January 2008 - Our 10 Anniversary Edition!

Welcome to the January edition of PM World Today.  This new year represents the 10th Anniversary of the first PM World Today launched by David Curling in 1998.  David was a visionary, and an independent project management leader who spent a good part of his spare time and retirement in editing www.pmforum.org and his bi-monthly eNewsletter.  PM World Today was one of the first newsletters entirely published and delivered via the Internet.  The world has changed a lot in the last ten years.  And PM World today has changed too, transformed over the last two years into one of the world’s leading monthly online publications for project management.  Thank you for your support; we hope you enjoy this latest edition.

Each month the Editor’s Perspective on the Current Issue provides a short overview of the articles and contributions included in the current edition.  This edition of PM World Today again contains articles, news and papers from around the world of project management (PM), including several in Spanish.  PM World Today is an educational resource for PM professionals.  It is also a resource (and service) for PM experts and leaders who want to share knowledge and gain a little more visibility in the PM world as authors of articles, case studies, papers and stories.

This month’s Editorial is entitled “10 Years On! Back to the Future of Project Management.” January is also a good time to look ahead, to capture optimism and wild projections, and to start fresh.  The future of PM has been a popular topic for the last few years, perhaps because there have been so many rapid changes in the world we live in.  We always build on what has come before though.  So what can we build on and where is the world of modern PM headed now?  Let us remember the past while looking ahead.

Featured Papers are serious professional contributions to the PM literature or papers of significant interest.  Some are highly entertaining as well.

Tom Taylor, past Chair and Fellow of the APM in the UK, has provided a serious paper entitled “A Sustainability Checklist for Project Managers.”  Following an introduction to sustainability issues in today’s world, including the increasing number of “green” projects, Tom focuses in on “The PM Contribution to Sustainability, the Environment and Green Issues.”  We believe that this is a growing field for PM applications and applaud Tom for leading the charge from the UK.

Tom Gilb in Norway has contributed a serious paper entitled “Value Delivery in Systems Engineering.”  Mr. Gild argues that “the definition of the expected value should form an integral part of the high level requirements of the system” and “we need specific design and implementation planning to improve the probability that the value will be delivered and will be maintained.”  His paper explains how to achieve higher value on major systems engineering projects.  

Mark Kozak-Holland, frequent and popular contributor to PM World Today in Canada, provides part 17 in his series on Winston Churchill, the Agile Project Manager.  His paper this month is entitled “Churchill’s Team - Beaverbrook” and discusses the impact of Churchill’s appointment of Canadian Lord Beaverbrook as minister and Beaverbrook’s leadership style at the Ministry of Aircraft Production in 1940.  Mark draws parallels between Beaverbrook’s challenges and those of modern project managers.  This is another interesting and entertaining lesson from history.

DT Jainendrakumar in India has authored a featured paper entitled “The Project/Program Management Office”, based on his personal experiences and 25 years of experience in Indian technocratic environment.  Mr. Jainendrakumar reviews his five key functions of a PMO - 1. Practice Management; 2. Infrastructure Management; 3. Resource Integration Management; 4. Technical Support Management; and 5. Business Alignment.  We think that he has gotten some things right, but welcome other opinions.

Under Case Studies this month, we begin a series of articles on project management “Retrospectives”, a technique used at Intel Corporation to document lessons learned, share experiences and educate others within the company.  These articles are authored by Debra Lavell and Russell Martinelli at Intel.  While not strictly case studies in the academic sense, they discuss real examples of PM practices in a real company, in this case the world’s largest producer of semiconductors for personal computers, Intel Corporation.  We appreciate their sharing this information and hope that others find it useful.

Personal Stories is a new category, added this month to provide an opportunity for people to share their own stories.  Personal stories are also intended to entertain and inform on a personal level – these are the human experiences of project managers and PM professionals. Harvey Levine in San Diego, who lived through the dangers and excitement of the massive forest fires in Southern California in October, has provided a personal account of that disaster.  In his story “An Island Inside the Firestorm”, Mr. Levine shares the personal feelings, sights, sounds and trauma experienced by many people that week, in this case including an experienced project manager who also happens to be a Fellow and former chair of the Project Management Institute.  This is a very real, personal and fascinating story.  

In “Project Management in My Life,” Azra Durec in Canada shares a part fictional/part true account of “Mom’s Project – Raise a Boy!”  How can PM principles or a PM certification help with “A-Boy-A” production?  Is this comedy, drama or tragedy in the making?  Read the story to see what happens!

PM Tips & Techniques papers provide an opportunity for project management consultants, experts, trainers and companies to share helpful and practical suggestions for solving problems or addressing major issues.  Four such advisory papers are included in this issue. 

Sue Freedman and Lothar Katz, Ph.D., professors at the University of Texas at Dallas, have provided a paper entitled “Winning Project Team Support: Establishing Trusting Relationships Across Borders.”  Professors Freedman (USA) and Katz (Germany) are the creators and primary instructors of Managing Projects Across BordersTM, a series of workshops on Leading International Projects and International Project Organizations. This paper is the first in a series by Professors Freedman and Katz to be published in PM World Today during 2008.

Curt Finch, CEO of Journyx in Austin, Texas, has contributed another interesting paper entitled “How PM Companies and Consultants can Reduce Cash Float.”  According to Mr. Finch, “If you're running a small, growing business, chances are you’re broke all the time. The cash float problem that occurs during business growth is a mathematical rational reality.  You have a growing profitable company, which is great news!  Except that you’re out of cash and just barely avoiding bankruptcy.”  After explaining the cash float problem, Curt then offers four or five suggestions for improving cash flow.  Very useful ideas!

Tim Bergmann, Director of Education for True Solutions, Inc. in Dallas, Texas, USA has provided an article entitled “The Seven Deadly Project Sins: Part 6 – Over Allocation of Resources.”  This is the sixth paper in a series in which he discusses problems we often create for ourselves as project managers.  According to Mr. Bergmann, “Project Managers are often encouraged to try and meet unreasonable expectations for projects.  Scope is often extended while schedules and budget are restricted.  Project managers many times try to meet these constrained schedules by pushing their existing resources to their limits.”  Mr. Bergmann offers some advice as to how to avoid the problems this can cause.

Avneet Mathur has provided an interesting and useful paper with the tongue-in-cheek title of “How to make your team dysfunctional!”  Avneet presents Sixteen Teamwork Complexes that can lead to dysfunctional behavior on project teams, then presents a set of steps to “help avoid the rigid overuse and under-use of roles, hence increasing the potential for a functional, productive team.”  As Mr. Mathur points out, “The identification and mitigation of overuse or under-use of team roles as discussed in the article can help you make your dysfunctional team functional again.”

Second Editions are articles and papers that have been previously published, but which we think are worth republishing in PM World Today.  In some case, they are papers that have been published elsewhere in the world in another language, but not yet in English.  In other cases these might be papers published long ago but that continue to resonate or have lasting educational value.  In every case, republication is approved by the author and, as appropriate, the original publisher.

We are excited and extremely honored this month to republish one of the most significant papers ever published in the project management professional world and the first paper ever presented at an event sponsored by the Project Management Institute.  “Planning, Scheduling and Controlling the Efforts of Knowledge Workers” was written by Russell Archibald and presented at a Seminar on Advanced Project Management Concepts in Atlanta, Georgia on October 9, 1969.  That event was co-sponsored by The School of Industrial & Systems Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology and The Project Management Institute (PMI®) and was the first official event sponsored or co-sponsored by PMI, in the year that PMI was founded.  As you will see upon reading this historic article, it is just as applicable now as it was nearly 40 years ago.  I was dismayed to receive this article from Russ, and now absolutely delighted to offer it up to our readers.  Thank you very much Russ!

Four PM Book Reviews These book reviews are provided through a cooperative program between PMForum and the University of Texas at Dallas. (PMForum provides the books, graduate students receive the books at no cost and provide a review; we publish the book reviews in PM World Today.) 

This month Anwar Ali has provided a review of “Project Management Essentials”, a book authored by William P. Athayde, Deborah Bigelow Crawford, Ruth Elswick, and Paul Lombard.  The book was published in 2007 by the Center for Business Practices, a division of PM Solutions, in the USA.  Karen Jefferson has reviewed “The Rise of the Project Workforce: Managing People and Projects in a Flat World”, a book by Rudolf Melik and published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. in the USA.  Hussein Mzee has provided a review of “Unearthing Business requirements: Elicitation Tools and Techniques”, a book by Rosemary Hossenlopp & Kathleen B. Hass due for publication in 2008 by Management Concepts in theUSA.  Ishkhan Topalian has provided a review of the 2007 book “Advancing Organizational Project Management Maturity”,authored by Tony Appleby, Jeannette Cabanis-Brewin, J. Kent Crawford, Frances Cruz, James S. Pennypacker, Jimmie L. West and Karen R.J. White.  The book was published in 2007 by the Center for Business Practices, a division of PM Solutions, in the USA. 

Ali, Jefferson, Mzee and Topalian are working professionals and are either enrolled in or recent graduates of the Graduate Program in Project Management at the University of Texas at Dallas.  Please take a look at these book reviews, prepared by serious professionals who are also serious about project management.

Regional Reports is the section of PM World Today where reports from International Correspondents around the world are collected and published each month.  These include updates on local PM activities and events, discussions of local conditions that affect projects and PM, and personal experiences or perspectives.  In this way, a snapshot and multi-cultural flavor of project management around the world is provided each month.  For us at PMForum and PM World Today, this is one of the most interesting aspects of the monthly production process, to see what’s happening and what is reported by these active and motivated PM professionals.  We hope you also find their reports interesting and educational.

Nine reports are included this month from correspondents in Argentina, India, Nigeria, South Africa, Spain and the UAE, UK, USA, and Turkey.

Ana Maria Rodriguez in Argentina reports on “What to Expect in Argentina in 2008 for the Project Management Profession.”  Ms. Rodriguez reviews some major developments and trends of 2007, then offers some suggestions for what to expect this year.  Very interesting, and very useful for those working in Argentina!  Ana Maria’s predictions for 2007 were right on.  Let’s see about 2008!  Please see her report, which is offered in both English and Spanish languages.

The report from Raju Rao in Chennai, India is entitled “Looking Back & Looking Ahead – a Perspective of India.”  Raju also revisits some of the major developments noted in the PM world in India during 2007.  He acknowledges the new emphasis on infrastructure project investment by the government and predicts a huge surge in this area for project management professional activities.  He refers to projections for Indian economic growth over the next five years, suggesting that project managers must be prepared to participate in order to help solve problems.

Dr. O. Chima Okereke, PhD, reports on Current Developments Affecting Project Management in Nigeria with his paper, subtitled “Projects in Nigeria by Nigerians in Diaspora.”  According to Dr. Okereke, “These projects differ from run-of-the-mill commercial undertakings because they are not profit-oriented but conceived with the main objectives of developing communities or alleviating problems. There are two types of projects generally embarked upon. The first is for medical mission and the second is for socio-economic development.”  Chima describes some medical mission projects and projects organized in other countries by those from specific Nigerian towns or cities to help their home towns.  This is an important reminder of the many important projects sponsored by non-profits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), volunteers and others, all of which also need modern professional project management.  Chima ends with a suggestion that PM professionals in the Nigerian diaspora might be resources for such projects.

Jaycee Krüger, new PMForum correspondent in Gauteng province, provides another good report on “Project Management News from South Africa.” Jaycee’s report includes News from PM Professional Organizations (PMI-SA and PMSA), PM Education and Standards News, and Other News Affecting Projects & PM.  Of particular note is Jaycee’s report that the South African PMSGB (Project Management Standards Generating Body) is about to be revived in order to further develop Project Management Standards in the country.  See his report for details.

Alfonso Bucero’s report from Madrid includes a reminder of January elections at the PMI Madrid Chapter, and a report on the increased interest in professional project management in the construction sector in Spain.  This latter point is now reflected among architects and property developers, which might also be the case in other countries.  Alfonso’s report is also provided in both Spanish and English. 

Mounir Ajam in Dubai has provided an update from the UAE, entitled “Program Management, Film Festival and Other Events.”  His brief report on the Dubai International Film Festival is interesting.  Mounir also briefly describes the launch of the new “Global Project & Process Management Association” (GPPMA) in Dubai.  He then provides a discussion of the first GPPMA event on 11 December, on the subject of “Program Management: The New Frontiers of PM” which attracted a good crowd and included some well known speakers.  The event was hosted by Dubai Customs, one of the first organizations in the Dubai government to formalize PM processes and establish a Project Management Office.  Plus good photos!

Miles Shepherd in the UK has provided an update on some major UK projects and latest developments at APM, the UK project management body.  Miles report includes the results of the latest annual general meeting of APM, including the re-election of Mike Nichols and Professor Charles Egbu to the APM board and two new members.  According to Miles, “APM seems to be putting the building blocks in place for their bid for Chartered status.”

Marc Zocher in Washington State, USA, has provided a full report on activities within the local AACE section, various PMI chapters around the state, several big local projects, and some local conditions.  Of particular note are recent headlines related to project and procurement mismanagement at the Port of Seattle, one of the State’s largest pubic agencies with annual expenditures around $500 million.

Ahmet Taspinar has provided a report on Project Management News from Turkey, including an updated on professional activities, the upcoming DYNAMICS 2008 conference, and conditions affecting projects and PM in Turkey.  Of particular note, Ahmet provides some history and background of IPYT, the Turkish national project management association.  He plans to do the same for the PMI Turkey Chapter next month.

The balance of this month’s PM World Today features calls for papers, announcements of future events, news, information and stories related to people, projects and project management.  Please review the articles in PM Community News where people are featured, and the Future Events section where important announcements about upcoming PM conferences are presented.  We hope all of these stories are interesting and informative.

We want to welcome Dhanu Kothari and Wayne Abba who joined the PM Ambassadors™ Speakers Bureau in December.  Dhanu is a well known project management author, consultant and speaker based in Ontario, Canada, with extensive experience managing projects for technology based organizations.  Based in Falls Church, Virginia (USA), Wayne is an internationally-recognized authority, expert and spokesperson on program management using earned value.  Please read the articles announcing their participation in the PM Community News section of this edition.

We want to thank our sponsors this month, which include the IPMA, Journyx, Keller Graduate School of Management, The Graduate Program in Project Management at the University of Texas at Dallas, and Threon Group.   Please click on their logos and visit their websites for some leading PM products, publications and services.  Sponsors receive visibility and publicity in the PM World Today e-Journal that is emailed to thousands of PM practitioners and professionals worldwide, and on the PM World Today home page at www.pmworldtoday.net. If your organization is interested in sponsoring an issue of PM World Today please contact editor@pmforum.org.

Thank you for your subscription, and for reading the articles submitted by our authors and correspondents.  We are excited about the future of this online publication and the world of project management.  Please send this to a friend or colleague. Free subscriptions are available at http://www.pmworldtoday.net/subscribe/subscribe.htm.  

 

Good luck with your projects!
David L. Pells
Managing Editor
PM World Today
www.pmworldtoday.net
www.pmforum.org
editor@pmforum.org