The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) defines the total scope of the project. The deliverables in the WBS will lead to the realization of the project objectives. If you do it right, you’ll be alright; do it wrong and your career won’t be so long.
1. Get stacks of 3” x 3” Post-its® of varying colours, preferably one colour per team (or department).
2. Ask each team to write, in “verb-noun format”, one task per Post-it on what they need to do to help achieve the project objectives (e.g., interview users).
3. Ask the project team to arrange the Post-its by work packages or by phases. Add additional tasks as needed. Finish off by adding milestones using the “noun-verb past-tense format” (e.g., interviews completed).
By using these tricks, you’ll expedite team development—strong involvement and commitment—and also highlight the interdependencies.
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Project managers often use Dashboard Reports to provide weekly progress updates.
You may use the SUCCESS acronym below to remember some of the key steps when initiating and planning a project.
I received an interview request for an online feature article to comment on the current state of the Canadian economy with a specific focus on projects and project management opportunities.