Process Mapping 101: Using the Microsoft Office Ribbon and TaskMap 4
Posted in Process Mapping, Project Management on Apr 2nd, 2011
Using the Ribbon interface has greatly simplified the menu options in TaskMap. This allows all the create, edit, view and save functions to be logically grouped according to your needs. In addition to popular functions such as save as Web Site, there are many new options including: Create PowerPoint deck from TaskMap 4 Save your [...]
Process Mapping 101: Getting tasks on the page
Posted in Process Mapping on Apr 1st, 2011
Getting tasks on the page is the fundamental first step in laying out your process. TaskMap 4 provides an auto connect feature to make this even easier. Simply hover over the Task shape, then click on any blue AutoConnect arrow to add a Task or other shape in that direction. The software will automatically place [...]
Project Management Post Mortem: How did we do?
Posted in Change Management, Process Analysis, Process Improvement, Project Management on Mar 31st, 2011
I hate to use the words post mortem in the context of Project Management … it obviously assumes the patient died! Not a good outcome. Obviously, that’s not the case, but the procedure still has some value. As busy professionals we have a lot going on, and the most successful project managers often just move [...]
Stepping Stones approach to project management
Posted in Change Management, Process Improvement, Project Management on Mar 30th, 2011
The stepping stones approach lets us use our alternatives of skills, tools and tasks according to the changing needs of the project. Still moving forward with the project, but crossing the boundaries with different skills, tools and tasks according the best approach at that time. Many project management methods already incorporate this method, understanding that [...]
Skills, Tools and Rock and Roll: How to increase your project’s chances of success-Part 1
Posted in Change Management, Process Improvement, Project Management on Mar 29th, 2011
There are a lot of tools out there to help us get our BPM project done on time and on budget. One question that comes up a lot is whether we should follow a step by step method when handling these projects or keep some flexibility in our process. In every case we have a [...]
Managing changes in the project
Posted in Change Management on Mar 28th, 2011
Once the change or trouble has been identified, then a strict and agreed process needs to start immediately. Imagine how many projects are started, the project owner signs the contract and the project manager begins work. Everyone assumes that all is going to go perfectly through the process; the project owner or sponsor never changing [...]
Getting your project out of trouble
Posted in Change Management, Process Improvement, Project Management on Mar 27th, 2011
Listen and access Listening is defined as “hearing with attention”. I like that definition, because some project managers hear but don’t listen to what is being communicated. In some cases the individual may also be nervous about bringing this news to you, and may therefore emphasize certain parts of the problem and not others. This [...]
When things go wrong–troubleshooting
Posted in Change Management, Process Improvement, Project Management on Mar 26th, 2011
Sooner or later some aspect of a project starts to come undone. Deadlines advancing too quickly, budgets getting out of control, team members concerned about quality, all factors that need attention. Even as a new project manager, the first reaction to trouble should not be blind panic. Every project will have stages when things are [...]
