Category: Configuration Management

  • A restatement about lessons learned…

    RayAnn received another several emails recently but they were questions that you would have thought were part of the past. The emails indicated that the managers were documenting lessons learned and having a end-of- the-project meeting to discuss lessons that were only gathered after or during the last phase of the project. Unbelievable! Hear is…

  • Project Management and Best Practice Processes, In Any Industry

    One of the most significant lessons learned going into 2010 is that best (and good) practices are for any industry implementing information technology and system/product development projects. During my career and for the past several years, I have had the opportunity to manage projects in a variety of industries and for a variety of technologies…

  • Lessons Learned Going Into 2010

    With “Recovery” on everyone’s mind, RayAnn thought it would be appropriate to share some lessons learned going into 2010. Document all planned steps/actions in the web development process with input from key stakeholders and project team members. Never rely strictly on a WYSIWYG application (I.E. Macromedia Dreamweaver, Microsoft FrontPage) to complete a web design/development project.…

  • Have a proactive attitude when it comes to your project or program.

    When implementing technology in any environment you have to consider several best practice activities for the following items, early and continuous: Training and education that have to be provided Communication planning (a plan that has to be prepared and executed) Risk management planning and management ( a plan that has be prepared and addressed throughout…

  • “The process to find another job has taken longer than I anticipated. I have almost terminated or stopped my search efforts.”

    We have all been there before but when you go through it, it becomes a very personal thing. One thing I do know, you can’t give up on your search activities. Your positive efforts, no matter when or how long it takes through these times, will prepare you to take that next positive step forward.…

  • Documenting Lessons Learned

    Documenting lessons learned. It’s a day to day attitude and activity. Based on the number of failed IT projects for the past decade it seems that transfer of knowledge and feeding back (sharing) lessons learned, did not take place. Frequently we see lessons learned not identified, discussed, documented and archived on a continuous or daily…

  • Software Development Best (and Good) Practices: What “best practice” processes do you think are required for IT development projects?

    Best Practice Processes (BPPs) must continue to be estabished and improved for the software development process.  and for the successful projects and programs. The best practice processes are identified below. Several organizations with standards that support these processes are listed. Best Practice Processes: 1. Program/Project Management (and Business Management) (Integration) Use of Experience and Knowledge (Integration)…

  • Do the “Right Thing” for your project, the customer, the company, and yourself…

    We are into the 21st century. Do the “Right Thing” for your project, the customer, the company, and yourself. If not, it has consequences as we all have/are seeing. It’s the ethical thing to do, maintain your integrity and the company’s credibility.

  • How to Keep Your Sanity and Health Through These Difficult Times.

    Now, getting back to these difficult and hard times. I know many are trying to move forward by maintaining current employment or dealing with being laid-off, getting that next job or changing careers. Through it all, you must include activities to maintain your mental and physical health. Some are listed below. Have a daily routine…

  • Beyond Project Close Out

    Recently, I received several emails and telephone calls to discuss a problem with a web site requiring revising or revamping and applications requiring modification, enhancement or replacement after the projects had closed and warranty periods had expired. The changes or request for changes seems to have been announced without prior notice or discussion with key…