Dec 15, 2006
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Project Management Software In Space and Beyond
The current space shuttle mission STS-116 is a great window on project management in action. On NASA TV you can hear the live management of an ongoing process –managing in real-time, on the fly, a complex operation that’s rife with opportunities to deviate from a sophisticated project plan.
While the scale might be different, it parallels, in a lot of ways, the activities that go on in any creative, engineering or scientific project. It provides a view on the types of information, visibility and project communication that make any project a success.
Here are some of the random clips we heard on NASA TV:
“Thanks for the great big picture words.”
“1:51 Central Time power down expected.”
“Good insight into the system.”
“I have the steps here.”
“Trouble shooting task procedures.”
“Blocks of activity.”
“Ready to proceed to step three – it is good to talk to you.”
“OK I’ll stand by, appreciate the help.”
NASA drives this process with enterprise project management software, extensive training and clear channels of communication between team members (astronauts who’s life depends on it), project managers, project planners and the people who approved the project and the budget.
Back on earth, you can implement the same type of discipline with the right project management software tool and training.
A marketing department or marketing company, for example, can use a program like Vertabase Pro online project management software to get the tools and training without investing in huge or overly-technical project management solutions (like MS Project).
This class of project management software is web-based and can be up and running in no-time. Project leaders and planning can then precisely define a set of tasks and schedule with input from creative teams and the client stakeholders.
The project management software training engages all team members, project managers, planner and participants, showing them how to get the information and visibility they need quickly through clearly defined communication channels which are available anytime, online and on-demand. The work of the management, creative and account teams and the client can then be choreographed closely.
As the project unfolds ongoing automated project communication is maintained and the project plan is easily adapted. The client sees value for money real-time; the project leaders build their own leadership and strategic thinking skills; and creative workers know what they have to deliver and when.
Finally, capturing a complex project with an adaptive, collaborative, online project management tool allows core business processes to be captured and refined. The next project becomes more efficient and over time the value of the company increases significantly.
It might not be as exciting as building the International Space Station, but to a project manager or creative team, launching a successful project has its own rewards.
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