Welcome to all things Project Management!
I want to bring YOU the best information, products, techniques, and good ideas to do with either managing the projects themselves - or the human art of project management.
I started out as a professional engineer and moved into project management in my late twenties. So I have a quarter of a century of experience in that field.
Of course, that doesn't make me automatically an "expert" - but it does give me a wealth of stuff that can help you "Fast-Track" and get good - in a fraction of the time that it took me!
Taking the World View, I would say that project management is split into two camps - Europe and the USA. that's not to discount other countries - far from it, but to acknowledge the main sources of "Bodies of Knowledge" (BoK).
I guess I'm talking about the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Association of Project Managers (APM). Both these noble organizations have their own emphasis on the key knowledge and experience needed to run successful projects.
They have much more in common than many folks think...
Then there is the UK's PRINCE2 Methodology - not so much a body of knowledge, but intended as a "Framework" which can wrap around any size of project in any industry. I should know because I'm an Accredited Instructor.
And another key area (not well understood in my opinion, is that of Programs - or as the UK spells it - Programmes). I have an article on this site explaining the difference - and why you need different methodologies to drive a program verses a project.
Again, I'm an Accredited Trainer for the programme methodology "Managing Successful Programmes" - so I know a fair bit about that side too.
Then there's the Tools. Many of 'em in fact - all have their detractors and defenders. Me? I happen to like Microsoft Project - good enough for most medium to large projects - and fairly intuitive to use in my opinion.
So you might see a few articles and helpful hints from me on that tool....
Finally, let's not forget the human side of project management - after all it's successful teams that make for succesful projects! So I'll throw in a few techniques and tips on team management.
Now projects take place in a huge variety of industry sectors from Manufacturing, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction, IT - well - you get the idea. And I reckon each has it's own secrets and skills. I for one have never project managed the construction of a building for example.
My background is in IT. So I welcome any comments from my new friends out there in cyberspace on these other industries. I reckon a series of articles and ideas under the banner of "Tricks of the Trade" or something would be great!
Enjoy My Site!
Dave
