Project Lifecycle Management

There's always been tension between following a structured approach and being adaptable when managing projects. As a senior program manager, I've seen firsthand how the right methodology can make or break a project. Project leaders are regularly told that one approach is better than another, but in reality different projects require different frameworks - and…

Issues inevitably come up in every project. Whether they stem from missed deadlines, resource shortages, or technical challenges, they can disrupt progress and impact final outcomes. An Issue Log provides a structured way to track, manage, and resolve these problems before they escalate. A well-maintained log ensures that every challenge is documented, assigned to the…

Key Takeaways Project management can feel like herding cats. Competing priorities, shifting goals, and limited resources are all pulling in different directions. Welcome to the phase-gate methodology. This guide explains how phase-gate methodology, or breaking projects into structured phases with clear checkpoints, makes decision-making easier. It’s a straightforward way to keep teams aligned, reduce risks,…

Without clear task sequencing and dependency tracking, small delays snowball into major project problems that could have been prevented. This guide shows you how to create a Gantt chart that spots risks early and keeps projects moving in the right direction. You’ll learn how to create one step by step, customize it for your project,…

Key Takeaways What is a RAID Log? In project management, one fact is universal: deadlines shift, priorities change, and problems pop up out of nowhere. Trying to keep track of everything in your head (or scattered across emails and sticky notes) just makes things harder. A RAID acronym is a simple way to keep tabs…