Is your Software Engineering Project or Technology Project in trouble?

If so, you're not alone.

The statistics are dismal. Somewhere between 60-75% of all Technology Projects fail resulting in lost revenue, missed opportunities, poor customer relations, and a failure to remain competitive in the marketplace. Of these failed projects, between 60-70% are custom-developed Software Engineering projects.

While these numbers are frightening, your project doesn’t have to become a statistic. Whether you have a high-risk project that is currently yielding positive results, or you have a technology project that demands immediate corrective action, Jason Becker and Axis IT Consulting are ready to help with a portfolio of services including Management Consulting, Project Management Services and Training, Strategic Projects Alignment Services, and full-cycle Software Engineering Services.

Why settle for mediocre results when you can drive excellence? Take control of your Project today and reach out to Axis IT Consulting.

 

Contact Jason

 

February 11, 2008

SDLC vs. Project Execution Process

No-Brainer

This one seems like such a no-brainer that we don't even need to discuss it. So, why post it then?

Because I still encouter people on a regular basis that discuss Software Engineering in the context of Project Management who fail to make the distinction between the Software Development LifeCycle (SDLC) and the Project Execution Process (PEP).

This failure to recognize the larger process has a litany of perils associated with it and it deserves some discussion as a way to put the PEP back in the Project Driver's Seat.

Continue reading "SDLC vs. Project Execution Process" »

Posted by jason.becker at 08:13 PM

January 19, 2008

Bringing Sanity to "Unclassfied" (Under Radar) Activities: Part 1, The Foundation

For the Purists

We’ll begin by saying that this entry is specifically aimed at “Maintenance” or “Operational” activities and can be considered Part 1 of a multi-part series on bringing sanity to these necessary and challenging activities.

Before the purists begin to revolt at my last statement, let me say that there is a dangerous fallacy in trying to manage Operational activities as "Projects" and that is precisely what I intend to discuss here.

I hope that quelled the uprising.

Continue reading "Bringing Sanity to "Unclassfied" (Under Radar) Activities: Part 1, The Foundation" »

Posted by jason.becker at 10:21 AM

December 02, 2007

Project Recovery Efforts: The Struggling Project

First, what do I mean by "Project Recovery"?

Project Recovery is the effort and activities related to addressing troubled projects.  In other words, the activities that lead you to recognize that the project is troubled, then bring you to a decision point on whether or not to save that project, then those activities you might undertake to drive that project to completion.

Continue reading "Project Recovery Efforts: The Struggling Project" »

Posted by jason.becker at 05:26 PM

November 21, 2007

Legitimizing the Project Manager Role

For openers, let's look at the meaning of the term "Legitimize".  Merriam-Webster says "To make legitimate."  Enough said, right?  If it were, then this would be a very short post.

This post is dedicated to a better understanding of what a Project Manager is and what a Project Manager does.  Just as important, we will also be talking about what a Project Managser isn't.

I feel compelled because I have heard the following conversation take place in every company for which I have provided services, ever.

Continue reading "Legitimizing the Project Manager Role" »

Posted by jason.becker at 08:19 PM

October 15, 2007

PM Skills - Not Just for PM's Anymore

Project Management expertise is traditionally thought of as encompassing scheduling and organizational skills in addition to some subject matter expertise.

Although, in considering the notion in greater detail, we have tasked our Project Managers with ultimate delivery of important products and services and we would be foolish to trust ultimate delivery of key products and services to a gatekeeper that is simply responsible for managing the project schedule.

Continue reading "PM Skills - Not Just for PM's Anymore" »

Posted by jason.becker at 08:21 PM

March 01, 2007

A Tale of Cost Performance Index and Schedule Performance Index (CPI and SPI)

Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Schedule Performance Index (SPI) are the yardsticks by which we measure how well our project is tracking against cost and schedule, right? Although, we use these two very important popular measurements as the yardstick of success we sometimes do so without realizing that they are still open to interpretation.

Continue reading "A Tale of Cost Performance Index and Schedule Performance Index (CPI and SPI)" »

Posted by jason.becker at 07:51 PM

February 05, 2007

Should I Rescue My Failing Project?

Some may be confused when I pose this question.  After all, it seems counter-intuitive to think in terms of whether or not to save a troubled project because Project Management Professionals are constantly challenged to find new and creative ways to guide projects to success.

As a Project Recovery Specialist, I am constantly reminded of the perils of attempting to save the wrong project for the wrong reasons.  While the reasons one might choose to attempt to save a project are relatively simple, the reasons one might choose not to save a project can be much more complex.

Continue reading "Should I Rescue My Failing Project?" »

Posted by jason.becker at 07:16 PM