McMethod

Home
[ Login/Subscribe ] 
Features Departments Opinion Tools Executive Report Resources About Us

Home  >  Opinion  >  Opinion
McMethod
David Schmaltz   (November 1, 2007)




While many organizations mandate efficiency and consistency through cookie-cutter project management approaches, it seems the most flourishing project managers think like chefs, crafting specialized menus that address each project’s distinct needs and subtle nuances. In doing so, they’re more likely to satisfy the customer’s hunger for results. Food for thought.

I was surprised to learn that the CIO had not booked a McDonald’s for the end-of-project celebration. Instead, he’d reserved space in an up-scale slow food restaurant, which would cost many times more than any fast food alternative and would extend what could have been dispensed in an efficient hour, into the late afternoon. I was surprised by his choice because, throughout the recently completed project, he had championed McMethodology, fast food-like techniques. This irony was lost on him.
 
Ask a project professional where she lives and she will not describe a manufactured home. Ask what she drives and she won’t sing the praises of her Hyundai. Ask where she likes to dine and she won’t mention McDonald’s. But ask about her project methodology, and your chances are a lot better than even that you’ll hear stories of pre-packaged, pop-out, portion control. She might insist upon gourmet dishes in her own kitchen, while microwaving Lean Cuisine at work.
 
Reading the project literature today could convince anyone inexperienced in cooking for themselves that fast food delivers the cheapest and most reliable results.



Please login/register to read the entire article.





Sponsored Announcements and Special Offers
"How to Increase Productivity and Save Time & Money" September 17, 2008 Webinar 11am PT/2pm ET. Join Projects @ Work and Citrix GoToAssist to learn how remote collaboration services enable higher billable utilization and create superior service to customers and clients at a fraction of the cost. Learn how to get your projects done ontime and under budget - CLICK HERE TO LEAN MORE!

Training Solutions for the Project Management Professional. Get world-class PM training from University of California, Irvine Extension--a PMI-Registered Education Provider. Master the PM Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) Guide; earn PDUs; prepare for PMP certification; earn transfer credit toward a master's degree at our partner university. Learn More.

The Project Management Institute is accepting online applications for the new PMI Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP)SM credential. Candidates who take the examination during the incentive period of 29 August – 31 October 2008 will receive 50% off the price of the examination, as well as be entered into one of four regional drawings for $1,000 (USD).




@task
HP
PeoplePM
PMI Risk Management
PowerSteering Software
ProjectWorld
RMC Project Mgmt
Stanford University
University of Calif, Irvine

VIEW NEW WHITE PAPERS

August 2008:

Two questions about managing projects with agile methods.

<A TARGET="_blank" HREF="http://www.gantthead.com/clickCount.cfm?ID=244098"><IMG SRC="/flash/PMI_Risk_PAW_150x600_backup1.gif" BORDER=0></A>


Copyright © 2008 projects@work  All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy    Contact Us    User Agreement