The Phases Of Project Management

The key to successful electronic discovery project management is the process. Project managers work closely with clients to develop a detailed project plan that outlines the major tasks, deliverables and milestones to guide the client through a successful project. This plan generally encompasses five separate phases: the scoping phase, the detailed planning phase, the startup phase, the execution phase and the closeout phase.

Scoping phase.

During the scoping phase, stakeholders, including inside and outside counsel, the e-discovery service provider, and corporate IT staff, lay the foundation for success. They confirm and align project objectives, requirements and resources. The primary goal of this phase is to ensure that team members are aware of and agree upon the project’s overarching vision and goals. In fact, failure to define the parties’ roles and responsibilities and tie goals to targeted, specific objectives is one of the most common reasons that issues can arise in a project. A skilled project manager will be able to proactively address common requirements and resource issues during the scoping phase. Addressing these issues proactively helps to limit the cost and time associated with remedying them once the project is in full swing. Additionally, the project manager ensures that the team considers any underlying assumptions and dependencies for the project. The goal of the scoping phase is to ensure the discovery plan is realistic from a time and budget perspective.

Detailed planning phase.

In the detailed planning phase, the project team develops a comprehensive plan for executing the project. The team will typically consider the following areas, among others: communication, process flow, workflow, quality control, schedule and production plans. The project team will also document the specifications for each element of the project, such as the specifications for the review database as well as data processing and production of information. Another critical element – often overlooked in the absence of a strong project management process – is planning for contingencies and prioritization of tasks. An experienced project manager foresees the issues the team must consider and adjusts the schedule to ensure the most important and foundational tasks are performed early in the process.

Startup phase.

Next, the startup phase begins. During this phase, the project manager closely monitors data collection, culling and processing output to verify that the processes used are sound and meet the client’s objectives and budget. In addition, the project manager works with the IT and review teams to confirm that workstations are configured and ready for reviewers. The project manager is also tasked with making sure that the project team is trained on the review software and review manual and protocols, as well as any other tools involved in the project. A sample production is often created during the startup phase as well. This allows any issues with production format or database load files to be ironed out before the 11th hour. Many potential pitfalls can be identified at this stage in the process and remedied prior to full-scale execution. This is significant because in the execution phase, there may be greater costs to resolving an issue. For example, the cost of resolving a hardware or configuration issue is much greater once a full staff of contract reviewers is in place and downtime is being billed at an hourly rate. The project manager ensures that any changes that are required in the startup phase are made and documented in the project plan and communicated to the team.

Execution phase.

The penultimate phase, the execution phase, is when the discovery plans come to fruition. In this phase, the project manager monitors timelines. Working backward from the production deadline, he or she makes sure that review is completed and production sets are finalized in time for deliverables to be created. A good project manager can provide best practice advice to assist with production and privilege log creation as well as quality control. Additionally, the project manager observes and counters any obstacles that arise during this phase. Experienced project managers bring resolutions that were successful on other projects as well as creative problem solving to the table, and they can sometimes be the heroes who save the project from failure in the 11th hour.

Closeout phase.

In the final phase, closeout, the project manager oversees the archiving and disposition of the data involved in the matter. The project manager also offers final performance metric results to the client. Often, this process includes a synopsis of any lessons learned that the client can then carry forward to future projects.

The Benefits Of Project Management

Optimization of resources.

Setting up a comprehensive plan with a project manager enables clients to choose the most cost-effective and efficient options for a particular matter. Because the clients review every element of the case and contingencies with the project manager, the project manager develops a deeper understanding of the matter. With that understanding, and based upon his or her extensive experience using various discovery solutions, the project manager can then recommend the best tools to accomplish the client’s goals.

Schedule control.

Most lawyers are not specialists in cataloging, prioritizing, and tracking the many projects and tasks that a successful e-discovery project requires. When voluminous amounts of electronically stored information (ESI) are involved, project management can help keep your project on track and on budget by breaking the project into more manageable mini-tasks. The project manager can keep the e-discovery project from spiraling out of control or falling behind schedule.

Quality control.

Establishing a plan and expectations up front also helps the legal team avoid problems in quality control. With a project plan, the legal team can determine the proper adjustments in strategy to make to ensure the case stays on track.

Defensibility.

A project manager brings guidance and best practices from prior projects to bear on the issues a client is facing in a project, helping avoid pitfalls and structure defensible solutions. Project management gives clients a repeatable and reliable process. It also allows clients to gather data and develop best practices for future matters. And, because project managers bring a proven process to a project, they can help clients predict the cost and schedule of discovery, avoiding the need to reinvent the wheel in subsequent litigation.

Improved communication.

While most lawyers and executives are focused on macro-level goals, project managers can manage the minutiae of the discovery process and make sure that each phase of the project receives the attention it deserves. They can also speed the communication of any roadblocks to the best-positioned person or resource to solve the problems.

Risk management.

Project managers are in the ideal position to identify any risks in the discovery process early, while they can still be avoided. Based on the manager’s prior experience with discovery, the project manager can offer an estimate of the likelihood that the risk will come to fruition, what the probable outcome would be, and the contingency measures the client should take, if any, to mitigate or avoid it.

Comprehensiveness and timeliness.

Because they are attuned to every phase of the project, project managers are able to recognize gaps early in the process. For example, when a project manager coordinates the collection of information from a variety of sources, the project manager is in the best position to track the delivery of all information as well as to ensure it arrives in the required format and is complete. The project manager will not allow document custodians to overlook any other potential sources of ESI. This is a particularly important benefit of project management given the impossible – and increasing – amounts of ESI involved in litigation. Finally, with a project manager serving as a single point of contact for overseeing the calendaring of internal and court deadlines as well as the moving parts of the discovery process, it is less likely that something will fall through the cracks.

The discerning attorney or executive will realize that project managers provide a crucial layer in e-discovery projects that makes the difference between success and failure, anticipated and unanticipated costs, and staying under budget and blowing the budget. Project managers are an indispensable member of any e-discovery project team in this era of prolific electronic data. 

Article source: http://www.metrocorpcounsel.com/articles/19226/how-project-management-adds-value-e-discovery

Carlsbad, CA / Barcelona, Spain (PRWEB) May 18, 2012

EPM Live, a leading Project Portfolio Management solution that can be deployed on-premise or as a full SaaS model, was recently reviewed by independent analysts at GetApp based on a script that was specifically prepared to identify functionalities and form an impartial analysis for project management solutions.

The analysts have identified three core competencies that make EPM Live stand out in the industry:

EPM Live is project management software suitable for small through enterprise-sized businesses thanks to the availability of three editions that cater to each organizational size and factor in their varying complexities, ProjectEngine, WorkEngine and PortfolioEngine.

EPM Live is unique in its capacity to accommodate organizations that do not follow or understand true project management methodology as the software itself provides the structure, methodology and best practices, whilst allowing strict PMI (Project Management Institute) adherence for regulatory compliance for larger organizations and government service.

EPM Live is releasing an App Marketplace where EPM Live offers customers the ability to download additional solution templates, work features, integration solutions, partner add ins, customizations and connectors.

“We strive to have a customer first approach to everything we do here at EPM Live. For that reason, it is an honor to be recognized for our customer centricity by GetApp, a key reference in helping organizations better analyze the PPM market,” said Joe Larscheid, CEO of EPM Live.    

“Organizations that lack structure for project methodologies can adopt EPM Live and catch up quickly through existing templates, structured methodologies and best practices.” said the lead analyst. “This is especially useful for companies requiring stringent regulations and auditing, such as government services and aerospace and defense-type industries.” he added.

To read the full analysis on GetApp, visit:

www.getapp.com/evaluation-center/epmlive-independent-analyst-review-by-eval-source

You can visit GetApp.com to test drive and deploy EPM Live now:

www.getapp.com/epm-workengine-application

About EPM Live

EPM Live provides Online Enterprise Project, Portfolio and Work Management Solutions to help your business improve productivity. EPM Live’s product offerings are helping over 5,000 organizations simplify and become more effective at delivering projects successfully, optimizing resource utilization, and selecting the right work for the most profitable portfolio. EPM Live offers online and on premise Enterprise Project, Portfolio and Work management tools for everyone in your organization from individual contributors to executive management. Designed with usability in mind, EPM Live creates efficiencies and empowers resources to work smart and get more work done.

About GetApp

GetApp is the largest independent online marketplace that helps small to mid-sized businesses and startups discover, evaluate and manage the perfect cloud business apps for their needs. Its mission is to support millions of users in their “best app” research with comprehensive directories, interactive search tools, side by side comparison tables, user reviews and app evaluation resources.

In addition, GetApp serves as a global online marketing channel for thousands of cloud business application developers.

Headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, GetApp operates primarily in North America and the U.K. It is privately owned and backed by Nauta Capital

For the original version on PRWeb visit: www.prweb.com/releases/prwebEPMLive-project-managemen/getapp/prweb9513764.htm

Article source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/05/18/prweb9513764.DTL

Carson said as a gesture of significant partnership with Africa in trade and many other areas, President Barrack Obama has invited President Jakaya Kikwete and three other African leaders to attend the 38th G-8 Summit, at Camp David, Maryland, today and tomorrow.

The US Assistant Secretary of State was talking to journalists from various African cities during a tele-conference late Wednesday.

President Kikwete, African Union Chairman, who is also Benin President, Yayi Boni, Ghana’s John Mills and Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi would join leaders of the group of the world’s richest nations at the summit. The G-8 group comprises the US, Britain, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Russia.

Mr Carson said the US president’s Feed the Future project which focuses on agriculture will feature at the Summit. He said President Obama will speak at the Summit on food security, agriculture and food self-sufficiency.

He said that this was a major project that the US will work with Africa in partnership. He said the US was also doing minerals trade with Africa, though it was not importing industrial products. The US also imports oil from Nigeria.

“Africa has enormous potential and we encourage American companies to look for investment opportunities and export destinations in Africa,” he said. Meanwhile, another round of US funding to the country under Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) was likely to be approved by its board later this year.

Resident Country Director of MCC in Tanzania, Karl Fickenscher told the Minister of Energy and Minerals, Professor Sospeter Muhongo in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday evening that currently, the country is on course to qualify for second phase of MCC funding.

“So far Tanzania has done well but the decision on continued funding will be made by the board under Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton when it meets in December,” Mr Fickenscher said. He said the bulk of the 700 million US dollars (about 1.08bn/-) has been allocated to the energy sector.

Article source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201205180236.html

Desired Expertise:
Fracturing, Mud Engineer / Drilling Fluids, Project Management
Experience:
3+ years
Minimum Education:
Some College
Location:
Houston, TX, US
Employment Type:
Full Time Salaried Employee
Job Status:

Active / Open

Job Description:

The primary area of focus of this new position of Project Manager for Well Fracturing Systems is to not only enhance sales in the area of Pressure Equipment, but also to have knowledge of the U.S. Market, Competition and Assembly for the utilization for skid/truck/trailer mounted units.

Responsibilities:

• Engage directly with end users Drilling Engineers to understand their needs and to make credible recommendations regarding pressure control system selections.  Solutions to technical challenge development related to Well Fracture Systems.
• Conduct in-house training on various technical aspects to management, operations, sales personnel and technicians.
• Conduct marketing research and analysis to develop product markets and set launch process in correlation with the GM SM.
• Collaborate with wide variety of functional areas such as sales, operations, engineering, marketing, manufacturing and operations to develop and provide product scope responsive to customer needs and market opportunities.
• Assist in the coordination development for marketing materials, presentations, sales literature, and financial plans.  Works with management/operations sales on product development and market introductions.
• Provide input for Technical, Marketing and Advertising literature as well as technical units, assembly and running procedures
• Participate in Technical Presentations as needed for customers.  Present technical papers at regional conferences (SPE, IADC, AADE OTC).
• Work assignments carried out to the highest quality level.
• Ability to perform various other duties and activities as assigned the GM within the physical constraints of the job.
• Accurately prepare and present any reports required by the GM in a timely manner.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures and business ethics and safety codes.

Skill Knowledge:

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Familiarity with mathematical operations such as frequency distributions, test reliability and validity, variance analysis correlation techniques, and factor analysis.
• Good computer skills.
• Oilfield and Pressure Equipment experience.
• Ability to travel on International assignment.
• Three (3) + years’ experience.
• The physical ability to immediately respond to emergency situations.

Applicant Requirements:

In order to apply for this position, applicants MUST meet the following criteria. If your resume
does not match these criteria, you will not be able to apply for this position.

Location: North America      

Apply Now

Article source: http://www.rigzone.com/jobs/postings/319272/Project_Manager_for_Well_Fracturing_Systems.asp

There are so many task/project management apps that try to be everything to everybody. Do app for iPhone only does collaborative task manage, but does it quite well.

When you only need team task management, Do is the app from the Salesforce folks that gets you signed up, creating, assigning, and completing tasks and projects with little effort and without all the frills. You can create a new account or link your account to Google Apps to offer instant access to other team members. Download the app for free your iPhone, or use your tablet to access the HTML 5-friendly web version. 

The app’s interface is simple and to the point. Upon opening and signing in, you are presented with only four options: Incoming, Tasks, Projects Notes; making it clear what the app is for and what you can do with it. Users can create tasks as separate events, or attach them to current projects and assign them to other team members. 

The web app gives you a little more functionality including the ability to create different sections for tasks or projects, and attaching notes to tasks. The app gives you the impression you can attach notes to tasks, but the process of doing this (tapping the paperclip icon) is missing.

iframe src=”http://player.vimeo.com/video/33419341?title=0amp;byline=0amp;portrait=0″ width=”500″ height=”281″ frameborder=”0″ webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen/iframe

No frills, no supercalafragalistic features, just simple and easy team task management. Check out the do.com website and let us know what you think in the comments section. 

Article source: http://appscout.pcmag.com/apple-ios-iphone-ipad-ipod/298020-quick-and-easy-team-task-management-with-do-app

“Our work benefits from Lauren’s in-depth knowledge of state and local incentive programs, relationships with key resource providers and understanding of the decision-making process of our client companies,” said MEDC president Sharon Hillstrom.

Originally from Long Island, N.Y., Kratsch moved to Manatee County in 2002 after a career coaching competitive gymnastics in California.

She is a graduate of the University of California Santa Barbara with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology.

Article source: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120518/ARTICLE/305189996/2055/NEWS?Title=Manatee-EDC-names-project-manager