Advanced topics
Listen to Ricardo commenting on some of the most advanced topics in Project Management.
This playlist has 116 episodes.
Listen on Spotify
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Project Challenges
(Jan 13, 2007)
Ricardo Vargas talks in this podcast about the challenges inside the project environment, its complexities and how to overcome them. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Troubled Projects
(May 21, 2007)
Ricardo Vargas talks in this podcast about the troubled projects, its identifications and management. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Recovery
(Jun 25, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas continues the discussion about troubled projects recovery, presenting the viability analysis of th project recovery. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Earned Value Project Management
(Jul 02, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the main concepts involved in the earned value analysis. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Monte Carlo Simulation
(Jan 14, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo approaches the main concepts of the Monte Carlo Simulation, the most famous mathematical simulation applied to calculate the probability of cost and schedule objectives. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management of Highly Unpredictable Projects
(Jun 16, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about projects that have a quality of being too unpredictable. Many times these projects behave like a box of surprises - knowledge is acquired as the project evolves. He shows better ways of managing this type of project so as to obtain a better predictability of its current trends. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Megaprojects
(Sep 15, 2008)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about megaproject management. He defines what a megaproject is and how the profile of a project manager should be to manage such a project. He presents some megaprojects examples, like the ones from Dubai and Sonangol in Angola. Ricardo also talks about the importance of looking for the best professionals to be part of a megaproject team. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese.
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Key Performance Index
(Sep 22, 2008)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the KPI - Key Performance Indexes. KPIs are indexes that give the project a numeric result. He explains that these indexes can show the status of the schedule, cost, scope, quality and other issues. Exhibiting information in a graphical way, the project manager can have a fast and effective way of communicating information. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese.
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Maturity Models
(Oct 06, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project management maturity models and their different kinds. He explains that companies with higher maturity in project management have better processes and higher success rates in their projects, whereas companies with less maturity have higher failure rates in their projects. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Maturity Models - Part II
(Oct 13, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo continues talking about the maturity in projects. He explains in detail the 8 items that he thinks that should be considered when measuring the maturity level of project management in a given company. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Stockholm Syndrome
(Oct 27, 2008)
In this prodcast, Ricardo talks about the Stockholm Syndrome when it comes to projects. Ricardo shows that sometimes the project manager fails to report relevant events in order to not harm the relationship with the customer. This protective relationship to the customer can be bad for the project. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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The Global Financial Crisis
(Nov 03, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the global financial crisis. He explains that this crisis can be an opportunity for the Brazilians. Ricardo also talks that we need to be optimistic, because even with this crisis, companies need to continue their projects and the Brazilian is accustomed to working in an unstable environment. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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The Social Impact of Projects
(Mar 15, 2009)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the impact of projects in society and their associated risks. He explains that in addition to the technological and financial aspects, companies must identify the main stakeholders and verify the positive and negative impacts that the project will bring to the involved society.
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Intangibility of Results and the Value of Project Management
(Mar 23, 2009)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the difficulty of proving the value of project management. He explains that oftentimes the benefits acquired by project management are not tangible and that not everything can be mathematically measured, so the companies should create productivity drivers to measure the success of the projects. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese.
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Murphy Law and the Projects
(Apr 20, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the effects of pessimism and the Murphys Law inside the projects.
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Directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University - Part 1/3
(Apr 27, 2009)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas presents the first podcast from a series of three podcasts recorded directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University in Cambridge - MA, where he attended the courses of Negotiations for Senior Executives and Dealing with Difficult People.
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Directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University - Part 2/3
(May 04, 2009)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas presents the second podcast from a series of three podcasts recorded directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University in Cambridge - MA, where he attended the courses of Negotiations for Senior Executives and Dealing with Difficult People.
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Directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University - Part 3/3
(May 11, 2009)
In ths podcast, Ricardo Vargas presents the third podcast from a series of three podcasts recorded directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University in Cambridge - MA, where he attended the courses of Negotiations for Senior Executives and Dealing with Difficult People.
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PMI Pulse Survey
(Jul 20, 2009)
Know the Project Management market behavior and the main trends at the PMI Pulse Survey.
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Seal, Madonna and U2 Concert - A Project Management Concert
(Aug 10, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo describes his experience at the Madonna, U2 and Seal concerts. Much more than a musical concert, what he saw was an impeccable project management show.
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Five Big Trends in Project Management - PM Network Report
(Aug 24, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo discusses the III Annual PM Network Trend Report, published in June, 2009. He presents the main trends in projects induced by the global crisis and how companies and professionals can benefit themselves from this scenario. The PM Network magazine is distributed to PMI members and they can access the file at member's area of PMI website.
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Use of CPI and TCPI in the Earned Value Management (EVMS)
(Sep 07, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo discuss the importance of TCPI (To Complete Performance Index) to evaluate the possibility of cost recovery in the project. The TCPI is the complement of CPI (Cost Performance Index) and allows the evaluation of the future financial conversion rate for the project in order to accomplish the final project budget.
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Standards and ISO21500: Why Standards are Important for the Project Results Part 1/2
(Oct 19, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo presents and highlights the importance of the standards which aims to facilitate the project communication process. It is the first of a two podcasts series about the subject where, besides talking about standards, Ricardo provides updated information about the ISO TC236 (Technical Commitee 236) that is developing the ISO 21500, which is fully dedicated to project management.
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Standards and ISO21500: Why Standards are Important for the Project Results Part 2/2
(Oct 26, 2009)
In this second podcast about standards and ISO, Ricardo provides updated information about the ISO TC236 (Technical Committee 236) that is developing the ISO 21500, which is fully dedicated to project management.
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Earned Value Management System - Critical Success Factors
(Jan 18, 2010)
In this podcast Ricardo discuss the critical success factors of the use of earned value in projects. He presents the main areas where everybody must pay attention while using the technique and also approaches the relevance of the proper understanding of the concepts behind the numbers and how important is the project planning in order to use the EVMS.
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Tragedy in Haiti: It is Time to Think in PM for Post Disaster Recovery
(Jan 25, 2010)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the disaster that happened in Haiti on January 12, 2010, making a reflection about the facts using the Project Management perspective and how coordinated activities promoted by PM practices can bring agility to the recovery. He also approaches the PMI Methodology for Post Disaster Reconstruction, provided by PMI Educational Foundation, available at http://www.pmi.org/pmief/humanitarian/PDRM.asp.
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Directly from Paris: The Secret of Project Management for Luxury Goods
(Feb 01, 2010)
Directly from Paris, France, Ricardo talks in this podcast about the most important characteristics of project management for the development of luxury goods, where criteria like speed and cost reduction are revisited and re-contextualized to reach a market that is driven by other assumptions. He focus on the image construction and exclusivity as essential peculiarity of the functional scope (requirement) of this kind of product.
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Strategy and Delta Model - Part 1 of 2
(May 31, 2010)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the course of Corporate Strategy that he took at MIT. In the course the focus was the strategic model called Delta Model, where the customer relationship is the cornerstone of any strategy. The course was conducted by Prof. Arnoldo Hax, one of the world's experts in strategy.
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Strategy and the Delta Model – Part 2 of 2
(Jun 07, 2010)
In this second podcast about the corporate strategy course that Ricardo took at MIT, he talks about the lock-in position with the customer, i.e., to create a unique channel with your customers by offering customized and complete solutions. Ricardo explains that in order to address the customers expectations in a different manner, it is necessary to think in a designed way and also to create a unique channel with your customer.
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Change Management and Culture: The 2010 FIFA Worldcup Rules and Referees
(Jul 05, 2010)
Ricardo presents in this podcast his reflexions about the polemic generated by the referees in the FIFA Worldcup matches and the FIFA resistance in provide this changes. He also discuss the cultural aspects of change and compare this resistance with the resistance we face in most of the projects in the organizations.
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Working With Multiple Projects
(Aug 09, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the fractionation of a project into smaller slices. He explains that if the project is large you can divide it into phases when there is no dependency between them. He shows the advantages and disadvantages of managing multiple projects and cases in which this technique can be used.
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Rescue of Mining Workers in Chile: A Project Management Show
(Oct 17, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the rescue of 33 mining workers in Chile from the view of project management. He comments that the expectation in realizing the rescue was very bad and the planning of the actions and setting priorities was essential for a successful rescue. In the next week, Ricardo will publish the second part of the podcast about the Global Congress
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Crisis Management: 5 Good Thinks Came out as Decisions to Remove People from Libya
(Mar 10, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the removal of foreign professionals who were in Libya when the political crisis happened. He explained that this was a crisis situation, where changes and variations in the environment are not supported and you have to take any action that is unusual. Ricardo says that this work of removal was extremely successful and gives five tips for managing crises in projects.
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The schedule and Parkinson's Law
(Apr 04, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo explains the concept of "Parkinson's Law" on projects and how to prepare a feasible schedule to avoid the law. He gives tips on how to develop work packages to be are easier to measure.
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Working in International Projects: Understanding the Cultural Aspects
(Aug 29, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about working in projects of different cultures. He explains that to work in an international project is necessary to know the way of life, how people in the country were educated, how the minds of these people work and respect each culture. Ricardo also talks that even in Brazil, to develop a project in the South is different to developing a project in the North, as there is a difference in culture and values.
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Management Stages x Technical Stages
(Nov 21, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo differentiates technical stages from management stages.
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Who's Afraid of Failure Can't Manage Projects
(Dec 12, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the fear of failure. He explains that within the project environment we are not in a comfort zone and easy things doesn't need to be managed. Ricardo also said that failure is always part of the process and is also part of the DNA of the project, but who has a fear of failure can not manage projects. Inside the possibility of failure is that we project managers earn our life.
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4 Mechanisms for Forecast the Project Schedule and Cost
(Feb 06, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the methods of forecasting project schedule and cost. He comments that there are four methods of predicting future project performance: time series methods, causal/econometrics methods, judgmental methods and other methods. Ricardo explains and gives examples of each method.
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4 Different Indexes to Forecast the Project Final Cost Using the Earned Value Analysis
(Mar 21, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the indices of earned value in the project. He explains that the great secret of earned value is to evaluate current performance to project the future. Ricardo also explains how to analyze the rate of time or cost when it is less than, equal to or greater than one.
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Trying to Understand the Tragedy of Sandy Hurricane
(Oct 29, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the effects of Hurricane Sandy, that caused tremendous destruction on the east coast of the United States, from the point of view of Risk Management.
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Getting to know the World of Megaprojects: The Big Challenges - Part 1 of 3
(Nov 19, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo starts a series of podcasts about the world of mega projects. What makes a project a megaproject? Ricardo talks about the characteristics, risks, and impacts of the failure or success of a megaproject. He also begins to introduce the concept of FEL (Front-end Loading), which will be discussed in the next podcasts.
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Getting to know the World of Megaprojects: The FEL Process - Part 2 of 3
(Nov 26, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo continues the series of three podcasts about the world of megaprojects. In this episode, he talks more about the concept of FEL (Front End Loading) and its great importance. In the next and final episode, Ricardo talk about teams, communications and how to engage the community in megaprojects.
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Getting to know the World of Megaprojects: Communications and Teams - Part 3 of 3
(Dec 03, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo concludes the series on megaprojects, talking about communication, teams and some success factors. He comments especially the importance of forming the core team of the project as soon as possible and to be careful on planning the outsourcing of some roles.
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Understanding the Coaching dimensions
(Dec 10, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo shares some ideas on coaching and comments about the coaching four dimensions or stages. He starts showing that coaching should be based on building trust in relationships within and outside the organization and not in the hierarchy itself.
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There are something to be learned with the Tragedy in Santa Maria
(Jan 28, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the tragedy at the nightclub Kiss in Santa Maria, Brazil. From the viewpoint of project and risk management, Ricardo raises points and makes us think, so that accidents like this never happen again.
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Understanding the GTD: Introduction, Collection and Processing - Part 1 of 3
(Feb 25, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo starts the series of 3 podcasts about the time management method called Getting Things Done, created by David Allen. In this first episode, Ricardo explains what is GTD and comments on how he uses it to organize and get all his work done.
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Understanding the GTD: Processing, Projects / Contexts and Execution - Part 2 of 3
(Mar 04, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo presents the second episode of the series of three podcasts on Getting Things Done (GTD). He explains what we do with the ideas, appointments etc. that we collect daily. He gives tips on how to organize tasks into projects and contexts and explains each. Listen to the first episode: http://www.ricardo-vargas.com/podcasts/understanding-the-gtd-part-1-of-3/
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Understanding the GTD: Weekly Review, Software and Tips - Part 3 of 3
(Mar 11, 2013)
In this last episode of the series of three podcasts about GTD - Getting Things Done, Ricardo talks about his process of reviewing and planning the week. Including on his tips, some software that may help you.
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There is No Good Deal with Those Who are Not Good: The Lack of Good Faith in Projects
(Nov 25, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about a complex situation where a stakeholder, on the client-side, refuses to accept deliveries, seeking to impute contractual penalties to the company managing the project. Ricardo shows two actions, one preventive and one corrective, that can be taken.
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Understanding the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) - Part 1 of 2
(Sep 01, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA), a very good graphical tool used in executive reports. He shows how to make it step-by-step using pencil, paper and a ruler. Don’t forget to see the presentation related to this podcast.
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Understanding the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) – Part 2 of 2
(Sep 08, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA), a very good graphical tool used in executive reports. Today, he explains how to analyze the graphic you built last week, understanding the evolution trends of your project.
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What we can learn with the Abilene paradox
(Mar 16, 2015)
On this episode, Ricardo talks about a concept that is related to the management of conflicts, the Abilene paradox. Created by Jerry B. Harvey, the paradox is present in certain group decisions and can pose a risk to the project.
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The Strategic Execution Framework (SEF)
(Mar 25, 2015)
In this episode, Ricardo comments on the Strategic Execution Framework® (SEF) directly from Stanford University. He highlights the simplicity and clarity of this framework created by IPS Learning and the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD). Get to know more about the SEF at http://ipslearning.us/content/strategic-execution-framework
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Non-stakeholder Management
(Apr 13, 2015)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about how to manage those who are NOT interested in the project. He explains that this is not managing those who oppose, but those who often do not see how the project affects them positively. Ricardo give tips on how we can make these people support the project.
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Heat Maps
(Aug 10, 2015)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about one of the most effective forms for displaying graphical information, the Heat Map. He explains how you can use this tool to improve your project’s communication when creating reports such as the risk map and the stakeholders analysis.
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Applying Neural Networks and Analogous Estimating to Determine the Project Budget
(Oct 13, 2015)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about how neural networks and the analogous estimating can help when determining the project budget, especially when you have access to reliable historical information.
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LogFrame – A logical framework
(Jan 19, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the Logical Framework (LogFrame), interesting tool created by USAID, a United States government agency focused on humanitarian projects. More at https://usaidlearninglab.org/learning-guide/logical-framework
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All you need to know about the Business Case – Part 1 of 2
(Mar 15, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo begins to detail the Business Case. He explains why it is important and how to use it.
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All you need to know about the Business Case – Part 2 of 2
(Mar 21, 2016)
In this second episode, Ricardo continues to explain the steps for creating a solid business case and how to 'sell it' within the organization.
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What are Capital Projects?
(May 16, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo explains what the differences between capital projects, also known as Capex (Capital expenditure) projects, and traditional projects, which are focused on a business operation, also known with Opex (Operational expenditure) projects.
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Why should I care about Entropy? Part 1 of 2
(Jun 07, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo explains what is entropy and how it’s related to project management. Next week, he’ll show how we can act in the midst of disorder within a project environment. Watch the video by Prof. Brian Cox: http://rvarg.as/fc
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Why should I care about Entropy? Part 2 of 2
(Jun 13, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo gives three important tips on how to plan for entropy: knowing when to allow fluctuations in the project tasks; recognize that problems will happen and be prepared; learn how to control the process of disorder.
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DICE Framework
(Jun 20, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the DICE Framework, developed by Boston Consulting Group members to evaluate the chances of success of your project or of your chance management initiative. The factors on the acronym DICE: D – Duration, I – Integrity, C – Commitment and E – Effort receive a score from 1 to 4 and after a simple calculation, the result will help you compare if your project is more likely to be successful or to fail.
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Statistics: A Key Tool for Project Success
(Jul 12, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about why statistics is of great importance to the project manager and recommends a free online course at Udacity: “Intro to Statistics” by Sebastian Thrun.
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The 2017 PMI Pulse of the Profession® Report
(Apr 17, 2017)
In this episode, Ricardo comments on the Pulse of Profession® 2017 , an annual report published by the Project Management Institute (PMI). About 4,000 professionals worldwide were interviewed and one of the key indicators reported is that financial waste on unsuccessful projects has dropped by around 20%; Until last yet, it was about USD 122 million lost for every billion invested. This year, the value dropped to 97 million.
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Decision Making Using the OODA Loop
(Aug 01, 2017)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the concept of the OODA loop. The phrase refers to the decision cycle of Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act, developed by military strategist and the United States Air Force Colonel John Boyd. Boyd applied the concept to the combat operations process, often at the strategic level.
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Understanding the Impact of Different Currencies in your Project
(Aug 17, 2017)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the challenges faced in projects when there are resources whose costs are in foreign currencies. You will understand the role of hedging, to protect the project against exchange rate fluctuations.
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What is Design for X (DfX)?
(Mar 12, 2018)
In this episode, Ricardo explains a very important concept on product design called Design for X (DfX). Fundamentally, design can be driven by several different objectives and by giving priority to one element (X) we can simplify, improve control and refine the product development process.
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What is VUCA and Why it is so Relevant in Today's Work Environment
(Sep 19, 2018)
In this episode, Ricardo explains what VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) is and what its implications for the current environment.
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5 Tips to plan and execute projects in chaotic environments: Understanding the concept of Antifragility
(Dec 07, 2018)
In this episode, Ricardo addresses the current challenge of planning and executing projects in chaotic environments. He uses some of the concepts presented by Nassim Taleb in the book Antifragile to give you five tips to use in your projects today: developing options, proactivity and paranoia, flexibility, having your skin in the game, and getting energy out of failures.
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Welcome to 2019: Technology, Volatility and other trends around the corner of our lives
(Jan 18, 2019)
In the first episode of the year, Ricardo approaches the main trends he sees for 2019. This time he talks about his impressions about exponential technologies such as artificial intelligence, energy, transportation, genetics and their implications on our lives, our work as a manager of projects and in our society.
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Understanding the Futures Wheel Tool
(May 21, 2019)
In this episode, Ricardo presents a simple visual tool to explore and understand future scenarios. The Futures Wheel is a form of a mind map that associates causes and consequences of events or decisions, allowing you to evaluate future scenarios from the present and evaluate the best options to take.
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What we can learn from honesty with the Caltech Honor Code
(Jul 12, 2019)
In this episode, Ricardo discusses a surprising tradition of one of the most respected educational institutions in the world, the Caltech (Californian Institute of Technology). At Caltech, students usually take their exams home, in a clear demonstration of the level of confidence and responsibility given to students by themselves, their professors, and the institution.
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Using the ADKAR Method in Change Management
(Jul 24, 2019)
In this episode, Ricardo explains the ADKAR method, developed by Jeff Hiatt. The model suggests a 5-step process, centered on the human change that, in consequence, becomes able to change organizations and society. ADKAR and the acronym of the stages of Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement.
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Kill that Project: Why it is so hard to decide and act when things go wrong - Part 1 of 2
(Feb 03, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo discusses four aspects that make the work of deciding and acting to cancel the project a real nightmare. It shows how fear, ego, and inertia play an extremely negative role in decision-making.
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Kill that Project: Why it is so hard to decide and act when things go wrong- Part 2 of 2
(Feb 10, 2020)
In the second episode of the series, Ricardo discusses the 5-step approach he takes when he needs to decide and act to eliminate a project that is bound to fail.
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Covid-19: Assessment and Action Plan
(Mar 08, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo explains the assessment he developed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak in your project. He shares a 20 statements assessment that helps the evaluation of the potential exposure of your project to the implications of the COVID-19. He also shares actions we should put in place to protect the team and the reduce the damage in the project work.
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Managing Risks with ROAM
(Apr 27, 2020)
In this week’s episode, Ricardo introduces the concept of ROAM Risk (Resolved, Owned, Accepted, Mitigated / Minimized). The process of traversing (ROAMing) risks is a quick way to categorize and act on the relevant risks. This process is widely adopted in agile models such as SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), mainly during the planning of increments or PI Planning.
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Planning the Return to the Office during COVID-19 Times
(May 04, 2020)
In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses how you can benefit from planning a potential return to the office during the COVID-19 pandemic. With conditions improving in several countries, and people going back to work, it becomes imperative that we address 3 different fronts in our approach: Leadership, Operational/Tactical, and Business/Liquidity/Sales.
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Unimaginable Examples on How the Current Crisis Accelerated Business and Digital Transformation
(May 25, 2020)
This week Ricardo talks about some unimaginable examples of how the current crisis accelerated the business and digital transformation dramatically.
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Regaining Control: Leading Projects and Delivering Results in Turbulent Times
(Jun 08, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the free ebook he just released. The book was written alongside Vince Molinaro, one of the top names in leadership research. It discusses how leadership became paramount to delivering actual results in these turbulent times. The free ebook can be downloaded at https://rvarg.as/regainingcontrol
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Post Mortem Analysis
(Jun 22, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo introduces the Post Mortem Analysis, one of the less used and most relevant collective learning activities that project and program teams can do at the end of their project, program or initiative.
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There is no Template for Life
(Jul 06, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo demonstrates his concerns about the blind use of templates everywhere. Despite being a reliable source of inspiration and ideas, the templates can make you think that your management work is just filling forms while, in reality, you should be thinking, deciding and acting.
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It is Possible to Innovate and Create Value Without Destroying What is Currently in Place
(Jul 20, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo reflects on our innovation and creative process. Recently he reviewed some concepts related to the “Blue Ocean Strategy” created by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne from INSEAD, and one aspect raised his interest: nondestructive creation/innovation.
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Let’s be Mindful: What really is a Distinct Mindset?
(Aug 03, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo comments on a recent LinkedIn post comparing “Project Management Thinking” with “Scrum Master Thinking”. The post clearly presents one side as a controller, authoritarian, centralizer, etc. and the other as a team player and an enabler. On a rare reply to posts, Ricardo mentioned that this is not the right comparison. This is a comparison between competent and incompetent professionals.
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Why We Should Care about Psychological Safety
(Aug 10, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the connection between our desire for adaptability, creativity, experimentation and innovation with common human feelings like fear and safety. Providing a psychologically safe environment is becoming a critical success factor in surviving and thriving in the current scenario.
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Using the 7R’s to Plan and Deliver Change
(Aug 24, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo shows how to use the 7R process to plan and drive change. The 7R’s process was primarily focused on IT initiatives, mainly using ITIL Change Management Process. However, every single change initiative can benefit from it, regardless of area or sector. The 7R’s are (Raiser, Reason, Return, Risk, Responsible, Resources, and Relationships).
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The Project is Complex Enough: Simplify Management
(Aug 31, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo addresses the problem of creating complex management systems to manage complex projects. This kind of mistake is very common. As things become more complex, you add more layers of controls, reporting, etc. That is where bureaucracy is born.
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Spotify Model for Engineering Culture - Part 1/3
(Sep 07, 2020)
This week, Ricardo kicks off a series of 3 episodes about the engineering culture created by Spotify to manage and deliver projects. The Spotify model aims to shape a culture of self-organized, autonomous teams, where independence and alignment combined with a strong focus on people and motivation aim to bring agility at scale with fast decoupled releases and an incredible sense of mutual trust.
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Spotify Model for Engineering Culture - Part 2/3
(Sep 14, 2020)
This week, Ricardo presents part 2 of 3 about the engineering culture created by Spotify to manage and deliver projects. The Spotify model aims to shape a culture of self-organized, autonomous teams, where independence and alignment combined with a strong focus on people and motivation aim to bring agility at scale with fast decoupled releases and an incredible sense of mutual trust.
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Spotify Model for Engineering Culture - Part 3/3
(Sep 21, 2020)
This week, Ricardo presents the last episode about the engineering culture created by Spotify to manage and deliver projects. The Spotify model aims to shape a culture of self-organized, autonomous teams, where independence and alignment combined with a strong focus on people and motivation aim to bring agility at scale with fast decoupled releases and an incredible sense of mutual trust.
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Review Your Metrics Because They Lose Value Over Time
(Sep 28, 2020)
This week, Ricardo talks about metrics and discusses why we should review metrics often to make sure they are still valuable. One of the main threats of old metrics is that people get used to the engine behind it, and they know exactly how to work so that they stay on permanent “green” without truly seeing the whole picture.
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Bowtie Method to Evaluate Risks
(Oct 06, 2020)
This week, Ricardo talks about the evaluation of risks using the Bowtie method. The method has its roots in the oil and gas industry, but it is used today in several areas to visualize the event, the threats that could trigger the risk and its consequences. After evaluating the threats and consequences, the team should work together to identify barriers that they can implement to avoid or mitigate the threat or impact.
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How to Manage Coupled Dependencies in Projects
(Oct 19, 2020)
This week, Ricardo talks about a type of relationship that is becoming increasingly popular: coupled dependencies. This kind of relationship increases the delivery speed. However, if not appropriately managed, this coupled dependency can increase the risks and the chances of rework. This is due to the set of assumptions teams needed to create these coupled dependencies.
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Outputs and Outcomes: When Movement Does Not Necessarily Mean Progress
(Jan 25, 2021)
Nowadays, all those leading projects and initiatives only talk about outcomes. In this week episode, Ricardo reflects on the concept that outcomes are everything while outputs are irrelevant. For him, outputs and outcomes are equally important because outputs are the only way to produce outcomes. The problem is the disconnection between the outputs we product and the outcome we want to reach.
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Understanding the Major Global Risks with the WEF Global Risk Report 2021
(Feb 01, 2021)
The WEF just published the Global Risk Report 2021. In its 16th edition, the report addresses the significant global risks like war, natural disasters, infectious diseases, and several other events and hazards that could jeopardize companies and governments' operations. In this episode, Ricardo highlights the report's main finds and goes back to 2020 to see how the landscape changed with the COVID-19 pandemia.
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More Abstract Work Suffers More from the Dunning-Kruger Effect
(Feb 08, 2021)
This week Ricardo returns to discuss the Dunning-Kruger effect and how it is usually more visible in projects and initiatives with more abstract deliveries and products. It is important to remember that the Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when the professional demonstrates confidence and a sense of competence incompatible with his job's real ability.
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Why Shouldn't You Outsource What You Do not Know How to Do?
(Feb 15, 2021)
This week, Ricardo reflects on companies' benefits and challenges with the visible increase in interest in outsourcing activities, especially concerning outsourced activities due to incapacity and lack of knowledge about work. He ponders the damage that the lack of knowledge, mastery of technology and know-how, can generate in the project's sustainability and its benefits.
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Who Should Make the First Move in a Negotiation: The Anchoring Bias
(Feb 22, 2021)
This week's topic goes back to negotiation and who should make the first offer. Many researchers claim that the Anchoring bias provides an edge to those who make the first offer since the human tendency supports that counter-offers tend to be proposed around the initial starting point. But there is a way around this if you don't make the first offer... Listen to the episode to find out more.
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5 Tips to Minimize the Challenges of Virtual Meetings
(Mar 02, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo gives tips for optimizing virtual meetings. As everyone knows, this type of arrangement has become a "nightmare" for many. Endless hours in front of a small screen have become a torment for productivity and performance. There are 5 simple tips that are much more related to discipline and behavior than to any type of technology.
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You Should Learn How to Manage by Exception
(Mar 08, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses one of the critical principles of the PRINCE2 method: the management by exception. Managing by exception is a key pillar to save time and the overload of communications by setting boundaries of action and escalating issues. This principle is useful in every type of project and every method.
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Leveraging your Product Development Results with the Kano Model
(Mar 15, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo introduces the Kano Model, one of the easiest and more effective ways to prioritize product and service's features based on their potential to satisfy clients. Listen to the episode to learn more about the five patterns or categories created by Noriaki Kano to classify the features and identify those you should focus on developing.
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The Ebb and Flow of Ideation and Its Role on Brainstorming
(Mar 22, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo shares a concept he saw in a Design Thinking course he did recently: The Ebb and Flow of Ideation. Dev Patnaik introduces this straightforward and effective concept in the Product Development Best Practices Report. It is centered on the concept that better ideas are interspersed with absurd ones during ideation, and a wild idea is the fuel to generate new brilliant ones.
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Reflections on the Impact of the Suez Canal Blockage: Reassessing Enterprise Risks
(Mar 29, 2021)
Ricardo tries to see the incident from different perspectives. From the standpoint of Evergreen Marine (ship operator) to the other shipping companies. From the perspective of the Egyptian government to the perspective of countries that rely heavily on global trade. Finally, he discusses your view as someone managing a project that relies on equipment or supplies coming from the other side of the world.
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3 Tips to Find Our Way Out of the Labyrinth of Imperfect Information
(Apr 19, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo reflects on how our experiences, the media, and the different voices of society affect our perception of risks. We often increase, decrease or disregard the relevance of different threats and opportunities due to imperfect and biased information we receive every day. Ricardo also shares three simple tips you should always keep in mind to analyze future risk scenarios in the best possible way.
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The Paranoia of Control Can Kill Your Project
(Jun 07, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses the proper level of control we need to have on a project, preventing the rise of chaos or the construction of an empire out of papers and reports. Hear more on the podcast.
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Peter Principle of Incompetency
(Jul 26, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about how good people can become incompetent when promoted to positions that require different skills than those that make them stand out. Ricardo gives tips on preparing ourselves not to fall into this trap and grow in organizations with the necessary skills. Listen to the new podcast episode to know more.
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Artificial Intelligence in Projects - Part 1/2 - Definitions and Uses
(Nov 22, 2021)
In this week and next, Ricardo talks about the uses, benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence applied to the project scenario. He explains that artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that seeks to develop equipment and software capable of performing tasks that are typically human, giving examples of products that use artificial intelligence to replace and facilitate our work.
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Artificial Intelligence in Projects - Part 2/2 - Challenges
(Nov 29, 2021)
In this second episode of the series, Ricardo talks about three challenges to applying Artificial Intelligence in project management and product development in general. The first challenge is regarding the quality of the data that will be used.
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There is No “One Size Fits All” Solution: The Importance of Tailoring
(Apr 25, 2022)
In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about customizing methods and approaches in project management. He explains that we insist on finding a solution that solves all the problems in the project, but in reality, there is no "One size fits all." No methodology or approach is universally perfect for all scenarios, and the nature of the project and the very definition presuppose something unique.
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Forensic Planning: Using Project Management to Address Claims, Disputes and Litigations
(May 17, 2022)
In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about Forensic Planning, explaining that this is an area of Project Management widely used for claims, litigation, and lawsuits. Often in capital projects or large projects, delays and other types of disruption happen when parties disagree on which side is responsible. This type of work attempts to assess and support the parties in the solution and identify the root cause of the problem.
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Evaluating 5 Applications of AI in Project Management based on Impact and Complexity to Implement
(Jun 13, 2022)
In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the potential applications of artificial intelligence in projects and compares the different impacts and implementation complexity of each of them. He comments that a project that is self-managed in all dimensions by Artificial Intelligence will have a tremendous impact on both the people involved in the project and the project itself.
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Remember That the Law of Diminishing Returns Also Applies to Your Project Management Efforts
(Aug 01, 2022)
In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Law of Diminishing Returns applied to the effort we make to manage projects. We often doubt how much management is worth, and we try to simplify management as much as possible to avoid bureaucracy when we spend a lot of time in meetings or filling out documents and templates without reaching any results.
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Why Chaotic Systems Matter to My Work
(Sep 12, 2022)
In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the connection between Chaotic Systems and the behavior of risks in the project. Chaotic systems are highly disordered and unpredictable, where minor changes in initial parameters cause drastic changes in the future. Consider the global shipping crisis.
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The Relevance of the Right Project Governance
(Oct 31, 2022)
This week, Ricardo discusses decision-making processes in the context of projects, the "governance" component of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) acronym. He explains that knowledge of governance, the organizational framework used to oversee projects, is crucial for effective decision-making. This structure and processes are used to make decisions about approving changes and planning the next steps based on project findings.
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3 Reasons Why We Make So Many Mistakes While Deciding
(Feb 27, 2023)
In this week's podcast, Ricardo discusses some common mistakes that can be made when making decisions in various contexts, such as a project. Our decision may have positive and negative consequences depending on the circumstances because we may have to sacrifice to achieve our objectives. To avoid errors, we must first understand the relationship between the decision and its outcomes (a good result does not always mean a good decision).
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