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Cloud Computing

Notes 9.5.2 Explorers’ Tools

The tools we use to “frighten” the last vestiges of aging practices away are not the same tools
(Gantt, network diagram, responsibility matrix, etc.) used to implement project management. If
we want to make project management “habitable” and inviting, the tools to deploy are those
that ensure best practice takes hold. Three examples:

ISO 10006: The basic guidance on project management from the International Organization
for Standards provides a benchmark as to what protocols to follow. It doesn’t spell out the
specific paths or methodologies, but tells what signs are out there to indicate best practice
project management.
The Software Engineering Institute’s Taxonomy-Based Risk Identification: This monstrous
list of risk questions on the SEI website is a classic example of taking advantage of the
insights others have gained blazing a trail. And because the list of questions highlights
past experience, there’s evidence of potential gain from its use.
The Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge: PMI’s landmark work spells
out terms, definition and guidance as it has developed over the past few decade. As with
the other tools, it is highly regarded not because of its specificity, but because of its
widespread acceptance from organization to organization and industry to industry.
What makes these tools work? They work because we can point to them outside our organization,
and say that it is time for change. We can use them to highlight that there are others who are
blazing the same trails in different cultures, organizations and industries. We can use them to
show there is a path ahead worth treading, and if we don’t “frighten” existing ad hoc practices
away, we will be left behind by the settlers who are willing to trace the paths that pioneers and
explorers established.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
11. ………………. are the first to tread into unfamiliar turf.
12. Project managers get to flush out the last ………………… of antiquated practice and move
project management toward a recognizable, consistent profession.
13. The basic guidance on project management from the International Organization for
Standards provides a ………………….. as to what protocols to follow.

14. If we want to make project management …………………. and inviting, the tools to deploy
are those that ensure best practice takes hold.

9.6 The Advantages of Managing Projects Online

Following are the various advantages of managing projects online:

1. Better Efficiency in Delivering Services: Project management provides a “roadmap” that is
easily followed and leads to project completion. Once you know where to avoid the
bumps and pots holes it stands to reason that you’re going to be working smarter and not
harder and longer.
2. Improved/Increased/Enhanced Customer Satisfaction: Whenever you get a project done
on time and under budget, the client walks away happy. And a happy client is one you’ll
see again. Smart project management provides the tools that enable this client/manager
relationship to continue.

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