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Hi
After good rains, my mountain biking this past weekend was disrupted by a nasty ailment of chain suck.
That's when, instead of running from the chain ring (the front cog) to the rear, the chain wraps itself around the ring and jams between the ring and the bike frame.
Of course, chain suck almost always precedes an unintentionally sudden stop, involuntary dismount, then cursing. Usually in that order. It's especially worse when the pedal clips refuse to release the feet -- replace "involuntary dismount" with "face plant".
What makes chain suck likely -- even without a mud-pack on the chain - is a poorly maintained drive train. And this is where the basic project management principle of managing risks can reduce the probability of chain suck and make for happy trails..
Ensuring the chain and cogs are in good nick and regularly lubed help reduce the chain suck risk. Without this simple preventive measure, a chain suck event is likely to end your trail -- that's a risk event with a potential 100% impact on your "project" objective. I like the metaphor this makes for good business management.
As the saying goes "Risk management is project management for grown-ups." We manage risks every day of our lives, yet few of us are trained in systematic project or risk management.
Just like most of us who rely on the expert at the bike shop for good bike maintenance to reduce our risk of falling suddenly, business projects depend on the experts in project management to avoid sudden falls.
Of course, it helps if you can speak the language of project management! So in Fulfilment this month, Gillian reminds us of the all-important fundamentals of good project management for managers on the run.
Then in my article on the case for aligning projects with strategy, I share some thoughts on the trends and risks in the corporate project environment and how, for example, confusion and lack of distinction between business and project objectives can de-rail a project even before it's out the starting blocks.
Lastly, an announcement many have been waiting for: we're excited to reveal plans for launching the Diploma in Project Support and Administration (DipPSA). The DipPSA is the first diploma-level qualification available in South Africa and will be run under Faculty Training Institute's brand. The first module starts on October 8th in Cape Town. Details are in the section below. 
Next month we'll discuss what your real customer looks like and how to introduce yourself to your ideal client. Until then, look after your drive train to save your bike and your business from an unexpected gravity check!
All the best
Special announcement for project offices and project support staff:
Launching soon:
Diploma in Project Support and Administration (DipPSA)
a 6-month qualification at Faculty Training Institute
The first South African qualification for project support professionals.
The project administrator is a specialist in the project management profession. It is a role that, unlike the common misperception, even a good PA or secretary is poorly equipped to handle.
Yet, although a project administrator is competent to run small projects, a successful project administrator is not simply a junior project manager. The professional project administrator has a unique profile. He / she:
- is adept in project management tools and controls;
- is masterful in self-organisation
- has exceptional communication skills
- has influential team and organisational skills
The DipPSA, for the first time in South Africa, will offer formal recognition for the professional who is the glue of every project -- the project administrator -- who handles everything from project progress updates to risk and change control.
The DipPSA is developed by Brent Combrink and Steve Erlank, MD of FTI, and launches on October 8th, 2008, with the first of five 2- and 3-day modules. This rigorous qualification runs until March 2009, followed by graduation for those diligent delegates who pass their assessments.
Special offer to delegates who have completed or intend completing the 3-day Principles in Professional Project Administration -- call to enquire.
To find out more, email or call Genevieve at FTI: +27 (0)21 683 4506
Project Management on the Run
By Gillian Baronetti
28 August 2008
Many people today are thrown into project management without any of the relevant coaching, training or previous experience. The person assigned the role of project manager is the one who is expected to bring a project to fruition on time, in budget and with the desired specifications, preferably without insult or injury. It's a bit like pitching up at the Olympics completely unprepared. If you have been selected for this role and need to learn how to swim, fast, here are some practical guidelines for you to consider.
Read more...
Aligning Projects with Strategy
By Brent Combrink
28 August 2008
In the scenario where a project directly delivers on a business objective, it's hardly an insight to recognise the benefit of good project management skills and systems. But, often invisible to all except the switched-on minority, is the importance of those projects that deliver indirectly on the business objective -- it is up to the product of the project and not the project itself to fulfil the business objective.
Read more...
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