Unpredictable results

Have repeatable results and be able to measure performance.

Companies are increasingly looking to project management teams to provide solutions to many of the challenges listed previously. Methodology can assist in the sharing of information across a virtual project enterprise. Projects have significant technical, resource, and data components that require management through their life cycle. Projects must comply with the correct standards and guidelines to protect the users investment in such systems.

How do we select a comprehensive project management methodology that is very useful to anyone managing projects? A methodology that can be applied to a cross section of industries can be customized to reflect a specific project environment in an industry. When implementing a project, a multitude of areas should be investigated to determine what course of action to pursue. The many variables that require management in the complex environment also represent areas that can be exploited to achieve productivity and cost advantages during project execution.

Projects have definite life cycles that determine how the projects are actually managed from the initial discovery phase through detailed design, construction through to the delivery, and eventual operation of the product. The secret to the success of any methodology is this: It uses solid, repeatable processes that serve as the foundation for any successful project initiative, supported by sufficient documentation and relevant processes providing (1) repeatable best practices, (2) consistency of results, and (3) a quicker path to results.

Project managers often ask: How can we speed up the development or execution process? Many times, they see the process as slow and painful with too many policies and procedures. The answer is either (1) by selecting a more agile methodology or (2) by cutting back on your heavyweight methodology to make up lost time and cost. Have you ever heard key staff say: We considered developing our own methodology, but we rejected that idea after not being sure what methodology was right for us ? The best answer is to first look at your overall company strategy.

Understanding Organizations

In 210 B.C., Petronius Arbiter wrote, We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up in teams, we would be reorganized. I was later to learn in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and what a wonderful method it can be (Roman author, The Satyricon, 210 B.C.). Many projects are instigated from the top down. Just look at how Toyota has turned its organization around and created product lines using efficient project methodologies and processes to become a virtual powerhouse. Toyota produces one of the best-selling cars in America. Every other auto manufacturer has tried to replicate this turn around.

Harley Davidsons organizational chart has three overlapping circles a Create Demand circle responsible for marketing and sales, a Produce Products circle for engineering and production, and a Support circle for all other functions. However, where these three circles intersect is a Leadership and Strategy Council that oversees general management functions such as planning and budgeting. This overlapping of the circles emphasizes the interdependency between areas that encourage participation and growth.

Executives and project managers who need to understand how projects are going to be managed in the organization should first understand the company structure. Figure 1.7 shows three main types of organizational structures you might encounter when managing projects. First is a matrix structure, which is extremely difficult to work in, where project coordination and follow-up is mandatory. Second is the functional structure, which relies on the functional managers to manage their projects. Third is the projectized structure, or the project approach, which has the ability to rapidly formulate the project team and move forward.

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Figure 1.7: Various organizational structures to manage projects.

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Lessons Learned

The following lessons learned are crucial in understanding project management methodologies:

Sometimes, it is not feasible to adopt another methodology and reintroduce it into your current environment. A thorough assessment and gap analysis needs to be performed before implementing such a methodology.

Dont try to sell a Rolls Royce to an organization that requires only a Jeep. Sometimes they really dont need all the flash.

Gaining executive support for moving ahead with a project management methodology is paramount to the success of any organization. Without executive support, it becomes increasingly complex and time consuming to sell the idea of project methodology.

Determine your business strategy first, and then focus on the tactics you wish to employ.