We have been involved in managing projects for most of our professional life. We have experienced successful projects and failed projects. What we have learned from both experiences is the key lies in planning. Often, a vision is developed and then it is hastily executed. It is the typical, “ready, fire, aim” management approach which often leads to failed projects. Most organizations consider planning as an unnecessary step that does not produce anything of value when, in fact, it creates a well thought-out plan. Within this plan, the scope is defined, the time and cost are estimated, risks are identified, and strategies to mitigate those risks are developed. With the input of key stakeholders, the project has a better than average chance of success.
This lack of planning is vital and crucial in implementing a vision or goal successfully. Diana and I have spent the last three years in developing a project planning methodology which will provide a means to identify the scope, time, costs, and risks associated with any project. This endeavor has taken us into researching different project methodologies to further develop our knowledgebase. We have built several working prototypes and we hope, within the next twelve months have a final product completed. It is our intent to use our doctoral studies to conduct research to confirm our theories.
Steve & Diana
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