Series · Coming soon
One project, step by step, through the PMBOK lens
I will take a single project from idea to closeout and analyze it the way the PMBOK Guide suggests, one stage per article, showing what each tool looks like on a real job and where the textbook needs adapting.
How it will work
- One stage per article, in the order a project lives it.
- Each article includes the tool you would use, a template you can download and a plain-language checklist.
- You will see where the textbook fits real work and where it needs adapting.
The case
The project that will be followed from start to finish will be announced with the first article. Until then, the related guides below already cover several of the stages.
The outline
8 parts, one at a time.
Titles may change as I write them. Each part will link here as soon as it is published.
- 01Choosing the project: the business case and the charterComing soon
- 02Who is involved: the stakeholder registerComing soon
- 03What exactly are we building: scope and the work breakdownComing soon
- 04How long and how much: the schedule and cost baselinesComing soon
- 05What could go wrong: risk planningComing soon
- 06Running the work: executing and managing the teamComing soon
- 07Keeping score: monitoring and controllingComing soon
- 08Closing well and learning from itComing soon
Be first
Get each part when it is published.
One short email per part. No spam. You can also suggest what the series should cover.
PMBOK and PMP are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc. This series is independent and is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, PMI.
Read meanwhile
Guides that already cover parts of this.
Stakeholder Mapping: Who Can Make or Break Your Project
Every project has people who can help it, block it or quietly ignore it. A simple power and interest map shows who they are and how to work with each.
Interactive tool: Map your stakeholders
03
Risk Management for Small Business: A Risk Register That Actually Works
You do not need a risk department. You need one honest page that lists what could go wrong, how bad it would be and who will do what about it.
Interactive tool: Rank your risks
05
Stop Scope Creep: How to Say Yes, No and Not Yet
Scope creep is rarely one big mistake. It is fifty small yeses. How to define scope, control change and keep clients and sponsors happy.
Interactive tool: Scope-control check
07
Earned Value in Plain English: Know If a Project Is Really on Track
Spending 45% of the budget means nothing until you know how much work it bought. Four numbers and two ratios tell you if a project is on track.
Interactive tool: Earned value calculator
15
Project Closeout and Lessons Learned That Actually Get Used
Most projects end with a party and a forgotten document. How to close properly, hand over cleanly and make lessons change the next project.
Interactive tool: Closeout countdown
More in the guides library and the free templates. Also coming: Project Focus for business success.
Next step
Let's find the project that moves your business.
Tell me where things are stuck. I will tell you which project I would start with.