The Critical Path for Extreme Project ManagementWritten by Shaun Hasan Ajani
The Extreme Project Manager (EPM) stays at a high level, and understands big picture, at same time being able to call shots like a military commander. However, there are certain things, which can affect general schedule, and EPM must be aware of them at a relatively acute level. Particularly, I am referring to Critical Path Method (CPM) and Project Evaluation Review Technique (PERT). The EPM will use these analyses in a slightly different way to stay at a certain level.Walk Path I have faint memories of hearing about CPM and PERT when I was a kid, many years ago. So what are such old ideas doing in EPM topic? I could say that these are very important methods that every Project manager should know. But then how would I be any different? And as a Project Manager, you probably know CMP and PERT well anyhow… Right? Well, I will make it worth it for you. In a truly EPM fashion, we will hit on CPM and PERT, in a cursory and a slightly different way, where you can use it just enough to give you some kind of a handle in keeping an eye on scheduling. CPM lets you see sequence of events of all tasks, and time required. It also shows earliest finish, earliest start, latest finish, and latest start estimates, so you can see slack in each of these tasks. You need to know slack, because if you are seeing a sequence of events, then you are also seeing dependencies of each of these tasks. Hence, if you are aware of slack, then you can get a better idea of adherence to schedule your project is enjoying. As an EPM, here is a way I found to make this simple: When you make CPM, do not use sub-tasks. Try and stick to summary tasks. However, unlike Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), where we use a similar method, you may have to use some of your sub-tasks, depending on time to completion of that task. For example, if a sub-task takes a long time to complete, and has many dependencies, use it in CPM. Look on Bright Side Yes, even Project Managers are optimistic, especially EPM’s. Although, working with PERT, you have to be both, optimistic and pessimistic. Here is what I mean. Like CPM and WBS, PERT also involves breaking down of project into tasks. You then must divide tasks into three schedule categories, most optimistic finish estimate, and most pessimistic finish estimate, and most likely.
| | THE QUALITIES OF LEADERSHIPWritten by Craig Lock
Are you a leader of men (and women)? At least, do you believe that you have leadership potential? Do you WANT to be a leader, or a follower?If you want to be a "'great' leader of men", here are a few thoughts on qualities needed. When we think of word leader, we usually immediately think of concept of POWER. Your great passion might be to become a leader. It will certainly give you power - not within yourself necessarily, but over others. (Do you have a "Napoleon complex" - to lead "for it's own sake", perhaps?). To be a leader, first you must really WANT to. A great DESIRE is key here. You must be really "hungry" for position and pursue leadership with great determination - with all means at your disposal. That is, using all your powers, qualities (see below) and potential. With a strong DESIRE you will, as long as you have following personal leadership qualities: 1. Unwavering courage. 2. Self control. 3. Always keeping a sense of justice (and fairness) towards others. 4. Definiteness of decisions. 5. Definiteness of plans (purpose). A leader then works their plan by putting it into ACTION. 6. Leaders have a habit of doing more than they are paid for. Effort and sacrifice gets them to a position of authority in first place. 7. A pleasing personality. People LIKE people they follow... and will do anything for great inspiring leaders (even to death). 8. Empathy, sympathy and understanding. As Spanish (and my dear mother) would say, "being 'sympatico'" towards other people, by taking their feelings into consideration. This is difference between "thinkers" and "feelers". Thinkers are logical, analytical types, who usually do well in business. Feelers, like me, are far more emotional and creative people ("unbalanced" perhaps?). What type of person are you?
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