Frequently Asked Questions
- How does CCPM differ from conventional project management ?
- What if my management does not understand CCPM ?
- How do I get started with CCPM ?
- What do I do if people do not want to give me '50/50' estimates ?
- How do we handle performance appraisals if people are not held to dates ?
- When is the next learning opportunity ?
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How does CCPM differ from conventional project management ?
CCPM is an improvement of part of conventional project management. The Project Management Institute Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK™), and the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Capability Maturity Model (CMM) are completely compatible with CCPM. The latest edition of the PMBOK™ Guide addresses critical chain. The difference lies in how CCPM handles the reality of the resource constraint, estimate uncertainty and common cause variation in task performance. CCPM uses a conventional approach to resource identification and leveling, but then identifies the Critical Chain as the longest path through the resource leveled network. The Critical Chain usually differs from the Critical Path, which is defined before resource leveling and, in most software, undefined after resource leveling. CCPM uses of statistical knowledge to plan and control the projects using Buffers, a new concept in project management.
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Where if my management does not understand CCPM ?
The best approach is to help them gain that understanding. You can plan and manage your project as a CCPM project in a non CCPM environment. The best way is to lay out your project as a conventional resource leveled critical path (CPM) project. THEN create a CCPM project plan, which will always be shorter and require a lower budget, even with the buffers included. Show management the CPM project first, and get agreement to it as the baseline. Then show them your CCPM project, and request their agreement to manage to it as a 'pilot.' So far, no manager has turned down this proposition. (Sometimes they want to make the CCPM project the baseline. You can reluctantly agree. :-)
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How do I get started with CCPM ?
The best way is to attend the two-day class, and then do it. You can start your project with conventional tools; e.g. doing a Charter and beginning your project plan. You can develop your project scope the same way you always do. The change comes about after you have developed the resource loaded project network.
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What do I do if people do not want to give me '50/50' estimates ?
Start be ensuring that they understand the changed environment for the CCPM project, which will not have dates for each activity. Then ask them how they came up with their estimates, and what might be some sources of variation or concern. If, in the end, you have no change of view the first time few on a few of the estimates, don't worry about it. People will learn and be more understanding as they see the success others are having. The main thing you really want is Roadrunner or relay-runner task performance.
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How do we handle performance appraisals if people are not held to due dates?
If you have the flexibility to do so, change the performance criteria to measure what really matters most; e.g. are the people using Relay-racer task behavior, and the buffer report to decide what to work on, and measures related to their learning and development and support of the project team. If you do not have flexibility, put appropriate buffers to the dates they are 'accountable' for.
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When is the next learning opportunity ?
We can bring training to your company at any time. Otherwise, see the public seminar schedule.