Project Management Basics

Today project management is a buzz. 

The simplest and easy to understand definition is from Wikipedia - Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives.

The time tested method for implementing Projects has 5 Stages. 

Namely,

1. Initiating the project
2. Planning the project
3. Executing the project
4. Monitoring and controlling the project
5. Closing the project.

Critics with an abundance of wisdom proposed six actual phases.

1. Wild Enthusiasm
2. Total Confusion
3. Disillusionment
4. Search for the Guilty
5. Punishment of the Innocent
6. Promotion of the Non-participants

LOL! Though it appears cynical, it should caution us to ensure that we travel the right path to the successful completion of the project.

Here are few links for further study.
http://www.ittoolkit.com/qtools.htm
http://www.method123.com/project-management-tool.php

Here is a simple presentation explaining the project methodology
Project Management Basics

The Power of Simplicity in Communication

Never communicate what you want to communicate. 

Always communicate - what the listener wants to listen to and simplify….

Remember it,  next time you are presenting your business case...It works….

Here is an illustration …. from 3 Idiots…

Define a machine: 

Chatur’s Definition

Machines are any combination of bodies so connected that their relative motions are a constraint. And by which means force and motion may be transmitted and modified as the screw in its nut or a lever range turnabout a fulcrum or a pulley by its pivot etcetera. especially a construction more or less complex consisting of a combination of moving parts or simple mechanical elements as wheels, levers, cams etcetera.

Rancho’s definition of a machine: 

“Machine is anything that reduces Human effort….”

Simple! isn't it?

BTW, here is Rancho’s definition of a Book for those who love complexity :

Instruments that record analyses summarize organize debate and explain information which are illustrative non-illustrative hardbound paperback jacketed non-jacketed with forward introduction, table of contents, an index that are indented for the enlightenment, understanding enrichment enhancement and education of the human brain through the sensory root of vision... sometimes touch.

Here is the scene from the film - enjoy :-)