Sanghun's Blog

A project manager's role within different organizational structures

Understanding organizational structure is crucial for project managers as it helps determine reporting lines, communication channels, and how to navigate within the organization. The two main types of organizational structures are Classic and Matrix. Classic Organizational Structures: * Definition: A top-down hierarchy where the CEO has direct authority over department managers,

PM

Overview of Classic and Matrix structures

Organizational structure defines how tasks are divided, coordinated, and how members of the organization relate to each other. It maps out who reports to whom and helps determine communication lines and frequency. Types of Organizational Structures: 1. Classic (Functional or Top-Down): * Follows a typical chain of command from CEO down

PM

Common project management approaches and how to select one

You've learned a lot about different project management approaches and when to use them. Here is a brief recap of some common ones: Waterfall: * Description: Traditional, linear, and sequential. Each phase must be completed before the next begins. * Role: Project manager prioritizes and assigns tasks. * Quality: Criteria defined

PM

Lean and Six Sigma methodologies

Previously, you learned about Agile and Waterfall project management approaches. Now, we will define key concepts from Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. We will discuss how these methodologies can be used to organize and manage your projects and determine which is most effective for different kinds of projects. Lean Methodology:

PM

Introduction to Lean and Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma Methodology Lean Six Sigma is a project management methodology combining Lean and Six Sigma principles, commonly used to save money, improve quality, and expedite processes. It emphasizes team collaboration to foster a positive work environment. The methodology follows the DMAIC process, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze,

PM

Comparing Waterfall and Agile approaches

Understanding the differences between Waterfall and Agile project management approaches can help you choose the right method for your projects and demonstrate your project management knowledge in interviews. Waterfall: * Project Manager's Role: Active leader, prioritizing and assigning tasks. * Scope: Well-established and documented early on; changes require formal requests.

PM

Introduction to project management methodologies

We just discussed the first two phases of the project life cycle: initiating the project and making plans. Now, we will explore the next two phases: executing and completing tasks, and closing the project. We'll also review different project management methodologies, specifically linear and iterative approaches. Phases of

PM

Summary of the project phases

The project life cycle is the structured path a project follows from initiation to closure. Here’s a summary of each phase: 1. Initiate the Project: * Set the foundation by asking questions about stakeholders, goals, mission, objectives, improvements, timeline, required skills, resources, costs, and benefits. 2. Make a Plan: * Create

PM

Phases in action: Executing and closing

We've covered the core tasks for the initial phases of the project life cycle: initiating the project and making plans. Now, let's discuss the remaining phases: executing and completing tasks, and closing the project. 1. Executing and Completing Tasks: * Manage the overall progress of the project.

PM

Phases in action: Initiating and planning

In the project life cycle, there are four major phases: initiate the project, make a plan, execute and complete tasks, and close the project. Here’s a closer look at the tasks involved in the first two phases: * Initiate the Project: * Organize Information: Gather all available information about the project.

PM

Case study: The significance of each project phase

Scenario: * Jason, a project manager at a virtual reality software company, rushes to create a proposal for Flight Simulators, Inc. without proper planning. * He estimates a $200,000 cost and six-week timeline, which are standard for his company’s platform. * However, the company’s software is incompatible with Flight Simulators,

PM

Exploring the phases of the project life cycle

Understanding the Project Life Cycle: 1. Unique Nature of Projects: * Every project is unique, requiring different management approaches. * Example: Managing a political campaign involves considering resources, team members, election date, and location. 2. Project Life Cycle: * The project life cycle guides the project to stay on track. It generally includes

PM

Introduction: The project management life cycle and methodologies

Recap and Next Steps: Previously Covered: * Project Management Definition: * What project management is and its value to businesses. * Differentiating what constitutes a project and what does not. * Role of a Project Manager: * The necessity and timing of having a project manager. * Day-to-day responsibilities and core skills of a successful project

PM

Ellen: Traits of a successful project manager

Ellen’s Insights on Technical Program Management: 1. Team Collaboration: * Ellen emphasizes the power of teamwork, believing that a group can achieve more together than individuals working alone. * Bringing people together and aligning them around a common goal can lead to amazing results. 2. Dual Focus: * Successful project management involves

PM

Leadership and team dynamics

Key Interpersonal Skills for Project Managers: 1. Communication: * Checking in with teammates to understand their progress. * Providing clear feedback on the quality of work. 2. Negotiation: * Working with teammates to compromise on deadlines and other project needs. 3. Conflict Mediation: * Resolving tensions and conflicts within the team to ensure project

PM

Common myths about project managers

Common Myths about Project Managers: 1. Myth: You have to be an expert in the field and have a lot of technical knowledge about the project. * Reality: Project managers benefit from not having too much technical knowledge as it allows them to focus on the bigger picture and manage cross-functional

PM

Rachel: My journey to becoming a project manager

* Background: * Rachel was hired by Google out of a bar in the East Village, New York, about 12 years ago. * She worked as a bartender and gave advice to regulars, some of whom were Google employees in NY Ops and SRE. * Transition to Google: * In 2008, Rachel applied for an

PM

Key competencies: Flexibility and handling ambiguity

Key Competencies for Project Managers: * Enabling Decision-Making: * Foster a collaborative decision-making environment. * Empower team members to express their opinions and make decisions. * Promote responsibility, accountability, and team closeness. * Communicating and Escalating: * Clearly communicate project goals, roles, and responsibilities. * Effectively escalate issues to management with potential solutions. * Strong Organizational Skills: * Stay

PM

The core skills of a project manager

Core Skill Sets for Project Managers: 1. Enabling Decision-Making: * Facilitate decision-making within the team. * Gather and provide relevant information to help the team make informed decisions. * Communicate decisions to necessary coworkers, including immediate team members and company leaders. 2. Communicating and Escalating: * Use communication skills in all aspects of project

PM

Elita: A day in the life of a project manager

Great Project Manager Metaphors: * EMT: Manages chaos, triages tasks, develops and participates in action plans. * Ninja: Influences others subtly and avoids overt actions that could be poorly received. * Jazz Musician: Keeps a steady beat and ensures the team works in harmony. Daily Responsibilities: * Communicates with a variety of stakeholders, including

PM

Working with cross-functional teams

Definition: * Cross-functional teams consist of members from different backgrounds, expertise, and job functions working towards a common goal. T-shaped Professionals: * Team members skilled in collaboration and innovation across different job functions while contributing their own expertise. Key Responsibilities: 1. Clarify Goals: * Ensure each team member understands their role and the

PM

A project manager’s role within a team

Project Manager's Role in Relation to the Project Team: * Not a Direct Manager: A project manager manages tasks and responsibilities rather than directly managing the team members. * Role of a Project Manager: Guides the team, ensures tasks are completed, and supports team members without needing to be an

PM

Responsibilities that utilize interpersonal skills

Project managers not only handle technical aspects of projects like planning, organizing, budgeting, and task management but also use interpersonal skills to add significant value. Key responsibilities include: 1. Teaching and Mentoring: * Serve as a mentor to the team. * Explain expectations clearly to avoid confusion. * Support team members in meeting

PM

Key project manager roles and responsibilities

Introduction: * Reflecting on others' career paths can be inspiring and informative for your own journey in project management. * So far, the course has covered types of project management roles and how to search for them, as well as the value project managers bring to organizations. Roles and Responsibilities of

PM

How project managers impact organizations

How Project Managers Impact Organizations: Project managers add value to projects and organizations in several key ways: 1. Focusing on the Customer: * Understand and meet customer standards and expectations. * Build relationships with internal (stakeholders, team members) and external customers (clients, contractors). * Ask questions to understand the customer's needs,