Project Management is about repeatedly hitting the business target
Most project management metrics measure if a project is on-time and on-budget. But how many times, have we heard:
"It's exactly what I ordered, but not what I wanted"
Even if a project is on-time and on-budget, and all the scope check-boxes have been checked. If all the PM metrics say "success", but it doesn't accomplish the business objective, then all that time and money were wasted.
We advocate drawing clear business targets (not scope statements, functional requirements, or use-cases), and repeatedly checking in with business stakeholders to make sure the project is on track to meet those targets.
Project Management Methodologoes
What's the best way to ensure results are delivered - efficiently and consistently? That's where project management methodologies come into play. Truth is, if "just get it done" actuall got it done, we wouldn't need processes. But it doesn't, and we do. How much process should be prescribed? Enough to get it done - and no more!
There are many project management methodologies in use today, including standard "waterfall", Agile, RUP, spiral, and more. Companies should evaluate which methodologies will work best for them, and modify and adopt accordingly.
PDLC and SDLC
Many organizations adopt a Systems Development Lifecycle (SDLC) approach, usually centered on one methodology, usually based on software development. Problem is, one size does not fit all, and you may need one methodology for software development (eg: Agile), another for business process re-engineering (eg: Six Sigma), etc.
A Project Developement Lifecycle (PDLC) is a higher abstraction that ensures all project follow certain common practices (status reporting, issues and risk logs, lessons learned, etc.). Several SDLCs can fit into a PDLC, allowing apples-to-apples comparisons across the portfolio.
In the end, Project Management Methodologies should be a project manager's best friend, not an anchor around their necks.
We have worked with many clients to streamline their project management processes and develop PDLC's. Give us a call at 925-487-1589, or email us at info@effectiveitgroup.com. We'll help you hit the target more often.
