Digital projects are all about working collaboratively to deliver the intended outcome within given constraints. However, the reality is that we work in silos of smoky glass walls. Often the Vendor and Customer side Project teams behave like rivals rather than...

You decided to buy a new iPhone from the local dealer. Salesman: So, which colour do you like? You: Black, please! Salesman: That is a nice colour; we have it in stock too. Now, let me show you the accessories. 80% of our customers who do not buy iPhone cases come...

Yes, Risk management workshops are a waste of time. One day a group of stakeholders get together and talk about project risks. The facilitator documents the risks along with other information in the risk register. The next day everyone gets busy in their lives. What...

There are risks in everything we do. For example, there are risks in breathing, walking, and climbing. However, it doesn’t mean that we stop all actions to be safe. Similarly, as a Project Sponsor, you may hear about various risks in the project. Again, when someone...

We measure the project progress based on the agreed Project Budget and Schedule (plan). In turn, the project schedule and budget are based on several assumptions: The software we are implementing will meet the business needsWe have capable resources to undertake the...

We measure project progress by comparing the planned time/budget against the actuals. It is a very rudimentary method where everyone pretends to be busy. Let us consider the following example: I signed a contract with a Builder to construct my house. After two months,...

In the last few posts, we covered: importance of documenting project assumptions,why Project Sponsors should focus on assumptions,different types of project assumptions that often cause issues and,how vital assumptions are in project estimates As a Project Sponsor,...

Do yourself a favour. Reject all software implementation estimates that you ever receive without assumptions. Why? Imagine going to the Builder and asking for estimates to build a house. The Builder may ask a few questions to clarify the type of house. Then, rest, he...

Project Sponsors must ask intelligent questions to the Project Team and stakeholders. But what is the one question that Project Sponsors must ask the most? Imagine the Project Manager updating the Sponsor about project risks, issues, and decisions. Among all other...

The problem is that we do not document project assumptions and validate them. Instead, we keep on going with the broad leap of faith. These 11 project assumptions are causing immense grief: The new enterprise software we choose will meet our current and future...

We wash our hands with soap and wipe with a paper towel, assuming the paper towel is clean. Similarly, we choose enterprise software, assuming it will meet our business needs. The fact is that these assumptions and hopes keep us going forward. However, we should be...