I have been working on Telecom Roll out project and been trying to apply PMBOK process but due to time constraints it is very unlikely that all the process are applicable. Needs some advice on it. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
You have not to apply all the process. The PMBOK is a guide. What you have to do is to select a project life cycle first and after that to decide what and what not apply from the PMBOK. To decide that you have to stay clear about all related to product/service/result to be created and your organizational architecture (strategy, values, structure, skills, management style, etc). Saving Changes...
Waqas AhmedProject Manager| ATTNew York, Ny, United States
As associated with IT industry and keeping time constraints in mind, i would suggest to go with those processes which are critical for your project.
Time constraint may effect other aspects of the projects, but i can clearly understand the environment, you are running you project. I would suggest "KEEP CALM & FOLLOW CRITICAL PROCESSES". Saving Changes...
Sergio, My point is that they way PMI ask us to plan the project is quite difficult. Due to time constraint we are unable to plan telecom project Saving Changes...
Waqas, Thanks for the comment. actually the problem is that definition of critical process is very much relative and depends upon manager to manager. As you might have seen that almost all of the examples given in PMBOK and training are from construction industry in which PMBOK processes can be implemented without any constraint Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
You ever have a plan. Is like your personal life. You ever have a plan. You plan can be explicit formulated or not. Your plan can be formal documented or not. But you ever have a plan. If you have time constraints then the only way to achieve the objectives is to have a plan. And a formal documented plan does not means hundred of page. It does means the enough documentation to know what/when/who/how because you need to communicate it with your stakeholders. So, time constraint, is not a cause to not have a documented plan. The PMI only give you a guide to create a plan and if you read the PMBOK it mention what I write here. Saving Changes...
Sergio, Thanks for your thoughfull comments. Actually i am referring to the situation when we can not plan to the desire level as explained in PMBOK due to time constraint, also this time constraint is very much depending upon if you are in client and vendor end. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
I work in this type of environments, sitting in both sides of the desk, for years so I really understand your situation. That is because, with the intention to help you, I am answering. Your confusion is when you write "plan to the desire level as explained in PMBOK". There is not desire level explained in the PMBOK and there is not desire level in the industry. That is the key and the "art" component in the project manager profession. The level depends on multiple factors you have to take into account according to the environmental conditions (external and internal) and the type of product/service/result to create. The PMBOK is not talking about plans. The PMBOK is talking about things that you can use to consider inside your initiative that can help you in achieving the desires objectives. That´s all. Example: depending on the type of telecom product you are creating quality activities can be more or less in quantity inside your plan. And by the way: it is not true that "there is not enough time" because the time does not exists. The project manager is hired to create the time. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Just to clarify because english is not my first language. When I wrote "is not true" I must wrote is not correct. Organizations start project because a need. Basically a need to change to survive in the organizational environment. Because is a need, by definition of need, organizations usually (perhaps more than 90%) will demmand the change or new product in less time than acceptable and reasonable. It is the same when you talked about needs from the human been point of view. So, as a project manager, you need to create the right time and work with the stakeholders to negotiated it. But when you do that, you are creating a plan.
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1 reply by Hashem Majid PMP_MBA
Apr 24, 2020 6:51 AM
Hashem Majid PMP_MBA
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Hello Sergio, I am in the same situation and PMP certified 16 years of experience in technical and field, now I have the ambition to move forward and work as the project manager, but I don't know how to write it down from pmp book and what I have learned for the real project? the project is in the telecom sector, for example, LTE Project how to plan and manage it?
Saving Changes...
fosco frongiaSenior project manager| ENTE PATRIMONIALE CHIESA GESU' CRISTO SUGFino Mornasco, Como, Italy
Hi Waqas,
I agree with Sergio position. In fact the PMBOK no suggest to you a methodology but a body of knowledge which help you to manage a project in the successful manner.
In this body you can find tools, technics “principles” ( I know it is a not correct term but clarify various aspects) etc.
Regarding the “principles” you should consider, first of all, the tailoring. In other words, among the body of knowledge, you must select only the elements we really need and adapt them to the proper use you can and want. Adapt is not changing but elaborate them at the level you can in accordance with your constraints, for example you must plan your project but the level and complexity of the plan depends from the time you have, budget of the project (planning for 100$ project is quite different respect planning for a project of 100.000.000$).
You have to consider that it is not possible to elaborate a perfect plan for your project but you have to focus to have the best plan in the condition you are.
You have to apply other “principle” the progressive elaboration. You can start with a plan (as soon as possible) and perfect it along project progress in accordance with new info you have and a previous “perfectioning strategy” you elaborate.
I suggest you to start focusing your attention in the most important issues you have and you want to solve. Apply the Pareto law (80/20) to select these ones which are more effective to be solved or managed.
When you have solved the situation (or better you have addressed them in the correct way) you can proceed in two ways: improve the plan for them and consider other less important issues (applying the Pareto Law off course)
Analyze and understand the lesson learned (not only at the end but continuously) it this the best way to improve.
Seeking this way you can:
- create an improving plan which will help you to be more efficient and effective
- improving you knowledge in project management
- create a strong basis for the future
Saving Changes...
Sergio, Thanks for proving in depth response to my queries. I like your comment that project manager creates time and like to know more about it
Thanks
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1 reply by Sergio Luis Conte
Apr 24, 2020 7:25 AM
Sergio Luis Conte
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You are welcome. I spend my extra time here to learn from people comments then I participate into debates that I think will add value to me. You help me on that. Returning to the point, is the same in people life. And let me say what I wrote is what I practice and I teach in Universities and courses in general, adding to that part of my research. If you go to physic you will find that time and space do not exists as we think it exists, it is created. Mainly by our perception (it is proven by neuroscience). But forget about it, and think about this. When you create a plan you are in charge to gide the subject matter experts on that. Mainly into all related to time (schedule) and space (the activities between others). So, if you as project manager accept the conditions related to take your time and space then is up to you. For example, if you accept to create an schedule where each work day is 9 hours long without considering one hour for lunch then is up to you, you are creating the time. Is not a concern from my side. Is just be concious of that.
PMI had published some articles I wrote on the matter,
For example related to change:
projectmanagement.com: https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-pos...zational-change
