project management tools for product managers nov 2010

1. Background Material for Roundtable DiscussionModerator: Mark Lipowicz, Principal, Linden AssociatesProduct Camp NYC Nov 6, 2010
Project Management Tools for Product Managers

2. Product management and project management, arent they the same thing?
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Product management focuses on building the right things its all about delivering a product that serves a customers need
Project management focused on building things right its all about execution
Products may go on indefinitely, but projects are temporary activities, they always have a beginning and an end
In this roundtable lets see if we can identify and explore some of the ways that project tools can help a product manager execute on getting the right product built right
Project Management Tools for Product ManagersProduct Camp NYC Nov 6, 2010
3. Quick background project management methodology
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Product management has its lifecycles and methodologies, and project management does, too
The methodology of the Project Management Institute which accredits Project Management Professionals (PMPs) is called the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK, pronounced PIM-bok)
According to the PMBOK, there are 5 stages to a project lifecycle Initiate, Plan, Execute, Monitor and Control, and Close
Are product managers involved with each stage?
4. Tool 1. Develop a project charter
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Here are quick descriptions of 5 Project management tools that product managers can use, starting with.
Tool 1. Develop a project charter (part of Initiating a project)
Professional project managers dont start a project until they have a charter that outlines what they are supposed to build for the project sponsor and that gives them authority to start spending time and resources
Should product managers always obtain a formal charter?
5. Tool 2: Define Scope
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This is part of the Planning phase. Professional project managers are trained to deliver the defined scope of work and no more
A project scope statement includes a description of what is to be built (the requirements); names specific deliverables and criteria for acceptance; identifies what is excluded; and lists constraints or dependencies
Do product and project managers mean the same thing when they talk about scope?
6. Tool 3: Plan Communications
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Part of the Planning phase. Key input is the stakeholder register, knowing who all the players are and what information they need
Key output is communication plan: What information, what format, what frequency trying to get this right so stakeholders have the information they need
How much time/energy should product managers focus on this?
7. Tool 4: Perform Integrated Change Control
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As the project is being executed, this is part of the Monitoring and controlling phase. Scope, resources (cost) and time quality usually isnt in play are the three tradeoffs made to bring a project home
A change control board reviews and either approves or denies change requests
Do product managers know how and when to just say no?
8. Tool 5: Close Project
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This is part of the Closing phase
When the project scope is completed, and accepted, its time to stop! End the project, release the people. Send a bill
Do product managers know how and when to stop?
9. Additional suggested discussion points
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What kinds of project help do product managers most need?
How do product management frameworks connect with projects?
Controlling scope is this sometimes the one big thing?
Project managers have 37 other tools,plus ethical standards, software tools like MS Project, and various reports, to help bring a project home
10. Wrapping it up
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Thank you for participating!
If youd like to exchange ideas on Project and Product Management, you can reach me at:Mark Lipowicz, PMPPrincipal, Linden Associates516.277.1092 [email protected]

project management tools for product managers nov 2010

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