Category: Quality Assurance

  • Why are we still so confused about what “Configuration Management” means? Yes, this is the 21st Century.

    Why are we still so confused about what “Configuration Management” means?  Yes, this is the 21st Century. Author: Eddie R. Williams, PMP Contributing Author: Marc Gravez   I.            Introduction We still have confusion, debates, and even arguments about what the meaning of “configuration management,” “configuration,” and what constitutes a “configuration item” (software/hardware/firmware). Commentary Recently, I was in a networking group meeting, on Zoom of…

  • IT Project/Program Management: 7 Habits (deadly sins) of Highly Unsuccessful IT Project Managers

     Over the past couple of decades, overseeing and managing projects and programs and attending conferences, I have received several questions about best (and good) practices and projects managers using lessons learned. Why haven’t unsuccessful project managers learned from past projects or why aren’t they using lessons learned and best practices; project managers that seems to…

  • IT Project/Program Management:The IT industry has accepted failure as the norm

    I recently wrote an article, significant to the IT industry,  that was published on TechRepublic: The IT industry has accepted failure as the norm Read the complete article here >> Program and Project Managers must continue to move the industry to a state of continued success ; increase the success rate. Take responsibility and be accountable…

  • Quality Assurance Best (and Good) Practices

    1. Prepare and develop a quality management and assurance plan (incorporated) for QA- (which includes verification & validation, test methods/testing, and quality control) in compliance with standards and tailored to the project or program 2. Conduct an assessment, as required 3. Select and use QA automated test tools – Rational, Mercury, Silk, etc. 4. Review…

  • Federal Regulations for Pharmaceutical and Healthcare

    It seems to be correct that configuration management could have saved money during Y2K. Within the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical industries, compliance with HIPAA and Part 11, respectively, is still becoming a challenge. You state that configuration management could be helpful with compliance. Why? Yes, Configuration Management could have been helpful then and now. If the…

  • 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…

  • Lessons Learned

    Sometimes we don’t want to admit we have made a mistake or that there were issues with a process or its activities. But how else are we to correct our mistakes and learn from our mistakes; to improve. Whether one thinks it can lead to finger pointing is not a reason not to have the…

  • 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…