APM Blogs

I have learned many lessons through powerlifting – a competitive strength sport – that have had a positive impact on my working life.

As a Registered Project Professional (RPP) I have been looking forward to the day that I can build on that recognition by becoming a Chartered Project Professional and that day will soon arrive - you won’t be surprised to know that my application is already in process.

Last year, exc.

The PRACI matrix I developed is a simple yet effective means of communicating to project team members who is accountable and who is responsible for completing specific tasks while at the same time conveying to those: who are required to participate in their preparation; who will be consulted; and those that are simply to be informed.

Project controllers are not only the ‘truth tellers’ of projects, but also technical and strategy whizzes.

Many have successfully implemented agile styles of working for small teams, but struggle when they encounter corporate governance procedures.

Despite everyone’s best intentions, it is inevitable that project professionals will encounter people they don’t like in the workplace.

David Thomson, APM head of external affairs, offers a view of the Autumn budget:  The famous lines of Tennyson’s Charge of the Light Brigade seem apt for the predicament the Chancellor faced in the run up to this Budget: “Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered; Stormed at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death,  Into the mouth of hell Rode the six hundred” Not just literally from left and right but also from competing views on how to handle finances ahead of Brexit and its impact, as well as wider volleys from different directions on priorities for his (relatively few) spending options.

We all know that having an engaged and effective sponsor is the key success factor to the successful outcome of a project or programme.

With the pace of work, the pressure not to fail, and the numerous unknown factors around project management, it’s crucial to manage your own wellbeing as well as your project.