 |
 |
 |
 |
Tip #1
The most important question you can ask your customer:
Why do you need this project?
Go beyond what and when - ask why. If you can fulfill "why," what and when are much easier to attain.
Tip #2
There is nothing more powerful than a team on a mission.
Develop your mission based on why the customer needs the system. Communicate your mission verbally, in writing, in cyberspace, and in your actions.
A goal without a deadline
is a dream.
Tip #3
The secret to getting your computer projects done correctly the first time is to work with technical people who focus on completion.
Starting and working with a relentless focus on successful completion is as important as finishing with that same focus.
Tip #4
The best way to save money on your computer projects is to complete them correctly the first time.
No matter what your initial cost is, get the right people and do the project correctly the first time. It will cost less than redoing the project or maintaining a substandard system.
The primary goal of every project development team must be to get the project done on time, within budget, and with a smile on everyone's face.
With this as your primary goal, your chances of completing the project on time, on budget, and correctly the first time, go way up.
User involvement is a critical and ongoing part of systems development. It must begin on day one.
Do not wait until the end of the project to get user feedback. Getting user commitment before you spend money is your best assurance that the money is well spent.
Completion is a team sport!
It takes more than one person to complete a computer project. The whole team - programmers, users, vendors, management, and others - must be committed to playing on the same team. To achieve this, positive communication and a clear focus on completion are key.
Tip #8
Make your list and check it twice!
In fact make two lists.
One for "Accomplishments" and one for "Action Items." We agree it is important to know what still has to be done on a project. It is just as important to know what has been achieved. Check both lists every day.
Tip #9
If your software is not properly tested - it is not done!
Testing should be designed to find and fix problems.
Be rigorous in developing and executing your test plan. Don't just test 'normal' processes, test everything. If you don't find the bugs - your user will!
Tip #10
Every software project needs a plan!
Project plans must be accurate and in writing.
The purpose of a project plan is to define how a project will be completed. This includes clear definition of the tasks, realistic time estimates, assignment of the right people to each task and the commitment to keeping them there through completion."
What is this game?
Do I want to play?
How do I win?
What do I need to do to win?
Am I willing to do what it
takes to win?
We are responsible for how we
communicate with the
customer
Tip #11
Time, money, and the ability to have exactly what you want are competing factors in determining your best path to successful completion.
Prioritize them according to your needs.
Remember...every project is different!!
Tip #12
Project Completion does not happen by accident.
You must define, communicate, plan, implement, and improve it.
When your computer projects are not getting done on time, doing the same things in the same way with more intensity rarely fixes the problem. You need revolutionary ideas and completion-focused processes.