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February 21, 2013
Testing Within The Agile Framework – Learn What’s Different
A New Approach to Programming Requires a Different Approach by Management
By Ron Montgomery, Management Consultant & Owner, OnPoint, LLC
Agile is sometimes perceived as “cowboy programming,” devoid of discipline, and structure. This perception is fueled by flawed rollouts that overlook the agile principles that espouse “working software.” When properly implemented, agile is very disciplined and results in high quality, reliable software that is tested extensively. Agile testing, however, requires a new approach.
Why is...Continue reading
By Ron MontgomeryPosted in Project & Process Management on February 21, 2013
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February 4, 2013
The Secret to Change Management
5 Critical Elements to Successful Change Management Programs
The phrase ‘Change Management’ has almost become a cliché in the corporate world. Many companies and consultants claim to be experts on the subject, but indeed, it's doubtful that any have become masters. Why would this be the case? Because every company, culture, environment and situation is different, there is not just one common recipe for Change Management that applies to all.
So what can you do to implement a Change Management strategy that works for your...Continue reading
By Julie BrignacPosted in Project & Process Management on February 4, 2013
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January 20, 2013
Agile Methodology: A Creative Approach to Project Management
Learn the values and let them drive your actions.
By Ron Montgomery, Management Consultant & Owner, OnPoint, LLC
Agile Methodology was born as a lightweight framework for managing software development. It emphasizes business-driven prioritization, responding to change, self-organizing teams, face-to-face communications and quick delivery cycles. It de-emphasizes sequential processes and detailed project artifacts such as specification documents. Since it’s inception the benefits of the concept have been spread to other...Continue reading
By Ron MontgomeryPosted in Project & Process Management on January 20, 2013
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December 27, 2012
Six Things to Consider Before Assigning a Project Leader
Is your next project doomed to failure?
By Ron Montgomery, Management Consultant & Owner, OnPoint, LLC
Finding the right person for the job is always an important hiring decision, but often overlooked when assigning project leadership roles. Why do you think that is the case? Many times project leadership roles are “assignments” instead of “appointments”. That distinction creates a mindset that can set your project, your employee, and your company up for failure. Ask yourself: Does your company...Continue reading
By Ron MontgomeryPosted in Project & Process Management on December 27, 2012
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November 12, 2012
A Project Manager’s Guide to Proper Care & Feeding of Project Issues
Learn how to manage the small, seemingly harmless complications before they escalate and damage your career.
By Ron Montgomery, Management Consultant & Owner, OnPoint, LLC
Your project kick off meeting was a great success and the team is beginning to execute the plan. Then some nefarious trolls begin to arrive in your email inbox. They vary in external appearance, but they have a common name: Project Issues. When they first arrive, they are small and appear to be harmless. When ignored, they grow and multiply and sometimes damage the project manager’s career....Continue reading
By Ron MontgomeryPosted in Project & Process Management on November 12, 2012
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October 15, 2012
Political Advice for Project Managers: Navigating Office Politics
Four Tips to Achieve Your Goals & Overcome Workplace Opposition
By Ron Montgomery, Management Consultant & Owner, OnPoint, LLC
Project managers go through extensive professional development to prepare for the job. They study scheduling, budgeting, team dynamics, communication, and change management among other subjects. Conspicuously absent from the typical project management syllabus is the study of company politics. This is unfortunate because projects are to great extent political activities.
Why are they political...Continue reading
By Ron MontgomeryPosted in Project & Process Management on October 15, 2012
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September 24, 2012
Successful Project Managers - The ‘Ninjas’ of Influence
What behaviors define successful project managers and the people who sponsor them?
By Ron Montgomery, Management Consultant & Owner, OnPoint, LLC
It’s a common complaint among project managers; “I have the responsibility, but I don’t have the authority.” It’s true that project managers rarely have formal authority, and the lack of such authority makes it difficult to meet project objectives and ensure that issues are resolved in a timely manner. However, successful project managers still manage to get the job done without formal authority. ...Continue reading
By Ron MontgomeryPosted in Project & Process Management on September 24, 2012
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September 18, 2012
Four SMART Principles of Project Management
Learn how better planning can improve project efficiency.
By Gina Fedeli, President GCF Consulting, Inc.
In today’s economy, most of us wear more than one hat, and “project manager” may be only one of them. How can you meet all your commitments without burning out?
Be Strategic
First of all, throw out that treadmill and take responsibility for the use of your own time. If you’re being bombarded with changing or conflicting priorities, talk to your manager. Be prepared with details concerning your workload and ask for clarification on...Continue reading
By Gina FedeliPosted in Project & Process Management on September 18, 2012
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