Eric Goodman

Thanks Julie and you are exactly right about the necessity of knowing where you are going. What specific thing did you learn from this information that you'll be able to use in the future?

Thanks Jennie for the excellent response. It sounds like you'll be well positioned moving forward to manage projects. I'd invite you to consider the type of things you have managed and how in some respects those things may be "projects". Great point about the need for comprehensive planning in order to ensure a smooth (not bumpy) project!

Nice examples Estrella! Do you think that the customer always benefits from improvements in efficiency or timeliness when it comes to process improvements?

EXACTLY! Thanks for the follow up Aaron.

Thanks Aaron and excellent point. In terms of the "phases" of project management what is the term then that you'd call that part?

Hi Monty, Great comment about being able to save/fix a poor plan during the execution phase. It is important to remember that this is a dynamic process and open to change...especially as new information is brought to light.

Thanks Monty and I you are exactly right with your quote. You have to have a goal in order to achieve it. I know we've been planning a trip and someone once said often times people spend more time planning a vacation than they do planning their lives...I'd imagine there is a corollary to the workplace although project management certainly makes a major difference. Nice point about the importance of making sure the charter is what the sponsor wants. Have you seen a project proceed without having this alignment?

Excellent point Anitabanu! Your example of building a house is a great one. Nice summary as well of the four phases. You mentioned scope creep and I'm wondering how you avoid that during the planning phase in your experience?

Yes, Aaron you are exactly right about the importance of both! Both planning and execution are critical. Are there things that you've done in the past when it comes to planning that have made the execution phase more successful?

Thanks Mitch for the reply! Great point as it would be impossible to anticipate all of the questions that would arise. As you suggest the completeness of the project charter is a key element that will contribute to the success of the project. There are also times where new information is surfaced that may prompt the organization to revisit the charter and potentially make adjustments.