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The Most Useful Project Management Software

Fri, 17 Feb 2006 14:56:48 GMT

Mindjets' MindManager Pro is simply the single most useful Project Management software I've ever found, and now it's improved substantially. With it you can:

Develop requirements and export them to Microsoft Project for scheduling
Develop presentations as MindMaps and export to Microsoft PowerPoint
Develop fishbone diagrams for trouble-shooting
Link to specific cells in Microsoft Excel
Create a web dashboard
And much more

This is simply the most useful piece of software I own, and integrates with most of Microsoft's desktop suite to dramatically improve their integration.

Highly recommended!

Crucial Confrontations

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 18:10:40 GMT

One of the finest books on interacting with people in high stakes situations

Project Management Lifecycle

Fri, 03 Feb 2006 13:26:05 GMT

I didn't write this, and agree that this does describe bad project management, but this is just too funny not to share. We never want to take ourselves too seriously.

The Parable of Project Management

In the beginning was the Plan, created by the finest non-PMP project management consultants to be found throughout the land (in order to conform to budget requirements), to carry out the wishes of the all powerful President, who all agreed was the wisest of the wise. It had come to him in a vision while golfing with a technology sales executive, and it was good.

And then came the Assumptions...

And the Assumptions were without form...

And the Plan was without Substance...

And darkness was upon the face of the Workers.

And the Workers spoke among themselves saying, "It is a crock of
shit, and it stinks."

And the Workers went unto their Supervisors and said, "It is a crock
of dung, and we cannot live with the smell."

And the Supervisors went unto their Managers saying, "It is a container of organic waste, and it is very strong, such that none may abide by it."

And the Managers went unto their Directors, saying, "It is a vessel of
fertilizer, and none may abide its strength."

And the Directors spoke among themselves, saying to one another, "It
contains that which aids plant growth, and it is very strong."

And the Directors went to the Vice Presidents, saying unto them, "It
promotes growth, and it is very powerful."

And the Vice Presidents went to the President, saying unto him, "It
has very powerful effects."

And the President looked upon the Plan and saw that it was good.

And the Plan became Policy.

And that is how stuff happens.

THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

Tue, 27 Dec 2005 20:55:28 GMT

The authoritative source for project management information. Not light reading, but an essential reference:

Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling, Eighth Edition
by Harold Kerzner
John Wiley & Sons © 2003 (891 pages)
ISBN:0471225770
This eighth edition updates the classic reference on project management theory and techniques within today's changing marketplace. A wealth of knowledge is put into this practical study guide that managers can rely on.

Earned Value Analysis

Tue, 27 Dec 2005 20:52:21 GMT

For those interested, this is the book to deepen your understanding of Earned Value.

Earned Value Project Management, Second Edition
by Quentin W. Fleming and Joel M. Koppelman
Project Management Institute © 2000 (212 pages)
ISBN:1880410273
Understanding the dynamics of project development and more effectively managing outcomes.

E-Project - On-line project management environment

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 22:34:23 GMT

E-Project is a remarkable web-based service for managing projects. Highly recommended.

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 22:07:56 GMT

Critical Chain - TOC for Projects

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 22:01:31 GMT

Eliyahu Goldratt's remarkable book "Critical Chain" is another must read books for project managers. Written as a business novel, it clearly illustrates how Critical Chain Theory of Constrains (TOC) can help dramatically improve projects. Highly recommended.

The Deadline

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 21:57:40 GMT

Tom DeMarco's business novel, "The Deadline", is one of the most valuable and entertaining books ever written on project management. Highly recommended.

Agile Software Development

Mon, 21 Nov 2005 19:18:27 GMT

For years some of us have competed against large autocratic bureaucratic organizations to deliver high value development of intellectual capital, often in the form of software or webware, at the lowest expenditure of time, effort, and cost. Finally discovered we’re not alone. Check out the Agile Manifesto.

More Cowboy Wisdom

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 06:57:45 GMT

If you find yourself in a hole, the first thing to do is stop diggin'.

But, in case you didn't,

The easiest way to eat crow is while it's still warm. The colder it gets, the harder it is to swaller.

Jack Garrison

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 06:06:28 GMT

Jack Garrison is a remarkable information technology resource. Exceptionally skilled as an architect, project manager, security specialist, and teacher, he also maintains one of the more useful web sites of interest to IT professionals.

Edict Inc.

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 05:49:27 GMT

In over 30 years in the information technology industry, the finest group of software developers I have ever worked with are the remarkable people at Edict Inc., who also created Spaces, the software that powers this web log. Led by Tor Hough and Nick Gaydos, Edict specializes in turning profound client expertise into web services. Also, some of the finest people you'll ever run into. Highly recommended.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 05:45:02 GMT

For those with interest in risk management, auditing, criminal justice, and homeland security, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners grants the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) credential, one of the strongest in the industry. My local chapter is in Michigan.

Project Management Institute

Tue, 30 Aug 2005 05:38:38 GMT

The Project Management Institute provides the PMP (Project Management Professional) credential, which is becoming increasingly important for those wishing to be project managers with many large organizations. The local branches can be very helpful. Mine is in Michigan.