tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116984762011-12-14T21:40:34.340-05:00Learn how project management templates will help you be successful, as well as gain insight into free productivity tips, and techniques.ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.comBlogger361100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-63473249197719823142009-06-14T21:11:00.001-05:002009-06-14T21:15:32.234-05:00

You may find that you have a staff member that is a challege to work with. The following are recommendation to help you manage through the challenge.1. First keep in mind that a good leader will have challenges. The universe often provides us with challenges to help us realize our weaknesses and help us evolve.2. We can never control another person. Most conflicts arise due to ego. Ego meaning

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-59596825466177364432009-05-05T15:58:00.003-05:002009-05-06T08:54:41.304-05:00

Weekly status reports are short and simple. Monthly status reports contain more detail. Go to my website and login to pick up your free project management templates, including various weekly and monthy status report templates.- If it takes you more than 15-30 minutes to complete the status report then there is an issue with the status report template you are using.- A good status report template

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-20308061780937059642009-05-03T19:02:00.003-05:002009-05-03T19:19:33.302-05:00

It is rather common to experience resistance to project management best practices. You will set up processes and procedures and there will inevitably be some people who just won't use them, and they may even be very vocal about their perspective for not using the processes and procedures. In most cases these people have difficulty delivering successful projects. They are consistently late, over

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-40413326785473204722009-04-29T07:28:00.003-05:002009-04-30T06:01:41.445-05:00

The project or program manager should participate in the statement of work (SOW) and master service agreement (MSA) negotiation process.1. Work with the procurement team to ensure that all processes and procedures have been thought through in terms of how they will be executed.2. Read the contracts thoroughly. Highlight and dogie ear pages so that you can easily refer to them. Keep the marked up

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-61990650851244678362009-04-24T07:11:00.002-05:002009-04-24T12:41:38.379-05:00

Project management requires common sense and creativity. If you don't know how to figure things out using common sense and you lack the ability to be able to invent ways to get things done then project management is not be for you!Many people are good at reading books and repeating back what they read. Don't be fooled when interviewing people who are all "talk" and not personally capable. During

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-18118302291647306372009-04-20T20:50:00.002-05:002009-04-21T10:50:49.145-05:00

In a nut shell, project management is the art of getting things done. There are various tools and techniques available to help you get things done, but ultimately if you do not deliver (on time, within budget, and meet or exceed expectations) then you fail to manage successfully.If you manage a person who can never deliver, where years pass and nothing of real value is accomplished, then that

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-47631683016506175782009-04-15T07:11:00.003-05:002009-04-15T08:50:27.737-05:00

Work flow processes are often designed in the spur of the moment as a reaction to an event rather than a well thought through response to an event. Most 'reactionary processes' are simply weak and ultimately effect your schedule's time line as well as leave a negative impression on the people who have to use it.When you are in a situation where you are given a work flow process that appears to

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-2287215259154577212009-04-13T16:20:00.002-05:002009-04-13T20:42:22.110-05:00

If you plan your day then you will find that you are able to get more done. Yes, I mean write it down! If you can hold your plan in your mind that is okay, but if you write it down in your calendar and then refer to your calendar throughout the day then this is the best practice to follow to get things done.If you need to allocate time to read emails, prepare for meetings, or even eat lunch then

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-50801811187078610352009-04-10T08:09:00.003-05:002009-04-13T20:42:57.400-05:00

In order to be able to effectively manage and respond to situations you need mental clarity. If you maintain a clear mind you will find that you are better able to respond to all situations.The are many ways to create and maintain mental clarity however I will share with you one technique that can be easily applied, and that has numerous variations so that you can find an approach that best

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-72715468205169815352009-04-08T07:45:00.004-05:002009-04-13T20:43:54.616-05:00

You can manage your emails easily every day if you implement a few quick tasks every day.The first task is to schedule time (10 or 15 minutes) in your calendar in the morning, afternoon, and end of the day to review messages.The second task is to learn to scan messages for those that need your reply.The third task is to create project folders and sub folders. Create folders with the label of the

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-10718968715633712342009-04-06T21:08:00.006-05:002009-04-13T20:44:25.649-05:00

Be aware of others who do not embrace technology. They prefer to use a horse and buggy while the majority realize that a car will typically get you there 1000 times faster. In today's business world there are people who unconsciously, in most cases, manage in highly ineffective ways. Case #1For example, rather then send an email they call 5 times in a row and leave many voice mail messages. Mean

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-87868004251660932602009-04-06T13:03:00.007-05:002009-04-06T13:24:34.639-05:00

The company that I am working at recently reorganized and now I report to a different manager. Personally I like change. I realize that it is natural and healthy, but it would be best if change follows basic rules of integrity. For example, I noticed years ago that many businesses operate in a way that is highly questionable, and through the years I have witnessed these businesses fail due to

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-35585285611226667982008-08-28T22:10:00.001-05:002008-08-28T22:55:25.236-05:00

Why PMOs Fail....I have noticed over the past 15 years an obvious pattern for why PMOs fail.Creating a successful PMO is really not hard. There is a learning curve that all businesses go through when implementing or maintaining a PMO, but in time people do adopt and adapt to project management best practices. What is consistently problematic and ultimately the cause of failure is when Managers

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-71063852850804955182008-01-02T19:28:00.000-05:002008-01-04T13:47:47.074-05:00

I have been using MS Project since it came out! Years and years ago. I typically spend a lot of time teaching people how to use it and now have decided to create videos to help you.In the following video you will learn a short lesson on setting up your project schedule.Please let me know if you have any questions, or if you want to learn something specific.Here is to your project management

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-9853267096281670872008-01-01T01:49:00.000-05:002008-01-02T19:37:57.276-05:00

Someone recently contacted me and asked the following: I am currently working on multiple projects and would like to not only individualize each project, but consolidate all projects into an overall visual aid. Any suggestions? Thanks My reply is the following video, create a master schedule.

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-67531656786289881072007-04-29T20:50:00.000-05:002007-04-29T21:02:34.283-05:00

Execution and Control Occur SimultaneouslyThe purpose of project management is to minimize risks that results in delivering a project on time, within budget, and that meets or exceeds customer expectations, which results in a successful project. In order to minimize the risks that would prevent you from delivering your project on-time, within budget, and that meets or exceeds customer

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-10717993072094562332007-04-17T02:02:00.000-05:002007-04-17T02:40:16.867-05:00

Please keep in mind that the project management templates you choose to use should be based on the size of your project. A small fast paced project needs different controls than a medium or large project.Create a matrix to measure your projects. In the example below a project is "Large" when the staff is more than 6 people, more than 9 month, more than ten thousand hours and cost more than one

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1175056631977499122007-03-28T00:27:00.000-05:002008-01-07T23:41:27.709-05:00

As you know, successful teams are a very important part of project management.I have recently published an eBook that will help you identify issues and make changes so that your teams are successful.When you visit www.e-projectmanagers.com take a look at the new menu item called "Dora's Electronic Library". Click on the menu item and see "Team Management eBook"!In the next few days I will add a

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1166416306236155932006-12-17T23:31:00.000-05:002006-12-17T23:31:46.303-05:00

Hello Again!I recently received an e-mail about how to create a gantt chart without MS Project that I thought I would share since this may be an issue for many of my readers."I do not have MS project. I am finishing a PM course ...., as as part of the assignment, I have to prepare a Gantt Chart. Do you have any ideas on any trail software or freeware I can use to do this.? Thanks for your

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1166415282538597762006-12-17T23:09:00.000-05:002006-12-17T23:23:53.853-05:00

Happy HolidaysMy project management templates are availabe for you to download for free at www.e-projectmanagers.comOn my webiste I provide details on the project life cycle that includes the tasks and deliverables that will help you to succeed. I also provide information on the project management templates to use during each life cycle phase. Read all about the project life cycles on my

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1160014991643821312006-10-04T21:21:00.000-05:002006-10-04T21:23:11.966-05:00

Project Management is a cross industry discipline. A project has a defined start and end date. You identify the work (tasks), risks (things that may prevent you from meeting your end date), track and manage issues and action items during the project life cycle.With my templates you may customize them and create your own project management tool set.Download my free templates on my website

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1157489420236268842006-09-05T15:48:00.000-05:002006-09-05T15:50:20.623-05:00

Status reporting requires a mutual relationship between management and the individuals that are reporting on the status. Management must listen to what the individuals who will report status are capable of doing in terms of providing information. I recommend negotiating on the information that you need and defining a time frame and frequency on how often the report is provided to you (management)

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1155694991937967862006-08-15T21:22:00.000-05:002006-08-15T21:24:40.886-05:00

Someone recently wrote and asked, "My organization is looking forward to next year 2007 projects particularly the "Redevelopment of the Land Information System" as well as the "Digitization of Lands Records". I need some assistance in any way at all on how best such kinds of projects can be managed and properly implemented.Your advice and assistance is very much appreciated."Below is my reply:

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1151463734573105282006-06-27T21:57:00.000-05:002006-06-27T22:02:50.126-05:00

In reference to Scope Management, if you use my CHAIR log (CHAIR = change, action item, issues, risks) then you will be able to manage scope successfully.The purpose of the log is to organize events that will occur in your project. During your status meetings, spend some time reviewing the CHAIR log.You will need to have escalation procedures and a process to manage items that are escalated if

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1148357472018214842006-05-22T23:02:00.000-05:002006-06-12T21:47:55.103-05:00

Today someone asked a question about the knowledge transfer template, one of my free project management templates."I received the word template you had sent. It is extremely helpful and I will be using it extensively. As for my information, is this the only template that is out there for knowledge transfer. How would you organize the information that is being collected using this doc?"My reply

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1144789892911422872006-04-11T16:02:00.000-05:002006-04-11T16:11:33.226-05:00

Project Schedule Development - Project Management Templates - FREEThe format of the project schedule will vary depending on how you will implement the deliverable(s). The most popular project schedule formats are as follows:A) If it is an all or nothing deliverable then consider a project schedule with the life cycle phases clearly spelled out. For example, if you were building a project

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1143661259580979492006-03-29T14:35:00.000-05:002006-03-29T20:12:19.633-05:00

New Template Knowledge transfer is an important aspect of project management. It is not uncommon to need to pass information from one person to another during a project life cycle. The following is a partial list of the key points to consider during the knowledge transfer process. Download this project management template from my website. Your Check List Conduct project schedule

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1142486689427384872006-03-16T00:17:00.000-05:002006-03-16T00:24:49.443-05:00

Project Management TemplatesThere are more and more resources available to obtain project management templates. I recently came across a company called "Method123" that specializes in project management templates.They have a free e-book that you can download that provides a considerable amount of information on project management templates and the project life cycle. There is a banner add at the

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1120084195409237292005-06-29T17:22:00.000-05:002005-06-29T17:31:01.763-05:00

External dependenciesDoes your project schedule contain dependencies? Often people build schedules with internal task level dependencies, but does your schedule identify tasks that are external to the work your team is performing? For example, if you are working with an external vendor, does your schedule contain milestones identifying deliverables that you are expecting and when you expect them?

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1120011594593859282005-06-28T21:00:00.000-05:002005-06-28T21:28:16.973-05:00

Time management and high productivity are critical elements in successful project management.Typically there are 7 to 8 hours in a work day. Have you ever wondered 'how can I get everything done that needs to happen with in such a short time frame?'In today's work place, there are so many options available to help you manage your time. Tools such as Lotus Notes and MS Outlook, not to mentions the

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1114139289144211462005-04-21T21:52:00.000-05:002005-04-21T22:09:41.413-05:00

If a project is properly estimated, meaning the scope is defined and associated costs for delivering what is defined in the scope, including the human resources, the project budget can be planned and maintained throughout the project life-cycle.If during the project life-cycle, items that were not included in the project scope arise, keep in mind two things.A change in scope inevitably means a

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1112239840315888782005-03-30T22:30:00.000-05:002005-03-30T22:47:52.663-05:00

Project Management TemplatesOrganization is key to being able to handle the various challenges that may arrise. Using project management templates will provide the focus and clarity that will lead to success. If your mind is clear, and you can easily reference the details you need to make decisions, then you will have more control.

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1112239083132477182005-03-30T22:16:00.000-05:002005-03-30T22:23:38.976-05:00

What are your concerns about using project management templates? Contact me via e-mail at PM Guru.

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1112128362432793642005-03-29T15:29:00.000-05:002005-03-29T15:32:42.433-05:00

Who uses project management templates? First thought is the project manager, correct? Yes, this is true but it is not exclusively the project managers that uses project management templates.Consider organizing all stakeholders (business and development team members) in the benefits of using project management templates.

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1111985538361297312005-03-27T23:49:00.000-05:002005-03-27T23:52:18.363-05:00

Project management templates will provide you will the level of organization and control that you need for project success.Many people avoid using project management templates or best practices in general because they believe it will slow them down from delivering their project on-time. What typically happens is that issues arrise and the project does not complete on-time, within budget, or meet

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11698476.post-1111790967209256752005-03-25T17:46:00.000-05:002005-03-25T17:54:48.730-05:00

"Project Management Templates" are a good way for a project manager to stay organized and focused on the project. Project Management Templates provide a structure for you to manage your projects, identify issues, track items, and a lot more.e-ProjectManagers.com provides project management templates.

ePMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17361644139072520948noreply@blogger.com0