in annual revenue

46%

35%

19% Canceled(9% F500)

The majority of technology projects fail!

Challenged

Successful

The ugly truth about projects

Time 202% Budget 214%Expected Benefits 74%


Why Projects Fail

Lack of Executive Support/Alignment

Not detailed enough requirements

Changing Requirements

Lack of solution knowledge

Organizational mis-alignment


Lack of executive support

Project Goals and Objectives

– SMART?

• Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely

– Ownership

• Do the executive believe in the Goals of the Project?

• Are they easy to communicate?


Detailed requirements?

“Devil’s in the details”

Do the people that actually

end up living with the project results

Participate in design?

Are the managers and execs really

in touch with the reality of day-to-day?


Changing Requirements?

Ever feel like the project is always changing?

Everyone wants what’s best, but that can lead to a never-ending, ever-expanding project

Laser-like alignment to goals is key!

“Cloud Soccer”


Lack of knowledge

We hire professionals to install electrical systems…and doctors perform surgery

Why do people think we can do anything?

How do we convey what it takes to bring a project to a successful outcome?


Organizational Mis-Alignment

The “let’s roll up our sleeves and fix this” project

Example : “let’s fix our billing problems”

“fishbone” or “Ishikawa Diagram”


Defining Success

What is a successful project?

– Examples?

How many times do you start a running race and don’t know where the finish line is?

– Why are projects different?


How to improve your odds of success?

Use common tools :

– Conditions of Satisfaction

– RACI Chart

– Fishbone Diagram


Current Project Challenges

What projects are underway in your organization that you’re struggling with?

Some good examples:

– Office moves/renovations

– Executive conferences

– Sales conferences

– Board Meetings

– Upgrade of IT systems


THANK YOU!