Comments on: Joseph Phillips: Project Management and the Big Picture http://www.pmhub.net/wp/2009/08/joseph-phillips-project-management-and-the-big-picture/ Project Management Certification - CAPM, PMP, PgMP, PMI-SP, PMI-RMP Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:25:11 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo http://www.pmhub.net/wp/2009/08/joseph-phillips-project-management-and-the-big-picture/comment-page-1/#comment-302 Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo Wed, 05 Aug 2009 23:04:41 +0000 http://pmhub.net/wp/?p=881#comment-302 Joseph et al, You fail to differentiate between companies who MAKE MONEY doing project management (usually known as contractors, but to use PMI speak- SELLERS and owner companies, who do NOT make money doing projects. (Called buyers by PMI) As one can easily appreciate, a contractor MUST be competent at project management, otherwise, he/she would soon be out of business. On the other hand, because owner companies do not make money doing projects- (they are cost centers or investments) but make money through operations, they tend NOT to be very good at project management. Now, (depending on the type of contract) as a contractor, I really don't much care whether the product succeeds of fails. As long as I deliver what the owner wanted on time, within budget and in substantial conformance to the specifications, then I have done what was expected of me. (again, depending on the contract type) I think as professional practitioners, we need to make this distinction between the project management competency or maturity of owners/buyers vs. the competency/maturity of contractors/sellers should be made more clear. Ultimately, I suspect that like construction (my background) IT and Telecommunications is going to see more "Design-Build" or "Turnkey" projects OR you will start to see more Construction Management contracting- either on a fee based or "@ risk" basis. We see early signs of this happening in the telecommunications sector and suspect we will see more of it in IT, as that sector matures. BR, Dr. PDG, in Boston http://www.getpmcertified.com Joseph et al,
You fail to differentiate between companies who MAKE MONEY doing project management (usually known as contractors, but to use PMI speak- SELLERS and owner companies, who do NOT make money doing projects. (Called buyers by PMI)

As one can easily appreciate, a contractor MUST be competent at project management, otherwise, he/she would soon be out of business.

On the other hand, because owner companies do not make money doing projects- (they are cost centers or investments) but make money through operations, they tend NOT to be very good at project management.

Now, (depending on the type of contract) as a contractor, I really don’t much care whether the product succeeds of fails. As long as I deliver what the owner wanted on time, within budget and in substantial conformance to the specifications, then I have done what was expected of me. (again, depending on the contract type)

I think as professional practitioners, we need to make this distinction between the project management competency or maturity of owners/buyers vs. the competency/maturity of contractors/sellers should be made more clear.

Ultimately, I suspect that like construction (my background) IT and Telecommunications is going to see more “Design-Build” or “Turnkey” projects OR you will start to see more Construction Management contracting- either on a fee based or “@ risk” basis. We see early signs of this happening in the telecommunications sector and suspect we will see more of it in IT, as that sector matures.

BR,
Dr. PDG, in Boston
http://www.getpmcertified.com

]]> By: Joseph Phillips http://www.pmhub.net/wp/2009/08/joseph-phillips-project-management-and-the-big-picture/comment-page-1/#comment-300 Joseph Phillips Wed, 05 Aug 2009 10:57:15 +0000 http://pmhub.net/wp/?p=881#comment-300 Susan - thanks for your comment and feedback. The point I was making in my article is that all projects are unique. Even if you do the same type of project over and over there are variables that change the project from the last instance the project was completed. It's these variables that the PM and team must realize and plan for. You're spot on that you need an accurate scope statement and cost controls. I'll be addressing these in an upcoming article. Thanks again for the good input! Best, Joseph Susan – thanks for your comment and feedback. The point I was making in my article is that all projects are unique. Even if you do the same type of project over and over there are variables that change the project from the last instance the project was completed. It’s these variables that the PM and team must realize and plan for. You’re spot on that you need an accurate scope statement and cost controls. I’ll be addressing these in an upcoming article. Thanks again for the good input! Best,

Joseph

]]> By: My-Project-Management-Expert.com http://www.pmhub.net/wp/2009/08/joseph-phillips-project-management-and-the-big-picture/comment-page-1/#comment-298 My-Project-Management-Expert.com Tue, 04 Aug 2009 22:03:57 +0000 http://pmhub.net/wp/?p=881#comment-298 Hi, Yes there are few projects within an Organisation where no-one has had any experience of doing them before, since most projects can be fairly dull in nature. I've been fortunate enough to have delivered numerous projects and programs which have not fallen into this category but I know this is not the norm. Therefore remember the definition of project management, remember to properly write your project scope statement and don't forget your project cost controls. But most importantly talk to your fellow project managers. You'd be surprised how many will be able to give you important advice on your project and how to best deliver it! Regards Susan de Sousa Site Editor http://www.my-project-managementy-experty.com Hi,

Yes there are few projects within an Organisation where no-one has had any experience of doing them before, since most projects can be fairly dull in nature. I’ve been fortunate enough to have delivered numerous projects and programs which have not fallen into this category but I know this is not the norm.

Therefore remember the definition of project management, remember to properly write your project scope statement and don’t forget your project cost controls.

But most importantly talk to your fellow project managers. You’d be surprised how many will be able to give you important advice on your project and how to best deliver it!

Regards

Susan de Sousa
Site Editor http://www.my-project-managementy-experty.com

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