IT Project Mechanic

How do you define problems your projects are designed to resolve?

CrisRogers — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:08:23 +0000

When most projects start out they have an identified problem that is driving the effort. Every project I’ve been a part of, or can think of for that matter, has at it’s core a problem, perceived problem or need that is moving people to action. I believe that a large number of these [...]

Forget about the solution; what are the needs?

CrisRogers — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:17:23 +0000

I’ve been a proponent (much to the chagrin of some of my team mates) of the idea that organizations don’t understand the problems they’re trying to solve for quite some time. This sounds absurd on the face of things – why would an organization sink time, money and resources into a solution for a [...]

BitStrips and the 3 month rule…

CrisRogers — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:46:51 +0000

Well, there is one constant for our technology ladened world – things change and innovate fast. There is a new website with a killer mission – to give all that what it the opportunity to create their own comic strips. Pardon my inner-kid, but that is soooo kewl! So from time to time [...]

Project Management – Focus on the Basics pt1 – Scope Management

CrisRogers — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 18:40:38 +0000

Today begins the first in a series of entries about focusing on the basics of Project Management. With all of the “flavors” of Project Management these days (Scrum, Agile, traditional, waterfall, RUP, CMMI, etc) the basic tenets of any PM methodology are the same – help remove risk, ensure optimal performance and deliver the project [...]

Experience Verification support form for the PMP Application

CrisRogers — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:47:12 +0000

For many, the task of filling out the PMP certification application can be more daunting than the exam. Fear not, however, for there is an easier way. The most laborious task is Section III, the Experience Verification form. Now, while this form is straightforward, it should help you save time and anixety when you [...]

Blog posting on ITtoolbox

CrisRogers — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 04:54:11 +0000

I’m blogging at www.ittoolbox.com/pm/itprojectmechanic and thought you might want to review the article that I posted there called “Why am I doing this?” You can visit the blog here: http://blogs.ittoolbox.com/pm/itprojectmechanic/archives/why-am-i-doing-this-23212 A question that I sometimes ask myself (in frustration I might add) is something that ought to be written on the top of my monitor – [...]

the PMO, Portfolios and the expectations game…

CrisRogers — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:25:25 +0000

Having implemented a “few” PMOs, I can share a phenomenon that many of you can relate to – the notion that “Portfolio Management” or “the PMO” is going to make an IT department’s situation different because of their existence. I can sadly say that I’ve heard too many seat pocket ideas (like those found [...]

Hopefully the changes are complete…

CrisRogers — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:04:06 +0000

Well, if you have tried to visit us in the past 24 hours you may have experienced some funky behavior or maybe been unable to get to the site. We saw the need to change hosting services and this has caused a few glitches that hopefully are finished. Please, stick around – this should be the last [...]

Why is this happening?!?!?

CrisRogers — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 16:03:51 +0000

Every PM I have met along my journey has had at least one, if not a few, projects that could be modestly described as troubled. In fact, I think this is a pretty standard occurrence in the Project Manager ranks – there are projects that despite our best efforts, quality training and experience, spend [...]

Interesting article on SearchCIO.com – CIO & the PPM Strategy

CrisRogers — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 23:25:30 +0000

I was surfing the blogosphere and ran across an article about how Project and Portfolio Management strategy (and software) are musts for CIOs in hard times – I would argue that the belt tightening in lean times and the wild-wild-west rules when times are good is all the more reason to invest in PPM [...]