Why Do Projects Fail This article is a continuation of why projects fail. Inadequate attention to quality. I have seen quality problems arise from a corporations desire to embrace Auotcad by getting rid of experienced designers and hiring inexperienced CAD operators, to companies suffering because they didn’t get involved in a total quality package. Over my work history I have seen Vendors change from a lack of interest in equipment foundations to being very interested. One project I worked on were four pulp refiners. These were large revolving discs, of several tons, attached to a 10000 hp motor. In the... Read More»

Are Your Metrics Meaningless?

Data is an essential corporate asset, critical for the continued success of any business. Data empowers organizations to make critical decisions and drives strategy. Thus, organizations often enthusiastically collect and report a variety and abundance of data, with the mindset that more is better. However, if not managed effectively, this mass of data may not provide enough meaningful or measurable value and may actually produce misleading conclusions. When implementing a system of metric collection and reporting, there are potential roadblocks that can derail the entire process, leading to meaningless metrics. A common cause of error is an inadequate data collection... Read More»

Human Quality Considerations

In our personal lives, we review reports and conduct research to determine product quality, durability and other measures. For professional services, such as medical care, we ensure our providers have the necessary credentials and experience. We also know that quality is important in our professional lives, but seem to be more willing to make substitutions when it comes to acquiring human resources to fulfill our projects. Would you want someone without the necessary credentials and experience performing a high-risk medical procedure? The same thoroughness and requirements should be applied to our projects and organizations. Read More»

Is This A Project Managers’ Favorite Task?

You know what task I’m talking about. Your project is up and running, you’re moving on to another project, gearing up, getting organized, motivated, excited about the new project, just can’t wait to get going, when the boss says, “Oh, by the way”. These are words no project manager wants to hear, but I digress. The boss comes in and says, “Oh, by the way, don’t forget, you have to close out your last project”. Talk about being deflated. Project closeout is the least enjoyable project task there is. It is boring, you’re not motivated, the other team members are... Read More»

Avoiding Fumbles

A number of years ago, the Philadelphia Eagles played against the New York Giants in a game remembered for a fumble. The Giants had the ball, leading 17-12 with 31 seconds to go. The Eagles had used all their timeouts, and New York simply had to run one more play to win. For nearly all such situations, the quarterback will take the snap and fall to one knee - a safe call to avoid any handoffs. But this time, the offensive coordinator called for a running play. The handoff from the quarterback to the running back was fumbled. The Eagles'... Read More»

Cut those bugs in half!

Recently I had a conversation with a friend that had had a very interesting question from a Manager during an interview. After I figured out the answer, I realized that the same concept can be used for finding defects in Project output, and that it is the most efficient way to narrow down failure in either code or process. Since I know you are all wondering, here is the question: You have 20 red marbles, all of which weigh the same except for 1 which is 1 ounce lighter. You only have a balance scale and you have to identify... Read More»

A Lesson from a Calendar

From the time that my twins were born, I have created a yearly calendar for the northern contingent of my family to keep them off of my back about sending pictures. For those of you with kids and family that live 2,000 miles away, I know you understand why I go through the hassle every year of spending hours on-line yearly, as the few hours spent gets me a year of less complaining. In the past it has taken me about two hours tops to complete, this year it took six, and that got me thinking... what's happened to quality... Read More»

Three steps to getting unstuck: lessons learned from a ground squirrel

Project Coach, Your Clear Next Step Have you ever seen a ground squirrel in a window well? Let me describe it to you...In central Iowa, some folks call these little guys "squinnies"...though I haven't done the research to figure out why...they look a little like chipmunks with a squirrel's tail. Now, picture a little, brown squinny, about four and a half or five inches tall. This poor little guy has somehow gotten himself into a window well outside our basement window. The well is just shy of three feet deep, and about two feet wide, forming a half-circle with a... Read More»

Vendor Data Requirements (continued)

In the last article I started a discussion on Vendor Data Requirements and their importance to your project. This is the vendor data you require with their proposal and later in the project should they be the successful bidder. In review, this document is typically used when purchasing equipment and outlines to the vendor exactly what information you expect him to include with his quote. In this article I will cover additional information that you should be asking for and why you need the information. Following are some additional data items typically required from a vendor ; 6. Transport As... Read More»

It's a Training Issue

Training is a key part of successful project implementations. I've recently noticed an increase in solutions to software or technical issues cited as training issues. Those in the IT and customer support functions are well aware of the references and associated jokes to statements "it is a training issue". I have been deeply involved in building, selling, purchasing and supporting all facets of software projects and sometimes issues can most definitely be training issues; however, we don' want to cry wolf and rush to judgment on feedback received on our projects. It can be very frustrating to a user and... Read More»