Our Tenets

It is important for project management practitioners to have a baseline approach to their craft – a philosophy if you will.  Given all that we have experienced and witnessed over more than a quarter century, we believe it’s vital.  It is too easy to get lost in theory and “best practice.”  We prefer to simply stick with what works!

As a result, when it comes to achieving project management success, we are committed to the following tenets:

1. Time…then there was one – The success of any project is measured by the three metrics of time, cost and quality.  However, it is the TIME component that trumps them all.  It is only when the project begins to run late that there is a higher risk that the budget is blown and/or the quality is compromised.  Time in a project is like gravity – you can’t fight against it.  It will dictate how well (or how poorly) the cost and quality levers are managed.  That’s what “Shifting the Worry Curve^®“ is all about!
2. There is ONE best way to build a schedule – In the world of project management today, there are generally two approaches to defining the relationship between activity durations and resource requirements availability.  We adhere to one particular approach for many reasons (hint: refer to our first tenet).  Read what it is and why.
3. Software is a great tool, but not the answer…or the driver – Microsoft Project on your computer doesn’t make you a project manager, any more than having Microsoft Excel makes you an accountant.  We don’t think software should dictate how schedules are built or projects are run.  What’s worse, some software can force, or at least lead you into poor project management techniques.
4. Process…like the bicycle manual – tells you about the bike, but not how to ride – Too many times, “process” is called on to fix project ailments.  Six Sigma, Lean, Agile and the rest play a role but are not the answer.  Here’s why.
5. Limited Engagement – It is true (and a testament to our methodology and experts) that in some cases we have been providing uninterrupted project management services to Fortune 500 clients for over 20 years!  But, we fundamentally believe in a transfer of methodology and knowledge that equips our clients’ project teams and project management offices to deliver project success.  Learn more about how we do this with Project Success Enterprise.