Dave Litten Blogs
I aim to offer practical, actionable advice that can be applied to your projects, regardless of your experience level as a project manager. Drawing on my personal experiences, I will provide insights on how to tackle the challenges and intricacies inherent in managing a diverse range of projects. Join me here
I’m looking forward to connecting with other project management professionals, sharing knowledge, and learning from all of you as well.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or if there are any topics you would like me to address.
I’ll be brief.
Amongst the first activities a project manager will normally be focussed on with a new project, is determining what its scope and objectives are. And this is usually the first point at which confusion arises – mainly because different folks have different opinions, but also because your customers/users will not have thought this through.
Typically in the world of IT, the project will have been based on a pile of requirements or functionalities. This is fine and good as these will lead to determining the design, but they are downright dangerous if used alone.
A good mental approach here is to use the “So What?” test. For each specification or requirement, ask ‘so what?’ This is lead to articulating what the end game is for each. Take for example a system needing a certain speed of response. Asking ‘so what?’ repeatedly, will lead to an understanding of why such speed is critical.
But what I really want to talk about is the next step. Writing S-M-A-R-T project goals and objectives (these also work brilliantly to develop you as an individual too!).
S-M-A-R-T
So for each project goal or objective, you write down clearly:
- Specific. describe exactly what this goal is…
- Measurable. capture the measurable units, how you will measure and who will measure
- Attainable. discus with customer/team and ensure that this objective is realistic
- Relevant. this ties back to the scope, make sure it is within the boundaries of the project
- Time Bound. state the time frame of the objective itself as well as any timings within the objective
These are often best obtained in a workshop where discussion/trade-offs, Since you are S.M.A.R.T already, why not check out our courses?
- All courses…
- Topics
- Project Management
- PRINCE2
- PMP
- Lean6Sigma
- APM
- Small Business
- MS Project
- DfSS
- PRINCE2 Legacy
- Access restrictions
- Members Only
- Free
- Finance
- Project Management
Our PRINCE2 7th Edition Foundation Masterclass is the only video training you will need to gain a PRINCE2 7 Foundation Certification.
Don’t Attempt PRINCE2 Foundation Until You’ve Watched These Game-Changing Tutorial Videos
107 lessons
Easy
Not started
Based on the PRINCE2 current Version7 Syllabus — Prepare for your PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner Exams with our famous online course with streaming HD video lessons, study guides, and mock exams. In the last fifteen years we have had 6,000+ Academy students successfully transform their careers as Practitioners.
190 lessons
Intermediate
Not started
The way projects are managed has progressed in recent years to include approaches for both plan-driven projects (projects with defined scope), and adaptive projects (projects where the scope will evolve as the project progresses). The latest Microsoft Project not only supports both approaches, but is versatile enough that it can support hybrid projects (those that use both plan-driven and adaptive approaches) within the same project.
14 lessons
Easy
Not started
This course will teach you how to master Design For Six Sigma (DfSS) and the DMADV Method.
These modules are a companion to our Projex Academy Lean Six Sigma Masterclass:
Lean Six Sigma used the DMAIC Method, whereas DfSS uses the DMADV Method – Define, Measure, Analyse, Design, and Verify
6 lessons
Intermediate
Not started
The APM PMQ MASTERCLASS is designed for project managers, project team members, and all professionals who want to improve their career scope using best practice in project management within any industry. This course is mapped and aligned to the APM Body of Knowledge 7th Edition
88 lessons
Intermediate
Not started
For those looking for a globally recognized qualification in Advanced Project Management, you’ve come to the right place.
10 lessons
Easy
Not started
Blending PMBOK 2020 with Scrum training, a step-by-step overview of harnessing the power of PMBOK
4 lessons
Easy
Not started
Our PMP SCRUM Masterclass is a Practice Guide designed for your success. Each and every scrum-related facet of the new PMP 2020 Certification Syllabus, from its length to action items, was carefully planned to serve that goal.
21 lessons
Easy
Not started
Get a firm understanding of the core skills needed to be a successful SCRUM project manager. Our accredited e-learning Masterclass allows you to learn at a pace that suits you.
23 lessons
Easy
Not started
Learn PRINCE2 LITE over a weekend! Master the tailoring and blending of PRINCE2 for all your small, low risk projects
7 lessons
Easy
Not started
The APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) formerly known as APMP, specifically designed for registered PRINCE2® Practitioners. With this Masterclass you can easily prepare and sit for The APM Project Management Qualification exam by self-study and sitting the exam on one of APM’s open events.
32 lessons
Easy
Not started
Take the first step in guaranteeing your projects will not stumble and fall. Blend SCRUM and PRINCE2 for great results.
30 lessons
Easy
Not started
Master all aspects of the Agile 1.2 Project Management System and become a Truly Agile Project Manager!
29 lessons
Easy
Not started
Master Microsoft Project with ease in this detailed course with videos, worksheets, and spreadsheet templates!
19 lessons
Advanced
Not started
A Practical Guide to sound business decisions by implementing best practice technical debt management.
14 lessons
Easy
Not started
Join our discussions on the world of Project Management. Here at The Projex Academy we share a wide range of eLearning Video training to subscribers wanting to learn, enhance or grow their knowledge of various project management methodologies covering PRINCE2, PMP, Lean6Sigma, Agile and a host more.
29 lessons
Easy
Not started
Learn how to easily out-perform regular earned value metrics – a huge advance in project management best practice
9 lessons
Easy
Not started
Grow your PM Skills with the Project Procurement Masterclass: Master all the vital procurement elements. Grasp the essentials of planning, managing and controlling any procurement, buyout or contracts within your project.
9 lessons
Easy
Not started
PRINCE2 Coaching with a personal touch: One-to-one study coaching from a PRINCE2 Master. Includes Academy Membership with access to PRINCE2 Masterclass and PRINCE2 Scrum video training courses
10 lessons
Intermediate
Not started
This powerful Masterclass covers every inch of the Project Issue Management process, making it step-by-step easy for you to master PRINCE2 Issue Management.
10 lessons
Easy
Not started
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt provides you with bedrock DMAIC understanding of this powerful business performance improvement tool
137 lessons
Intermediate
Not started
The Critical Chain Management Method is a relatively recent method, and news started spreading about this project management ‘new kid on the block’ a handful of years back when Eliyahu Goldratt published his novel about it. The novel was an interesting read, but focused in how the technique evolved rather than HOW to apply it.
4 lessons
Easy
Not started
By the end of this course you will be able to build a balance sheet and a profit and loss statement, analyze financial statements and build a budget
29 lessons
Easy
Not started
TASKPACK has been designed for personal assignments for those without project management skills – yet want structure and success tools for their personal initiatives.
8 lessons
Easy
Not started
This Free PRINCE2 Sample Exam Paper, includes real Questions from PRINCE2 6th Edition. This free course will help existing Project Managers and new Project Managers to study for their PRINCE2 certification.
5 lessons
Easy
Not started
Grasp the concepts and formulas to confidently tackle any Earned Value question in your Project
If you want to ace earned value questions then do pay attention to this short video. You will want to optimize your analysis skills and practice for your PMP exam with this free earned value exercises included in this video.
Our chief instructor, Dave Litten, will teach you how to respond to any every earned value question promptly and accurately- and show you how to calculate earned value.
Would you like to learn PMP earned value in 10 minutes flat?
1 lessons
Easy
Not started
Pass Your PMP Exam with Ease, using the Projex Academy’s #PMP MASTERCLASS
The PMP Masterclass is filled with streaming video lessons, audio, handbooks, diagrams, presentation slides, e-books, quizzes, wall mounted infographic and sample exams.
The Projex Academy complete video-based course to sit your PMP Exam fully compliant with the PMBOK® Guide Sixth & Seventh Editions.
177 lessons
Intermediate
Not started
