Category: Project/Program Management

  • 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…

  • Health Check – The 2010 Impact

    “A Restatement” Going into 2010 we still have many concerns that are impacting our lives (individuals and families), our communities, businesses and the IT industry: mergers, the fluctuating stock market, national and international security, continued business financial difficulties and unmet profit margins, layoffs, and regulations’ (i.e., CFR 21, part 11and HIPAA) requirements issued for the…

  • Why Project Management of IT Projects is Different from Project Management in Several Other Industries.

    In a past presentation, I presented my perspective on why IT project management is different from project management for some other industries. Project management is about managing with best practice processes, (see September newsletter article and the book), tailored to the particular program or project. A project manager is not only responsible for project initiation, planning,…

  • Is Recovery just Ahead?

    During these difficult times after 9/11, corporations\’ unethical practices, businesses\’ financial difficulties, mergers, and the dreaded layoffs that followed, hopefully, the road to recovery is just ahead. The national and international impact has been overwhelming to not only many businesses but to our communities. RayAnn Enterprise Publishers was established to have an impact by providing…

  • Concerns as a consultant.

    The other day two consultants, a developer and network engineer, made the following statements. “Cost cutting has consultants concerned about their current assignments because when an evaluation is conducted they will be cut before an employee. That is understood. We understand it’s a business and company/organization decision.” They thought that they were about to be…

  • What positions (opportunities) are there within the industry since the emphasis on e-commerce, e-business, and web development?

    There are still opportunities. The impact that e-technology has had on the IT or other industries (e.g., Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Financial Services, Media, Electronic Components, Insurance, Telecommunications, and Manufacturing) and Academia (Colleges/Universities), has created and expanded businesses and business opportunities. Some of the many positions in data processing, information systems, or Information technology (IT) are listed…

  • Technology Project Challenges… Continued

    Skill Set Requirements – Not Just Being Certified Resource requirements for a project or program have become a day-to-day challenge. RayAnn identified the challenge of resource availability in a previous information source, at the same time you have to ensure that the resource is the “right fit”; has the appropriate skill set. At one time,…

  • 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)…

  • Unclear Development Processes and Methodologies

    There are many methodologies for IT development and implementation projects (hundreds, because many companies have their own “flavor” of a methodology or two, and maybe several) but they all should have/contain basic processes/activities: feasibility/initiation; planning; requirements analysis; design (Architecture/Detail Design); implementation/construction/build/test (unit, integration, functional\\(capability/qualification; system test (stress, functional, performance, volume, etc.); user acceptance test; operational…

  • Program and Project Management. Is There A Difference? Yes There Is…

    There is a difference but some professionals in the IT industry seem to think program management is just managing multiple projects. A Program and Project Manager may or may not be certified. Program Management Program management is the management of multiple related projects, a system or systems, and not just multiple projects. A Program Manager…