#361 – YOUR SUPPLIERS CAN BE A RISK TO YOUR PROJECT – JOHN AYERS

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The majority of companies today outsource a major portion (up to 60-70%) of their work scope to subcontractors.  As a result, the subcontractors become a risk to your project because you have no direct control over them. For example, if they start to slip their schedule you cannot direct them to put more assets on the job to pull the schedule back. The other risk that is not obvious is that posed by your subcontractors major vendors or subcontractors. To illustrate this point, this article describes a story that I was personally involved in. Continue reading

#360 – CROSSING THE RIVER TO A PROJECT MANAGER’S JOB – JOHN AYERS

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More and more companies today are creating projects to perform work. Hence, the demand for project managers is high and will continue to grow well into to the future.

There is a six-sigma approach called crossing the river that is aimed at getting from the near shore (your current state) to the far shore (your future vision). I suggest that you consider using it to get a project managers job. This article explains how to cross the river to reach your goal. Continue reading

#359 – SMALL COMPANIES OFFER FASTER PROMOTIONS BUT HIGHER STRESS – JOHN AYERS

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Based on my career experience as a project manager, I have observed that promotions can come quicker in a small company compared to a large one. This is especially true after you have gained several years’ experience. For some reason, many large companies are slow in giving promotions unless you are a rising star.  If you are not a rising start and want to get a promotion, I suggest you look for opportunities in small companies to get the title you want (e.g., project manager). Continue reading

#358 – FUTURE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSION – JOHN AYERS

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What does the future of any profession mean? Underdetermined future events (e.eg. COVID-19)? Future proof job? Work /family balance? Health at a later date? Secure retirement?  It is all of the above and that is why you need to choose the right profession for you.

The future of the project management profession is bright and strong for a long time to come. Continue reading

#355 – HOW TO MANAGE KNOWN PROJECT RISKS – JOHN AYERS

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A risk is an event or activity that can go wrong and cause an impact to the project. Risks can have a negative or positive impact to the project. Risks that have a positive impact are called opportunities. If they have a negative impact, they are called risks. A goal on a project is to try and balance risks and opportunities to mitigate the chance of cost or schedule growth. Continue reading