VIEWPOINTS

“Striving for touch”
A way of life for success in project management

By Michael Szwarc

Israel

Introduction

In project management there are many methodologies, processes and best practices. The reason for that is the complexity of the projects, and the project manager role. This is reflected in the different project management knowledge areas in the PMBOK.

However, along with the methods and recommendations for each of the project management areas, there are some basic principles and approaches we should take. Here I will present such a rule of thumb that is very useful for the project success: Striving for touch.

Striving for touch – definition

“Striving for touch” is the constant ambition of the project manager to get down into details, reduce information gaps, identify and manage risk, and get the job done with commitment and responsibility to meet project goals.

Examples of “Striving for Touch”

As mentioned, striving for touch is relevant for the various management areas.

A. Striving for touch in risk management:

In risk management, a “striving for touch” manager always searches for a potential risk, and after identification and prioritization, recommends ongoing activities for mitigation. Sometimes, it may also include pro-active activities to make the risk occur in early stages, if there is a reasonable concern that it may occur anyway in late stage. Examples:

1. Present a working prototype as soon as possible

2. Early integration activities of different systems

3. Get user feedback in early stages

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About the Author Michael Szwarc Author Michael Szwarc is the head of PMO at Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com), the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. His group is responsible for projects execution, project portfolio management and the establishment of organizational processes in the area of project management and product development. Michael has more than 11 years of experience in leading development groups, programs, customer-focused services and business operations. He is also involved in developing various training programs in these areas. Michael can be reached at michael.szwarc@gmail.com