Scope creep is an interesting concept to measure how easy it can be to get distracted and off focus from your project schedule. Isn't it interesting how easy it can be to feel that you have endless amount of time, as you are discussing new ideas and additions to an existing project, in a matter of a few weeks before a deliverable date? Well, I would like to say that I am always trying to keep scope creep far far away from my weekends and day offs. I have been in situations where I will plan a vacation day to get caught up on some cleaning and errands, but then before I know it, I would have dived into cooking some meals, searching for a new knitting project, and then start to do some cleaning, whilst leaving out the most important part of my day, which was to get the errands done, and that I would realize once 5'o clock comes around and I am too tired to bother.
After having my son, I must say that I have been making use of every spare minute I can get, as I cannot afford to get scope creep. The mentality has shifted to, 'now or never', based off of what I have scheduled for the day. Therefore, I always start with the most time consuming and time sensitive tasks, and then moving down the list of must-dos, leaving behind the nice-to-dos, to any leftover time and energy I have before I go to bed. I have found making a task list and then allocating the deadline and time slot onto a calendar onto my phone really helps. This way, I can set reminders and alarms to alert me to move on to the next task. This method also helps me see how much time things really take, and see if I realistically have time to do the extra things I would like to on the list as well. Furthermore, if I am on a tight budget for that day, it is a good way for me to see which tasks will cost me money and be able to plan the costs more effectively, such as taking care of all errands on the same day of an upcoming appointment or grocery errand. This is the way I like to monitor my project tasks. When there are "clearly define[d] activities and events, [it] helps the project manager understand where a project stands, when a milestone is achieved, or missed, and when an activity is or isn't performed" (Portney et all, 2008, pg. 338). This is a great way to reflect and go back to see your progress and be able to make improvements where needed.
References
Portny, S. E., Mantel, S. J., Meredith, J. R., Shafer, S. M., Sutton, M. M., & Kramer, B. E. (2008). Project management: Planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
I agree with your methodology and planning a to-do list. However, sometimes I find that putting together a To-Do list is all well and great, but sticking to it is the bigger issue. I believe its hard to not get distract by something else or moving to a different task because of other issues or time constraints for a particular day. I like your idea for planning out your errands, I always tell my wife that she needs to plan out her errands better, making sure to do errands in a more organized fashion, to minimize the driving all over the place and being time efficient. Countless times she has made multiple trips to the same area in the same week, where I try to explain, wouldn't it just be easier to plan your day to go and do the errands in said shopping center at the same time, rather than wasting time driving there multiple days. Budgeting time and organizing a plan or route is optimal, sticking to it is the next step.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how we use project management strategies just to run our daily lives? I also find lists helpful and often prioritize my responsibilities to ensure that I complete the most important tasks first. I have found these skills extremely useful as I have been doubling up on my grad classes the last two semesters. However, I often wonder if individuals can be taught these skills or if organization and time management is something that is specific to a persons personality. Do you feel it is possible for someone who is naturally disorganized to develop organizational skills needed to become a successful PM?
ReplyDeleteI do not think I could function these days without a smart phone. Having my calendar updated instantaneously and checking off the "to dos" has become necessary to maintain sanity. My regular work day is pretty routine but come 4:00 I become a taxi service for my daughters. Your ideas to keep yourself organized are very aggressive... Do you think you could use your system as a basis to develop methods to organize a project team?
ReplyDeleteHow clever to tie in the principles related to project management to our everyday lives. Actually, I think that as individuals are becoming more and more digitally connected, it becomes harder to maintain focus on any one thing with so many things vying for our attention. Lest we forget, constant interruptions during the workday are the things that we must add to our project completion timeline.
ReplyDeleteNice Content.... helpfull
ReplyDeleteWhat is Distance Graduation in One Year? Is Direct Graduation in One Year Possible in India? Apply Now Distance BA B.com BBA BCA BSC IT Courses in 2018.
online graduation in india graduation in india online degree within one year graduation from ignou one time sitting degree one year degree course degree in one year 1 year degree courses