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–>Dave Maloney, Project Manager of Paradigm Shift Technology Group
How do you choose the project management tools you use?
Previous experiences have established knowledge about what works for me. Each new company has their own standards. That means I may or may not have these tools available to use. I am also more than willing to learn from other project managers what tools work for them.
How do you determine the leadership involved on a given project?
Osmosis typically – by watching interactions and who can get things done. There are usually stated leaders, but these “assignments” can change during the project either formally or informally.
What are the biggest challenges you face in delivering IT projects on time and on budget?
Currently, I am challenged to deliver a product that has just completed development into client computing environments. These environments are typically not configured correctly to expect successful first attempt at installations. Documentation, as always, lags far behind were it needs to be.
How do you access the value of project management tools to your organization? Do you use any formal process?
No
What kind of projects might offer an opportunity to use Web 2.0 tools?
We have a need to share information about clients with remote consultant resources. Collaboration tools would be helpful.
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–>Patrick Hannah, Senior Project Manager at Avant Systems
How do you choose the project management tools you use?
We currently use MS Project and Excel for our PM processes. We have not done a requirements review and product assessment for some time now. Perhaps we should.
How do you determine the leadership involved on a given project?
We have designated PM’s who are allocated based on the expertise required and availability.
What are the biggest challenges you face in delivering IT projects on time and on budget?
Ensuring that the estimates for projects invoilving new technologies are accurate. If the estimates take into account the proper risks associated with the project, the job of delivering on time and budget is much easier.
How do you access the value of project management tools to your organization? Do you use any formal process?
Not up to this point in time.
What kind of projects might offer an opportunity to use Web 2.0 tools?
Any of our next development projects, given the right incentive.
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–>Karim Mamdani, Senior Project Manager, Canadian Pacific
How do you choose the project management tools you use?
We have a PMO office that standardizes the tools and processes. The tools are in line with the Project Management Institute standards. This allows for a common language within the IT department and most of all a common language with business users.
How do you determine the leadership involved on a given project?
There are a few criteria: track record, fit with the business user and knowledge of the business area. There is also timing (in terms of availability). The criterion are more than just technical.
What are the biggest challenges you face in delivering IT projects on time and on budget?
Challenges include scope expanding, budgets being readjusted or cut, resourcing, team building (most of the team is offshore), and having knowledgeable and full-time business subject matter experts.
How do you access the value of project management tools to your organization? Do you use any formal process?
As mentioned, we have the PMO office who looks at the tools and processes.
What kind of projects might offer an opportunity to use Web 2.0 tools?
What are Web 2.0 tools?