Global Programs and Global Tools
Dr. Andrew Makar is an IT program manager and is the author of the Microsoft Project Made Easy series. For more project management advice, visit the website TacticalProjectManagement.com.
Successful global programs and projects follow a set of project management processes that establish consistency and common practices across each work stream in the program. Global programs have governance structures that describe the operating procedures that each project team should follow. They have project schedules with common milestones for tracking and reporting. The team uses a common issue and risk repository and follows an agreed stakeholder governance and communication cadence. These are all useful processes; however, another area to consider when implementing a global project is the use of communication and collaboration tools.
Project teams can implement scorecards, integrated project plans and the latest project portfolio management systems. However, the one unifying tool that ensures the “world is flat” is constant communication with supporting technology. If you’re managing a global project or program, project teams need a variety of ways to communicate. At first glance the use of Web-based repositories, instant messaging, conference calls and Web conferencing seem like a no-brainer. The real key lesson learned is how to use these technologies so they are integrated and provide a benefit to all team members regardless of location.
Below are just a few examples on how my program has taken advantage of a communication and …
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