AOM 2010 Montreal (Day Two)
Hi again! You know you don’t have to read on if you don’t want to… It’s my next offering from the AOM 2010 Conference held recently in Montreal. read more
Archive for 2010
AOM 2010 Montreal (Day One)
Hi, now I know you might not be too interested but I love to write about stuff when I am travelling. I recently attended the 2010 AOM Annual Conference which was held in Montreal, and the experience allowed me to see and hear so much, and meet so many people. I can’t help but share it with you… so here is the first of several updates recounting those experiences.
It’s Time To Start Looking Forward – Here’s How!
It’s obvious that not all Project or Program Managers are the same… but how can you tell the difference? Well, it’s not as difficult as it sounds – in fact you might find the answer lies right here.
The A to Z of Q&As for PMOs
Program and Portfolio Management Offices (PMOs) arose in response to a problem with systemic project and program failure.
To the question “How do we improve project and program outcomes”?, we answered, “Improve governance, dictate the procedure of methodology and increase the frequency, content and nature of reporting”. Clearly this was logical, but……
Have we succeeded? Many people argue that in fact the ‘overhead’ hasn’t helped at all. The PMO in many cases is seen as a reporting overhead staffed by ‘police’ who care more about the reports and the paperwork than outcomes.
Executives feel good about all the information, safe in the knowledge that there is sufficient overview of their projects and programs. PMOs have become a safety blanket…until it all goes wrong.
Why are projects and programs still failing? Have we in fact asked and answered the right question? Have we lost sight of the real reason we are here and the real opportunity to add and realise value?
Unless we are perceived to add value we will become a passing fad – and we have too much to offer to let that happen.
It’s not too late. In fact, there is a simple question we can ask that will refocus our thinking and our approach and help PMOs be seen as really adding value.
PMOs can achieve relevance, respect and acknowledged contribution. Who wants to be consigned to history like the quality guys? And who remembers knowledge management? Let’s fight for relevance through contribution – you don’t have to fail.
Stories from the front line – Banking
Here’s an interesting case study for you. Again, it’s a true story from the front line vault, and after you’ve read the list of findings, you might give some thought, before reading on, as to how you might have dealt with this project. Where to begin? What are the core issues? And importantly, how do you resolve those issues and get straight to work on the best quality processes to reach successful outcomes? read more
Stories from the front line – a Biotech industry study
I’m truly excited to publish this case study which is to be the first in an occasional series entitled ‘Stories from the front line’.
Case studies are useful reference tools for PMs. They allow us to examine and better understand a project path, in effect, what happened and why. They also allow us to analyse and identify real-life, real-time problems, and in doing so, the how, why and ’what the?’ questions are more easily isolated & unravelled. Of course no project, program or portfolio follows the same path, but the hindsights of thoroughly researched case studies enable us to implement effective solutions and improve best practice strategies. I encourage you to comment on this biotech study – send me your thoughts! read more
Projects – Have They Become Too Operationalized?
Not surprisingly, this is one of my favourite topics of thought at the moment, and I was recently inspired to put forward some of those thoughts to a new “members only” service offered by the Academy of Management. It’s an innovative online tool called AOM Connect, allowing members from around the world to “connect, collaborate & contribute”. read more
Rise Of The Sponsor & Fall Of The PM
One of the things that has baffled me of late is the increasing demand PM’s are placing on sponsors. Yes, we’ve always needed sponsors and word travels really quickly when we find a good one. read more
Spinning My Webinar – It’s All About the People
I recently hosted a webinar presentation for a Pharmaceutical Special Interest Group of the Project Management Institute. It was well-received by the 122 people across the U.S. who logged in to attend. The popularity of this form of web conferencing is fast growing and it was a fabulous experience to be able to present live audio alongside my powerpoint visuals. read more
Paying It Forward
Throughout my life many people have helped me – too many people to name and most not needing any help in return. So when I started RNC I decided to follow the principle of ‘paying it forward’. read more
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