Understanding Projects

My discussion today is with Henry Mamud. Henry has an extensive background in project and risk anagement with over 14 years of Canadian and international experience in managing large and complex projects including construction, infrastructure, oil and gas, and energy. Henry is also the President of Canada’s Technology Triangle PMI Chapter. During our discussion we talked about a challenging project Henry managed in the past. The project was a gas drilling project that was multiple days behind schedule with a significant penalty for each day late. Henry describes it as a classical critical path project and outlined the approaches he took to bring the project back on schedule. This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists of a series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

My discussion today is with Marc Blanchette. For more information about Marc:

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcblanchette/ Marc is an innovative Program Management Leader with extensive experience directing international, high-priority software & hardware projects and programs. He has been recognized for developing & motivating team members with diverse cultural backgrounds by empowering them to overcome challenges and exceed expectations. Marc has also been very active in the Project Management Institute having been President of two PMI chapters and selected by PMI to participate in their Leadership Master Class. We talked about all things PMI certification. This includes their value, types of certifications, and the process of applying for and completing the certification process. We also talk about how the CAPM and PMP certifications relate to other Agile certifications. This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists of a series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

My discussion today is with Pawan Premi. This is her second appearance on the podcast. Pawan has extensive experience in areas including design engineering, project management, and product management. She is also holds a P.Eng, PMP, and MBA. In our discussion today we talk about the concept of white space project management. Those new to the project management field sometimes view managing projects as merely coordinating different activities that occur during the project but otherwise take a fairly passive role. This may also be referred to as a project coordinator role. However, many experienced project managers realize that they need to play a more active role in the project by being the person who brings the different team members and areas of the organization together in order to complete the project. In effect, they are often the one who “connects the dots”. As Pawan explains, on a printed page, the white space between words connects the ideas and allows for the reader to better understand the concepts being communicated. This is what a white space project manager does – being that person who provides connections and actively guides the overall project. This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists of a series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

My discussion today is with Pawan Premi. Pawan has extensive experience in areas including design engineering, project management, and product management. She is also a P.Eng, PMP, and an MBA grad. Our discussion today is on the topic of the business case. Many new to project management have difficulty distinguishing the purpose of a business case from a project charter. Pawan clarifies this point and also introduces a version of business case that she has successfully used: the One-Page Business Case. This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists of a series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

Jennifer Beckett is a project manager working in the public service sector. Her background in sociology and project management, and her passion for public service has positioned her to work on projects in community housing, homelessness, Covid emergency response, immigration and settlement, and many other worthwhile endeavours. She has a special interest in the connections between community organizations and governing systems, and their impact on the lived experience of citizens. Our discussion today is on the topic of power and influence. Jennifer talks about the importance of effective communication, leadership, and approaches for influencing project team members and other stakeholders in order to achieve project goals. This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists of a series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

My discussion today is with Robert Mansour. Robert has extensive experience in delivering successful multi-million dollar projects in the commercial, industrial, retail, and oil & gas segments. His experience also includes contract management and negotiations, risk management, coordination of engineering, procurement, and quality monitoring and control. For more information about Robert:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertmansourpmp/

Our discussion focused on the application of risk management within physical projects such as construction or within the nuclear industry. As Robert explains, while risk is sometimes challenging to quantify in certain virtual projects such as software development, this is not the case in physical projects. The application of sound risk management to these projects is absolutely essential.

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists of a series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This podcast features a discussion with Don Kaluzny. I’ve worked with  Don for a few years now – and we co-teach a number of engineering  project management degree courses. Don has a wide range of experience in  what I’ll call large scale engineering projects and installations. He  also developed the eBook “Make Your Robot Move”. For more information about Don: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donkaluzny/

During out discussion we covered a wide range of topics including the  challenges of managing large-scale projects, including the assessment of risk and achieving quality. We talked about the differences and  challenges of being involved in military projects and some thoughts  around how the size of organizations impacts projects.     

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists  series of discussions with PM academics and   practitioners about the  real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is  based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide  by Dave C. Barrett.

This podcast features a discussion with Chris Pugh. I’ve known Chris for  many years and we first met during a systems integration for a  financial services company. Chris has a wealth of business experience  with a focus on Capital Markets and Retail Banking. His experience  includes consulting, PMO Lead, Program Director, Project Director,  Systems Engineer and others. For more information about Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispugh/

The theme of our discussion is what  Chris calls “The Anti-PM Project Manager” which tends to represent  Chris’ philosophy of project management and I’m sure, management in  general. We talked about a range of topics about the role of the project  manager but the overall theme was the need for the project manager to  lead rather than just manage the project.

This is an episode of  the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions  with PM academics and   practitioners about the real world aspects of  projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text  Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C.  Barrett.

This discussion features Hayley Press. Hayley has extensive experience in the field of Public Relations including Event Management, Partner Relationships, Fundraising, Community Engagement, and Volunteer Coordination. She is also a graduate of Conestoga’s Public Relations program. For more information about Hayley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayleypress/

Our discussion focuses on a specific type of project – events and event management. We talk about a number of aspects of events, including how they differ from a typical project, the characteristics of successful event managers, virtual events, and managing event teams.

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and   practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett. 

This discussion features Nickesha Welch. Nickesha is a graduate of the Project Management program and has since been working at a local marketing agency, first as a Project Coordinator but now as a Project Lead. For more information about Nickesha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickesha-welch/

Throughout our discussion, she provides advice to prospective project managers on topics such as networking, certifications, and interviewing strategies. As will be evident during the discussion, her approach is determined and purposeful, and is very useful advice for anyone looking to enter the project management profession.

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and   practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This discussion is with David Blake-Dickson. David is a graduate of the Bachelor of Public Relations program and has since worked at a number of agencies delivering projects to clients. For more information about David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-blake-dickson/

A number of topics are discussed, including the challenges of managing projects in an agency environment, tips for working with clients and teams, and managing time zone differences while working remotely.

David is also an avid cyclist and during the podcast, project management is compared to cycling.

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and   practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project   Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Josh Cronk. Josh has worked primarily within the high-tech industry in the Waterloo region within the marketing function and working on marketing-related projects. For more information about Josh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcronk/

The topic of this podcast is the use of project management within non-PM roles - that is, rather than as a full-time project manager. As Josh points our during our discussion, this tends to be very common in small to medium sized organizations. 

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and   practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project   Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Shaila Aranha.  Shaila is a consultant for the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario and is herself an RN. She is also a PMP and teaches project management. For more information about Shaila: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaila-aranha-04904171/

Given Shaila’s background, our discussion is related to Covid-19 and the application of project management and risk management principles.     

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and  practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project  management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project  Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Syed Aman. 

Syed has a diverse background in areas such Program / Project Management, Strategic Planning, and Production Operations Management. His experience includes the avionics, health care, and technology industries and he holds his Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Professional designations. He is also an Associate Professor of Project Management at Conestoga College. For more information about Syed: https://www.linkedin.com/in/syed-aman-mba-p-eng-pmp-lssbb-fisqua-grcp-b6b8a3b8/

The discussion focuses on one of the more technical areas of project management – Earned Value Management. Through the discussion, Syed highlights the advantages of using this methodology, the prerequisites needed to implement it in an organization, and the types of projects where it may be used effectively.   

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Dushyant Puri. Dushyant's professional experience includes Mechanical Design, Program Management, Design to Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Lean Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance. He holds his Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and PRINCE2 Practitioner designations. For more information about Dushyant: https://www.linkedin.com/in/puridushyant/

The discussion focuses on something that many organizations are or will be grappling with - the integration of waterfall and agile methods within their projects. Dushyant describes the approaches that he has used in this area. 

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project  management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project  Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Simone Craig. Simone has many years of experience in resource and people management, project management, program management, and strategic planning. She holds the Project Management Professional and Kanban Management Professional designations and is also a professor of project management. For more information about Simone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-craig-b18419b/

The discussion focuses on agile delivery, and specifically regarding the differences and similarities of the Scrum and Kanban frameworks. Throughout the discussion, Simon demonstrates the strengths of each approach and when each framework would be appropriate.       

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and    practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Mo Oyadiran. Mo is an associate faculty member at Conestoga College teaching many courses in the project management program. The discussion focuses on the importance of the project status reporting process, including how it can increase stakeholder engagement and allow the project manager to guide the project narrative.      

This is an episode of the Understanding Project Management Discussions   podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and   practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project   management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project   Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Christopher Chang. In addition to Christopher’s experience in the field of project management, he also provides mentoring  and consulting to new startups in the area. In addition, Christopher is an associate faculty member at Conestoga College. For more information about Christopher: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisgchangdefacto/

The discussion focuses on the executing, monitoring, and controlling activities that take place during planning. That is, those activities that ensure that plans are completed effectively.  

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and  practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project  management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project  Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Antony Skinner. Antony's background includes IT and software development as a line manager, program manager, and an independent consultant as well as being an Associate Professor of Project Management. For more information about Antony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonyskinner/

Our discussion will be focused on all things related to the management of people on a project including the use of power and influence by the project manager. 

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Jeffrey Thomson. Jeffrey is an experienced consultant in a number of areas including procurement and contract management, program management, and intellectual asset management. He has also been an Associate Professor of  Project Management at Conestoga College.   Our topic is the management of project costs. For more information about Jeffrey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreythomson/

During the discussion, Jeffrey outlines why this is such an important aspect of project management.    This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and   practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project   management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project   Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Ian Adare. Ian is a program manager with experience in a variety of sectors including education, healthcare, banking, and automation. He has also been an Associate Professor of Project Management at Conestoga College. For more information about Ian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iadare/

Our topic is the management of project issues. During the discussion, the source of issues will be discussed, the approach to solving issues, and the relation of issues to risks and change requests. 

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast - which consists series of discussions with PM academics and  practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project  management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project  Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Marion Chang. Marion has many years of project and portfolio management experience in the financial, transportation, and technology industries. She also has attained her PMP and is a certified agile project manager. She is also an Associate Professor of Project Management at Conestoga College. For more information about Marion: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionchang/

Our topic is critical chain project management where we discuss the use of this methodology, its relation to the critical path method, project resources, and the use of project buggers.

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and  practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project  management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project  Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Charu Sachdeva. Charu’s started as a graphic designer and then moved into operations and project management roles. She is also an Associate Professor of Project Management at Conestoga College. For more information about Charu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sachdevacharu/

Our topic is project communications where we discuss the importance of communication planning, its relation to stakeholder planning, and the challenges of communicating with a virtual team. 

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and  practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project  management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project  Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Jonathan Mckee. Jonathan’s background includes management consulting as well as project and program management both in industry and as an educator.  Jonathan has a focus on the business analysis process and has been the President of International Institute of Business Analysis, Waterloo Chapter. For more information about Jonathan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanmckee/

Our topic today is the gathering of project requirements and its transition to the scope of the project. We also discuss the role of the business analyst within projects and the creation of the WBS.  The video an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Ryan Boroumand who discusses the importance of risk planning during projects.   Ryan is a seasoned IT management professional, an IT and cyber security  generalist, and an architect of change, with over 20 years of experience  in IT Project/Program Management, Risk Management and Audit, Cyber  Security, and Enterprise IT Governance at global brands and industry  leaders.   Ryan is an IT and Cyber Security Generalist, a Project Management  Professional (PMP), a Program Management Professional (PgMP) and ITIL  certified. His certificates in IT security and audit include CISA  (Certified Information Systems Auditor) and the CISM (Certified  Information Security Manager) from ISACA. Ryan also holds the Canadian  Federal Government Secret level clearance. For more information about Ryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rboroumand/

The video an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast - which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Jerome Hylton who discusses the importance of  scope planning within an systems development project.    Jerome is a Program/Release Manager within the hitech industry who  povides leadership and project control. He also performs release  management activities to forward plan release windows across a portfolio  of products and effectively controls and monitors projects as they move  through Planning, Executing, and Closing within the release gate  process. For more information about Jerome: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromehylton/

The video an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Behnam Rashidian who discusses the importance of  quality management and how it relates to project management.   

Behnam is a seasoned product and project management professional, have  managed diverse range of high-tech product portfolios in machine vision,  medical x-ray, semiconductor and telecommunication industries.  His resume also contains business development through innovative product  portfolio creation, branding and positioning with experience and  education in engineering, manufacturing, marketing, finance and cross  functional matrix team management. Also skilled in product definition,  segmentation and positioning, roadmaps, pricing, competitive strategy  formulation, business case generation, revenue and profitability  forecast, business development, customer and distribution channel  management and product verification and validation. 

For more information about Behnam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashidian/

The video an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features John Loncar who discusses the importance of stakeholder management.   John is a profession engineer (P. Eng)  and holds Masters degrees in  both engineering and business administration.   His career experience has lent itself towards engineering problem  solving, internal and external customer sales & service, capital  budgeting and reconciliation, and management of staff. He current works  in the energy industry and has held leadership roles as a District  Engineer, a Utility Service Manager in Distribution Operations, and as a  senior Advisor in Commercial/Industrial Sales and Marketing. 

For more information about John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-loncar-8981904/

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast - which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Angela Skovsgaard who discusses the Closing Phase  including the development of Lessons Learned.     Angela is a Senior Program Manager who effectively manages people to  deliver IT solutions and key business objectives. She combines strong  communication, people and process management skills to offer professional, respectful leadership. The video an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Barb Harbison who discusses acquiring the importance of the Project Charter. Barb specializes in program/project management and team leadership, with  30+ years of experience with the last 14 years as an independent  contractor. During her career, she has led six systems/business  integrations.  Her specialties include: Program and Project Management in IT and  Business, Portfolio Management, IT Management Consulting, and  Facilitation. 

For more information about Barb: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-harbison-7790171/

The video an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast - which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Catherine Maharaj who discusses acquiring project  resources.     Catherine is a certified, senior IT Project Professional with a  knowledge of information technologies, methodologies, standards, tools,  processes and best practices related to project & portfolio  management. Her experience includes assigning the right people to projects and  determining hiring needs based on the portfolio requirement and holds a  solid understanding of financial practices and management principles. 

For more information about Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinemaharaj/

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Anand Sreekumar who discusses project procurement.     Anand is an experienced project manager with a history of successful  project delivery and client satisfaction. Industry experience includes  planning and executing infrastructure, software, and IT projects. 

For more information about Anand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anand-s-menon-2501aa23/

This is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast -  which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners  about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The  podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A  Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.

This episode features Rich Crowley who discusses his approach to creating and maintaining project schedules.  Rich is an independent contractor specializing in Project/Program Management. His areas of focus include:    strong listening, critical thinking and communication skills  solid negotiation, influencing and collaboration skills  project strategy development that is aligned with business goals / objectives  project planning, communication and gaining consensus / buy-in on project plans  team leadership and people development in support of project execution  vendor management, client relationship management, change management  the ability to respectfully challenge, question and debate with any project stakeholder when hard discussions are required  a "get it done" attitude that helps his clients succeed 

For more information about Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richcrowley/

The is an episode of the Understanding Projects podcast - which consists series of discussions with PM academics and practitioners about the real world aspects of projects and project management. The podcast is based on the text Understanding Project Management - A Practical Guide by Dave C. Barrett.