I think this is a good reminder that nothing goes as planned...and that remaining in control of the project (having a plan) is the key to keeping things in line. Avoid the creep. Kinda makes me want to bust out into the SNL dance - or maybe that's just my caffeine overload, LOL. (Good job on ditching that stuff #truebravery)

Episode 228: Project Management Interview Questions Made Easy (Free)

http://www.project-management-podcast.com/index.php/podcast-episodes/episode-details/478-episode-228-project-management-interview-questions-made-easy

I listened to this today - just a few days too late, but it helped me gain a better understanding of good questions for the bidding process. I hope it proves helpful to others! This podcast is cool - the accent is a fancy touch, ha.

http://www.shrinkonia.com/what-drives-project-people-110.html

This article takes five concepts that motivate people on a project and breaks them down to a level of human emotion and understanding. It's information I think we need to have in the back of our minds as we study the systematic ways of designing effective PM plans. Knowing and understanding this will be helpful when things don't go according to the perfectly structured PM plan at work, and will provide some insight into how to get various members motivated - even the difficult ones.

http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/project-management-how-to-define-project-constrain.html

I thought this was an appropriate article to share this week for our topic of discussion. This is an article by the "For Dummies" brand. It does a good job of explaining that discovering resources is an important detail - a fact finding mission. It goes on to explain the importance of specific resources defined as opposed to vague ones. I thought it was sound advice well put. Hope it's helpful!

Rhonda,

This is a great resource. I like it that the article links to several resources...and yes, I will have to thank the author later, because I do plan on utilizing some of these.

Thank you!

I appreciated the customer focus of this Project Management article. The author breaks it down into a list of Do's and Don'ts with simplicity being a key factor. While I don't know that I would use every tip on all projects, I do think it's a good resource.

http://www.pm4girls.elizabeth-harrin.com/2013/01/10-tips-for-being-more-customer-centric-on-your-projects/

I agree, Rhonda. Another classmate mentioned the same thing about email in a Canvas discussion. I probably tend to use email communications more often than I should.

Yes, Giselle, I find that I often use technology rather than face time - even with friends and family. It's convenient and I can get a lot accomplished, but at what cost? We might need to be more deliberate in our lives about having f2f communication - esp as technological capabilities increase.

http://www.the-happy-manager.com/articles/problem-solving-activity/

As I was working on our Team Assignment sheet I realized that my problem solving techniques in management could be improved. I have been quite lucky in recent years to have few interpersonal issues to have to resolve, but that doesn't mean I can let my guard down, right!? So, I took a closer look at some problem solving tools and thought I'd share this management tool with the group. I appreciate the visual and think it makes great sense to implement the 5W's & H. This diagram takes into account what might happen if nothing is done, and provides questions to structure a feasible timeline.

I hope others find this helpful!