Sunday, December 30, 2007

2007 Wrap up

Hello all. It has been a couple of months since my last post. I haven't gone anywhere, just prioritizing between hobbies.

I noticed a few open discussions from my previous posts. I'll take a moment to update you on these and then open up with some new insights.

Project Performance Index:
Remember this is an assessment of the project performance as it pertains to alignment with Business Objectives / Support, Project Methodologies, and Team. The target was to achieve 80% performance. Well this target was never met. I surveyed many different projects, from small to large.

Results usually indicated:
  1. there was a need to improve business alignment
  2. project methodologies were a bit confusing but not excessive
  3. team performance was good to great

Fyi - I am skeptical that team performance is as good as people say it is...

I believe this measure is worth continuing in 2008. There have been some difficulties getting project leaders to buy into using it. I believe that most see it as a low value exercise. Perhaps you are of the same opinion. The glimmer of hope is still with me for now.

Moving on.. Updating the project management guideline used in our organization

This turned out to be something totally different than what was envisioned. If you recall, the original intent was:

  1. update the existing project management guideline
  2. add sections for program and portfolio management.

Well #1 was accomplished. There were quite a few references to the old program management office committees, templates, and other obsolete recommendations. So updating this was a good thing (it also reminded me of the original recommendations that are still in effect).

#2 came about in a much different fashion. I actually like where it went. Instead of adding new templates, recommendations, etc.. the program and portfolio morphed into a process flow diagram for Enterprise Portfolio / Program / Project management. This flow diagram addressed the need to formally establish the expectations for selecting and managing projects. You see, although we have guidelines, they are loosely followed in most instances. Therefore instead of creating yet another edition of a guideline it made sense to set expectations first. This flow diagram will take awhile before it is accepted. In the meantime its timing was very appropriate. You see we've just purchased a new pm software program. This flow diagram will provide a great model for the governance configuration.

Now on to new information.

Books.. This year I managed to read some great books. Some were project management specific, others were about benchmarking, change management, and time management. One book by David Allen - Getting Things Done has caused me to make a dramatic change in the way I accomplish work. I wholly recommend to anyone out there to keep up with your reading. A word of advice, consider why your reading the book. My preference is to learn. Therefore I often find myself re-reading a paragraph because I didn't understand it.

I'm currently reading a book about Project Metrics; by Parviz F. Rad and Dr. Ginger Levin ISBN: 1567261663. It is a difficult read, consisting of complex sentences and references to figures located on other pages. I am really enjoying this book nonetheless. I am only into the second chapter but I would recommend it for the experienced project manager. The reason I don't recommend it for the new project manager is that in my opinion, your success will come from understanding people first, template second.

Well.. enough of this post. It has been good just to catch up. I hope everyone had a great 2007 and are looking forward to a great 2008.

Syd