Using Direct Costs to Build a Project Cost-Duration Graph

Direct Costs

This article will be the first part of a miniseries on building a project cost-duration graph. The graph, as you will see in the next part, will provide you with insights into how you can compare additional cost alternatives (indirect or direct costs) for benefits and make the best decision available to you. You will…

6 Methods to Build The Perfect Project Cost Duration Graph

cost duration graph

This article is the third part in a miniseries on building a project cost duration graph. The first part can be found here and the second part here. If you have already read them please ignore this paragraph. If not I would encourage you to read them first as they will provide you with a…

How to Easily Construct a Project Cost Duration Graph

project cost duration graph

This is the second part of a short series on how to construct a project cost duration graph. You can find the previous part here. There are three major steps required to start building a project cost duration graph: Find total direct costs for selected project durations. Find total indirect costs for selected project durations.…

5 Reasons For Reducing Project Duration

Reducing Project Duration

This article addresses strategies for reducing project duration either prior to setting the baseline for the project or in the midst of project execution. Choice of options is based on the constraints surrounding the project. For example, there are many more options available for reducing project duration if you are not resource constrained than if…

Decision Making Process, Make It Your Own

decision making process

Most decisions on a project do not require a formal meeting to discuss alternatives and determine solutions. Instead decisions are made in real time as part of the daily interaction patterns between project managers, stakeholders, and team members. With that said, I do feel that a formal decision making process should be at the ready,…

Managing Project Reward Systems

reward systems

Project managers are responsible for managing the reward systems that encourage team performance and extra effort. One advantage they have is that often project work is inherently satisfying, whether it is manifested in an inspiring vision or simple sense of accomplishment. Projects provide participants with a change in scenery, a chance to learn new skills,…

How to create a Project Shared Vision

Shared Vision

Unlike project scope statements, which include specific cost, completion dates, and performance requirements, a project shared vision involves the less tangible aspects of project performance. It refers to an image a project team holds in common about how the project will look upon completion, how they will work together, and/or how customers will accept the…

How to Establish a Team Identity

Team Identity

One of the challenges project managers often face in building a team is the lack of full-time involvement of team members. Specialists work on different phases of the project and spend the majority of their time and energy elsewhere. They are often members of multiple teams, each competing for their time and allegiance. And so,…

Conducting Your First Project Team Meeting

Team Meeting

Research on team development confirms what we have heard from project managers: The first project team meeting is critical to the early functioning of the project team. According to one veteran project manager: The first team meeting sets the tone for how the team will work together. If it is disorganized, or becomes bogged down…