Initial Concepts
Learn the basic concepts involved in project management and understand why so many people do a lot of confusion to know what is a project.
This playlist has 137 episodes.
Listen on Spotify
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Project Scope Management
(Feb 26, 2007)
Learn with Ricardo Vargas about one of the most important project management areas. The scope management usually doesnÆt receive the requested attention coming from the main stakeholders. Learn also the different kind of scope. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management Worldwide
(Mar 26, 2007)
Ricardo Vargas talks In this podcast about project management growth worldwide. He shows his perceptions based on his participation at the PMI Global Congress Asia Pacific, that happened in Hong Kong last January. Ricardo expects a huge growth for the profession and sees Brazil going in the same direction. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Main Scope Mistakes
(Apr 13, 2007)
Following the previous podcasts, Ricardo Vargas talks about the importance of a well defined scope to the project success and the most common mistakes related to project scope management. He uses day-by-day examples to clarify the subject. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in the Movie
(May 28, 2007)
See in this podcast the testimony of Ricardo Vargas about the movies related to the project management application. In this podcast he associate parts of movies with day by day activities, highlighting the failures and mistakes occurred and makes his conclusions. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in the Movies - Part 2
(Jun 04, 2007)
This week, Ricardo Vargas continues the discussion about his experience of teach and learn project management using movies. See in the next 5 minutes more details about project management use in the movies. Verify other viewpoints of Ricardo Vargas and new conclusions about the examples presented in the movies. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Easy, Practical and Direct
(Jul 13, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about his perception of how to properly manage projects. He believes that only simple solutions, direct and practical work. Most complex solutions serve only as a theoretical framework and simple solutions often solve the problem. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese.
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Procurement Management
(Jul 16, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about procurement management and third parts in projects, including contract types and risks relatedto them. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in Brazil
(Jul 23, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the status and profile of Project Management in Brazil, it's characteristics and challenges. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in Brazil - Part II
(Jul 30, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo vargas continues de discussion about the use and trends of Project Management in Brazil. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Qualitative Risk Analysis
(Aug 13, 2007)
In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the qualitative risk analysis in projects.
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Project Communications Management
(Sep 03, 2007)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of communication in projects and their direct interference with the success or failure of the project. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Quality Management
(Sep 10, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas approaches the project quality management concept. He presents the importance of quality in projects, discuss about product x project quality, as also the interface with other knowledge areas and the wrong understanding about. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in Small Companies
(Oct 15, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo answers many requests for this theme and talks about project management in small companies. He presents the main differences between a large size project and a small project, where many times the sponsor, the project manager and the client are the same person. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Time Management
(Oct 22, 2007)
In this podcast Ricardo approaches the most classical knowledge area in project management, the project time management. He talks about the importance of understand project time management as part of an integrated management, with very low value if considered isolated. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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PERT Analysis
(Oct 29, 2007)
In this podcast, Ricardo introduces the main concepts of PERT Analysis, mechanism of calculation that uses the optimist, most probable and pessimistic duration in order to determine the expected duration of the task, allowing that the statistical concepts of standard deviation and variance be determined and then, the numerical probability of project duration accomplishment be calculated. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese.
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Developing the Risk Responses
(Dec 03, 2007)
In this podcast, Ricardo approaches the most diverse responses that could be given to project risks, aiming to reduce the total level of exposition of the project, as also improve the chances of new opportunities. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Early Finish
(Dec 17, 2007)
Many times during the crisis management, the last alternative to the organization is to abort the project. However the cancelling process could be significantly traumatic to the organization. In this podcast Ricardo talks about strategies to early finish the project aiming to minimize the damage aggravated by the crisis. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in Day By Day
(Jan 07, 2008)
In the first podcast of 2008, Ricardo Vargas approaches again the project management use in our day by day activities. He introduces the importance of the cultural challenges faced by project managers and how to deal with this in our day by day. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Feedback Process
(Jan 21, 2008)
In this podcast Ricardo approaches one of the most important mechanisms of communications in projects: feedback. He talksthe importance of the process and the basic concepts of Johari Window. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in the Public Sector's
(Jan 28, 2008)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about project management in the public sector, discusses its characteristics and peculiarities, and also briefly talks about the Government Extension of the PMBoK. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Microsoft Office Project 2007
(Feb 18, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about Microsoft Office Project 2007 and the release of his ninth book - Microsoft Office Project 2007 Standard & Professional. He also talks about the new features, usability and the learning path to Microsoft Office Project 2007. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Documentation in Projects
(Mar 10, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of documentation in projects, the problems that stem from a badly produced documentation and the use of technology to expedite the documentation process. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Softwares for Project Management
(Apr 07, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the software that supports project managers and what it takes to be a good tool. He also talks about the importance of having committed companies behind the good tools, so as to assure the continuity of this software. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Mindmaps
(Apr 21, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about mind maps - a powerful visual technique that is of great aid to project management. He explains the mindmap principles and how to use them. Mindmaps can also be a great tool for communication in projects. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in the Third Sector
(Apr 28, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project management in the third sector (NGOs - non government organizations and nonprofit organizations). He mentions examples like the UN, the PMI's Educational Foundation program and other initiatives from various countries in the areas of sanitation and infrastructure.
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Project Management in the Academic Sector
(May 12, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management in the academic sector (schools and universities). He also talks about the courses on project management that these institutions offer and the importance to have a Project Management Office to support the projects in the fields of research, medicine, entrepreneurism, etc. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management in Marketing
(Jun 02, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management applied to Marketing and how to balance the schedule, budget, WBS and organize a marketing project. He also presents some examples of projects in Marketing. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Management of Information Technology
(Jun 10, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management in Information Technology. He talks about the speed of the changes that are natural to IT, the several available technologies for project management and also the importance of the human side in a project. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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WBS
(Jul 07, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and explains that it is a visual graphic representation of the project. He also mentions how it should be split up to reaching a work package. He explains the best way to decompose it so that it doesn't get too much or too little detailed. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Organizational structure
(Jul 14, 2008)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the models of organizational structures and their influence in the project. He explains that each model has its strengths and weaknesses and that in some companies, there are more than one organizational structure. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Rolling Wave Planning
(Nov 17, 2008)
In this podcast, the Ricardo talks about Rolling Wave Planning. He explained that the planning is more detail in the near term and detail in high level in the far term. Ricardo notes that this procedure is indicated when the project has a long duration (more than 1 year), where the horizon and estimate of cost and time is poor. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Project Change Control Board (CCB)
(Nov 24, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo explains what is, how works and how relevant is the project change control board (CCB), the most important team inside each project. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Product Management x Project Management
(Dec 01, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo tries to differentiate the concept of project management and product management (management of the product generated by the project. Despite the same origin, the approach strategies of these 2 management practices are significantly different. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Social and Professional Responsibility
(Dec 08, 2008)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of creating the business in a correct manner, that is, how to generate prosperity with responsibility. He also says that project management is one of the best ways to bring prosperity to the world and that during a negotiation you have to foster a relationship where both suppliers and buyers can win. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese.
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Kick-off Meeting
(Jan 19, 2009)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of the kick-off meeting of the project, who should be invited, what the content should be and also the recommended duration for this meeting. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Baseline
(Feb 02, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the project baselines and explains why every project must have a baseline to be used as a control reference. He also shows how the baselines should be created. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Security Information in Projects
(Feb 16, 2009)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about confidential projects that demand a security information and the projects where the dissemination of information makes a çompetitive differential for the Project Manager. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Lessons Learned
(Feb 23, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo explains what are lessons learned and the benefits that we can reap by documenting all relevant project information. He also shows how to document the lessons learned and the resources that can be used in the documentation. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.
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Assumptions and Constraints in Projects
(Apr 13, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas differentiate the concept of assumption from the concept of constraint in a project, associating the risks intrinsic to the proper choice of a set of assumptions for the project.
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Agile Project Management and Scrum 1 of 2
(May 25, 2009)
This week Ricardo introduces one of the most requested themes for podcasts, talking about agile project management and Scrum. First of a series of 2 podcasts about the subject. He had initial contact with Agile and Scrum and tried in this podcast to talk a little more about how Agile and Scrum work. It is important to emphasize that Ricardo is not a specialist in this subject.
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Agile Project Management and Scrum 2 of 2
(Jun 01, 2009)
This week Ricardo continues the talk about agile project management and Scrum. In this podcast, Ricardo shows his perceptions about the use of agile and how this can be used in conjunction with PMBOK Guide and other aprroaches to a successful Project Mangement practice. Second podcast about the subject.
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The Cost of Quality
(Jun 22, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the concept of quality vs. the costs included to deliver the quality. He shows that the costs related to the creation of attributes that aren't perceived by the client are a direct waste of capital. On the other side, the costs related to the production of real value that is perceived by the client are considered an investment in the project quality.
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Project Versus Routine
(Jul 13, 2009)
Podcast that Ricardo presents and discuss in 5 minutes the main concepts and differences of projects and routine, talking in a practical way the limits that discriminate the routine work and project work.
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Importance of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to the Project Cost Management
(Aug 17, 2009)
In this podcast Ricardo discuss the relevance of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to the Project Cost Management, specifically during the budget estimating. The podcast also discuss the influence of the WBS quality to the budget quality and the difference between cost and price in a project.
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Integrated Change Control System
(Feb 08, 2010)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the importance of project change management. He assert that the relevant is not to avoid the change, but manage it in a proper and assertive way, aiming the global benefit for the project.
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The utilization of standards, frameworks and methodologies for Project Management
(Feb 15, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the knowledge of the various standards, frameworks, and methodologies that project managers should have. He explains that the project manager must have the ability to understand a problem and solve it using various solutions for project management, making a mix, and if necessary, creating your own model.
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Project Management in Financial Institutions
(Apr 05, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management in financial institutions, where the product is money itself. He also talks about the importance of technology to facilitate the client's work and provide accurate and quick financial transactions.
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Why I need to understand the concept and know how to calculate the project critical path?
(Jun 14, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project critical path and explains that the use of software to calculate the critical path, causes the manager to forget the basics and concepts of project management. Ricardo also explains that the critical path consists of the activities that directly determine the duration of the project and these activities are not necessarily more expensive or riskier in the project.
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Contingency Reserves x Management Reserves
(Jun 21, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between the Contingency Reserve and the Management Reserves. He explains that both work with a financial protection for the project and that the management reserve is about the perception of the risks of the company.
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Born or Not to Born with Soft Skills? This is the Question
(Jul 12, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the soft skills of leadership. He gives tips to capitalize on these skills and explains the difference between being born with these skills or acquiring them with training.
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Free Slack and Total Slack in Projects
(Jul 19, 2010)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the difference between total slack and free slack in projects. He explains clearly how to identify the free slack and total slack, through a practical example.
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When Redefine the Project Baseline
(Jul 26, 2010)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the concept of project baseline and discusses in which conditions is acceptable to redefine the baseline.
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The Cost of Project Management
(Aug 02, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo explains where the costs related to project management should be registered. He points that, according to surveys, the costs of project management range from 0.5% to 2% of the project total costs, and that, even though many people consider 1% to be expensive, when any error arises from the lack of an adequate management, the correcting costs are much higher than just 1%.
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Resource Leveling
(Aug 16, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the resource leveling and when it should be done. He explains that this is a complex task that requires a cost-benefit analysis and decision making, and do this task only through software is not the best decision.
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What is the real meaning of the word project?
(Aug 23, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the definition of the word "project". He says that the word "project" has two meanings. The first is related to the endeavor needed to produce a unique product or service, as presented in the PMBOK® Guide.
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Project Management in Services
(Sep 15, 2010)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about projects in services. He explains that many people associate projects … to major constructions and tangible products, but a training program or an improvement in the organization are also projects. He remembers that the project is to be temporary and unique and the service sector benefits greatly by using the best practices in Project Management.
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How to Do Everything Wrong in a Project: The New Brazilian Power Socket
(Sep 20, 2010)
In this podcast Ricardo talks about the compulsory change in the power socket to the new standard. He aims to analyze what he believes are the main failures in the project with respect to the reasons for the change, including the increase in competitiveness for the Brazilian industry, and the decision process based contrary of what we call global marketplace.
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The Percent Complete Problem
(Jan 17, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the most common mistakes people make when calculating the percentage of completion of a phase or activity group in the schedule. He explains that when calculating this percentage, we need to consider the total duration of phase or group and the worked hours.
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Defining Project Success - Part 1 of 2
(Jan 31, 2011)
In this podcast Ricardo discusses the importance of characterizing the successful execution of a project by the regularity and precision of results and not by overcoming the plan. The project plan should be implemented and not necessarily overcome. The worries with deadlines and challenging costs should be part of initial planning and not part of the project execution. Part 1 of 2.
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Defining Project Success – Part 2 of 2
(Feb 06, 2011)
In this second podcast of the series, Ricardo talks about the success in projects from the perspective of the sponsor or the executive. He explains that the project must be aligned with the company's strategic planning, generate strategic benefits, financial results and that these benefits should be defined at the initiation of the project.
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Procurement Management and Claims
(Mar 30, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the relationship between suppliers and customers, the process of procurement management and claims. He explains that often the claim generates a discomfort between the parties and that the best way to avoid this problem is to plan the project in the best possible way, defining in detail the scope and trying to document all the changes during the project.
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Where do I document the project objective?
(May 10, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project objectives and in which document it should be written. He explains that the Project Charter is the document where the project is born and the Scope Statement is a response to the Project Charter and is where the work being done is more detailed.
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Why Time Management is Irrelevant in a Project?
(May 30, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about time management in projects, he explains that many people are tied to time management and comments that the delay acts as a thermometer, but it may not necessarily be a problem in time management and it can result in poor management of scope, human resources or other problems that the project manager may not identify.
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WBS and the Deliverables Orientation: How to Implement the Same Tasks in Several Departments
(Jul 18, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how to create a WBS. He explains that even though there are no specific rules to create a WBS, the most important thing is to allow the ones who will execute the work to fully understand what needs to be done.
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Project Indicators X Project Management Indicators
(Aug 01, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between the project indicators and indicators of project management. He explains that the project indicators measure the expected benefits and these usually appear after the project ended, but the indicators of project management are related to control during project execution, where planned deliveries are compared with performed deliveries.
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Project Quality Requirements
(Aug 18, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project quality requirements, he explains that sometimes the quality requirements are set when the project is near the end, and sometimes the project manager does not involve the customer early in the project and the requirements are made in the light of their understanding. Ricardo also explains that the quality requirements need to be tangible and relevant.
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Understanding the Criterion, the Conditions and the Thresholds of a Quality Requirements
(Aug 22, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the criteria for quality requirements, he explains that the criterion is the object on which the quality requirement is being measured. Ricardo also talks about why the conditions to meet a quality criteria have a thresholds which is how long this condition meets the criteria and when it does not meet.
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Rethinking the concept of Multitasking and Simultaneous Projects
(Nov 14, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about executing multiple projects simultaneously and using the same resources, i.e. multitasking. He explains that we often think that sharing resources across multiple projects can generate the perception that work is evolving, but this can cause delays and loss of quality in work. Ricardo suggests that it is better to concentrate efforts on one project at a time than to do it all at once.
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When is the best time to do the Project Kick-off Meeting?
(Nov 28, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the time that the project kick-off meeting should be performed. He explains that as the size of the project, the kick-off meeting does not necessarily have to be just one but many. Ricardo shows that we can have a kick-off meeting early in the project where the WBS is still wider, and we can have another kick-off meeting once the plan is ready.
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When is the best moment to implement Project Management Software
(Dec 05, 2011)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the support tools for project management and the best time to install them. He explains that much software on the market is excellent, but installing a project management tool without a defined methodological process can be a big mistake because the tool must be adapted to the work process.
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Mandatory Relationships x Discretionary Relationships
(Jan 24, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about mandatory dependencies and discretionary dependencies between the activities of the project. He explains that a mandatory dependency is one that needs to be physically respected and discretionary is one that is made to generate a greater benefit for the project, whether in management or in the results. Ricardo also shows several examples of these two relations of dependence.
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Replanning x Rescheduling a Project
(Mar 15, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas discusses the main differences between replanning and rescheduling a project. Although both have as their objective to apply the decisions of the change control process, the approach and scope of changes in each case are significantly different.
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What is the Difference Between WBS Item, Work Package, Tasks and WBS Dictionary?
(Mar 26, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks in detail about the components of the WBS. He gives several examples and tips, and explains that the WBS is a fundamental tool for the project and will ensure that the project will deliver the service or product that is being done in the least amount of work possible.
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10 Reasons for Project Failure - Part 1 of 2
(Apr 05, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the 10 main causes of project failure. Just knowing what can go wrong in our project, helps us to avoid it. Five causes are discussed this week and the other five, next week. Ricardo also comments briefly on the PMI Pulse 2012, recently published by PMI.
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10 Reasons for Project Failure - Part 2 of 2
(Apr 10, 2012)
In this second podcast in the series, Ricardo talks about five more causes for the failure of a project. He commented about the importance of communication, project planning, change management, leadership and resources for the project.
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Make or Buy Decision
(Apr 17, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the choice of producing a work or service internally or purchase thru a supplier. He shows five items that are important when making the decision and also explains that there are other important criteria for choosing to make or buy than the costs involved.
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"Done is Better than Perfect": What you an learn with this quote
(Apr 30, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo explains that the project manager should seek to simplify the way he/she leads the projects. In the quest for perfection, many people often create methodologies which are too complex to be used and end up not being used at all. He mentions a methodology he once created, pinpointing ways that enable the simplification of the procedures necessary to manage projects.
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Why we Need to Differentiate Assumptions and Constraints
(May 14, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo explains why we should separate Assumptions from Constraints in the project management and do not consider them as similar. You'll learn why the approach strategies should be distinct.
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The Four Stages of Learning and Their Applicability in the Understanding of Projects
(May 21, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about learning techniques and their applicability in the understanding of projects. He explains what are the four stages of learning and how they are divided into two areas: Competence and Conscience.
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5 Tips For Selling Project Management in your Company
(Jun 11, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo gives us 5 tips on how to sell the idea of project management to people outside the area, i.e., how we can do the right marketing for people with different perceptions of those from projects managers.
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5 Ideas to Mitigate the Scope Changes in Your Project - Part 1 of 2
(Jun 27, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how can we minimize scope changes in a project. He explains that we need to have a connection between the functional scope, client-oriented, and the technical scope, that is team-oriented. And that we also should make a plan as detailed as possible. Next week, listen to the continuation of this podcast, where Ricardo will suggest three other control measures:
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5 Ideas to Mitigate the Scope Changes in Your Project - Part 2 of 2
(Jul 02, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about how can we minimize scope changes in a project. He suggests another three other control measures: the formalization, the phasing of the project and the rolling wave planning.
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Using Generic Resources in the Resource Allocation
(Jul 16, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the challenges of resource allocation and explains a technique based on the allocation of generic skills (or positions) needed for the project.
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When Much sometimes is Too Much
(Jul 23, 2012)
In this podcast, listen Ricardo's opinion on the level of detail of the project scope. How much detail we have to pursue? What is a good size for a work package?
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Understanding the Delphi Technique
(Jul 30, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks a little bit about the Delphi technique and it's use beyond project risk identification. He gives tips on how to use it correctly, and also talks about the advantages and disadvantages of this technique.
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The Gray Area between Projects and Processes
(Aug 06, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the "gray area" where mingle conceptually projects and processes. He cites some examples to explain what distinguishes a project of a routine process.
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Project Management as a Life Skill
(Sep 03, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo invites us to think in the Project Management concepts as skills for the personal and professional lives of any person, not just project managers. Much of what is discussed in project management and many of its tools may be useful in various professions such as lawyers, teachers, writers, etc.
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Project Feasibility Study x Project Plan and Execution: Understanding the Frontiers
(Sep 17, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo explains that an Analysis of Feasibility of a Project should be seen as a project by itself, with all the characteristics of a project, having a Project Charter, a schedule, a WBS etc. The analysis may demonstrate that the project under study is not feasible, but that does not mean that the feasibility study was a failure. Understand the reason.
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Success Factors in Project Control
(Sep 24, 2012)
In this podcast, Ricardo addresses the factors that matter when you're controlling a project. He describes the top 3 factors that every Project Manager should address to effectively control the project.
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Understanding the Difference Between Cost and Price
(Jan 14, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between cost and price. Many people are confused and Ricardo explains what's behind each one, differentiating them.
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The WBS Dictionary
(Jan 21, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Dictionary. He explains that this document may be called the work packages instruction manual and gives tips on how to plan well your dictionary.
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Handling Similar Projects
(Mar 25, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how to manage similar projects with many features in common. He suggests the creation of information components and templates, like Lego bricks, which together will speed up the process of producing, for instance, of the scope and project budget documents, according to customer request.
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Why it is worth using the 3-point estimates to determine the project duration?
(May 06, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the advantage of making three-point estimates. He gives tips on how we can obtain more effectively estimates from team members and how we can quickly get important information about the project.
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3 Success Factors in the Procurement Process
(Jun 10, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the dangers of underestimate the complexity of the procurement management. He gives three tips on how we can increase the chance of success in our projects. They are: 1 - Seek knowledge about what will be purchased; … 2 - Analyze the total cost of acquisition, not just the price; … 3 - Associate payment events to deliveries on your project.
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Understanding the Rolling Wave Planning
(Jul 15, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the concept of Rolling Wave Planning, which deals with the progressive elaboration of the project scope. He presents the pros and cons of this technique, giving answers to questions such as: "How do I get the detail work that will happen in the 2nd week of the 14th month in my project?"
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Superman, Darth Vader or Poor Man? Who is Really the Project Manager?
(Jul 22, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo gives his opinion about a topic discussed on social networks all the time: who is the project manager? Ricardo addresses three possibilities, would the project manager be a superman, an evil being or a poor man?
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The New Features of Microsoft Project 2013
(Jul 29, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the release of his new book, "Microsoft Project 2013: Standard, Professional e Pro para Office 365", co-written with Allan Rocha, Microsoft Valuable Professional (MVP). The book addresses the new features presented in this new version of the software and maintains the characteristics of the series of books about Project initiated by Ricardo in the book "Gerenciamento de Projetos com o Microsoft Project 98".
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Workaround: The 2 Sides of the Same Coin
(Aug 05, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo throws the question: is improvisation during a project always something negative? He cites scenarios where improvisation can be good and how we can take advantage of that.
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Understanding the Project Closeout
(Sep 16, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the process of project closure. He explains the various reasons why it is important to make the closing correctly and lists the documents required for this phase of the project.
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Understanding that Processes and Projects are not the same thing
(Oct 21, 2013)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the differences between processes and projects. There is still much confusion in people's minds about the characteristics and purposes of one or the other. Ricardo seeks to remedy this confusion by bringing a few examples that illustrate each case.
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Who will do the technical work of the project? Is it the Project Manager?
(Dec 04, 2013)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about a question that is one of the most frequent in the project area: Must the project manager have technical knowledge regarding the project product? An engineering project, for example, must necessarily be managed by an engineer?
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Lines of Balance - Part 1 of 2
(Jan 06, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo begins to explain what Line of Balance are and how can they be used. He gives an example of how to plan repetitive tasks in order to achieve optimal resources allocation and also know how the project's speed and progress evolve. Next week, he will bring an example related to elections.
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Lines of Balance - Part 2 of 2
(Jan 12, 2014)
In this second part of the podcast about Lines of Balance, Ricardo talks more about how this concept can be used in the project's planning and control phases. This time, Ricardo gives an example about the application of lines of balance in an election vote counting process. Do not forget to listen to the first part of this podcast.
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Measuring the Physical Progress of the Project
(Jan 20, 2014)
How to measure how far you are to finish a task where creativity is relevant and inspiration can accelerate or decelerate the progress? In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how we can best measure the real physical progress of the project and explains the application of the concept of anchoring and the WBS decomposition.
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Do you really know the meaning of the different tasks relationships? - Part 1 of 2
(Jan 27, 2014)
In this first podcast of two, Ricardo talks about the types of relationships between the activities in the schedule. It's a simple concept but a lot of people do not fully understand when putting it into practice. This week, Ricardo explains when to use the Finish-to-Start and Start-to-Start links. Next week, he will talk about the remaining two types, the End-to-End, and Start-to-Finish.
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Do you really know the meaning of the different tasks relationships? - Part 2 of 2
(Feb 03, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about the types of relationships between the activities in the schedule. Today he tackles the Finish-to-Finish and the Start-to-Finish types. In the end, he leaves a great tip.
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Where should I register the assumptions and restrictions?
(Mar 26, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo explains that, unlike what many people think, the assumptions and restrictions (or constraints) often need to be registered not only in one but in several documents throughout the progression of the project planning.
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Understanding the Effort Driven Task in a Project
(Jun 16, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the effort driven tasks. He explains their advantages and how we can use them in our project management.
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FIDIC Contracts: Scope, Risks and Procurement Processes
(Jun 23, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the types of contracts of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). These contracts are widely used in engineering projects and published as books. Ricardo explains that the contracts are well prepared, bringing best practices that can be applied to various types of projects. Visit the site of the federation at http://fidic.org/
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Understanding the Change Components and the Projects
(Jun 30, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about projects as change agents. How can a project help us to improve the way to run our business or to change the business components in the face of a new competitor?
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Understanding the Early Closure of a Project
(Jul 22, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about what characterizes an early closure of a project. He clarifies that it is not the same as abandoning the project. He mentions possible causes and explains that there's an entire closing process to follow after making the decision.
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Understanding the relation between the Scope size and the associated Risks
(Sep 22, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the relationship between the risks and the project scope. Not just the clarity of the scope, but also its amplitude, contribute to the amount of risk that must be managed.
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The Responsibility Assignment Matrix – RACI
(Oct 22, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the responsibility assignment matrix – RACI, a handy information tool in Human Resources, Communications and Stakeholders management. This matrix associate tasks and the people/functions responsible for them using the categories: Responsible (R), Accountable (A), Consulted (C) and Informed (I).
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The Danger of Multitasking in Projects
(Nov 11, 2014)
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the danger of performing multiple tasks without understanding the implications. He explains that we must always consider the residual time between tasks and the real time (or Takt Time) of each task. The Takt Time concept, according to the www.businessdictionary.com, is an adjustable time unit used in lean production to synchronize the rate of production with the rate of demand.
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Why is Change Management Important? Part 1 of 2
(May 20, 2015)
In this episode, Ricardo shares, inspired by a certification course he's attending this week, several interesting points about Change Management. He emphasizes that people hate change and show how the project manager should address the different impacts of the change on his or her projects.
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Why is Change Management Important? Part 2 of 2
(May 25, 2015)
In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about Change Management. He explains the change curve by giving examples that help illustrate the stages people go when they face change and what is the role of the project manager in the process.
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Modeling and Optimizing Schedules with Line of Balance and Start-Finish Relationships
(Jun 01, 2015)
In this episode, Ricardo explains the benefits of using the Line of Balance with Start-to-Finish relationships, especially on projects with repetitive tasks. This podcast is based on the latest article published on his site. Read the article at http://www.ricardo-vargas.com/articles/modelling-and-optimizing-schedules-with-line-of-balance-and-start-finish-relationship/
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Trust Tree
(Feb 16, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo through the trust tree metaphor shows what the project manager needs to sow and cultivate trust on his work and on the project success, among the project’s team and stakeholders.
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Do you Report Sustainability Aspects of Your Project? – Part 1 of 2
(May 03, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the "Global Reporting Initiative", an association that develops standards that help organizations of various sectors to identify and report what they do to build a more sustainable world, which goes beyond the environmental aspect.
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Do you Report Sustainability Aspects of Your Project? – Part 2 of 2
(May 09, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about the "Global Reporting Initiative" and how one can report sustainability aspects in his/her projects and why this is relevant to the organization and to the society.
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What are the Environmental Factors and the Organizational Process Assets of the PMBOK® Guide?
(May 23, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about two terms that appear very often throughout the PMBOK® Guide and usually generate a lot of questions from those who are starting in project management.
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Understand the Role of Cognitive Bias in Communication
(Jul 04, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the most common cognitive biases that may be present in our daily communications, and how can we learn to handle them in negotiations, meetings and presentations. Learn about other biases in this infographic published on Business Insider: http://rvarg.as/bias
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The Role of Engineering in the Projects
(Jul 28, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo explains the differences between the role of an engineer and of a project manager. He tries to answer once and for all the doubts that many people have to understand these two roles in a project environment.
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Project Charter by Project Phase
(Aug 09, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo explains when it's a good idea to split a project into phases/stages. He also pointed out that nothing prevents us from using different methodologies to manage each of these stages, if that contributes to project success, of course.
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What is the difference between managing a risk and managing an issue?
(Aug 23, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo explains something that many people still confuse, are risks and problems the same things? He also gives tips on how to manage problems, small or large ones, effectively.
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Operation Management x Project Management
(Sep 19, 2016)
In this episode, Ricardo explains the differences between project and production/operations management, giving characteristics and examples of both areas.
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Programs, Projects, and Work Packages: A practical example
(Jan 08, 2018)
In this episode, Ricardo discusses how you can decompose a program into the respective projects and their components. He uses the example of a Course or Degree being divided into disciplines and classes. In the end, Ricardo addresses a fundamental question: Is a class a routine or a work package? Listen to the episode to know the answer.
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The best way to read the PMBOK® Guide
(Jan 31, 2018)
In this episode, Ricardo explains how to read the PMBOK® Guide 6th edition in a more productive way, so you can better understand the project management knowledge areas and their processes. Many people believe that the Guide should be read as a traditional book, from the first to the last chapter, but by listening to this episode you will discover that this is not the best way.
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Why is the Fear of Change So Relevant?
(Feb 04, 2019)
In this episode, Ricardo talks about one of the biggest obstacles to any transformation initiative: the fear of change. Fear is one of the fundamental principles of survival itself. However, when fear blocks the ability to progress, it becomes one of the worst enemies of projects and natural evolution.
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Movement is Not Necessarily Progress
(Jun 15, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo tries to define what making progress really is. Many times even brilliant people get trapped thinking that movement = action = progress. Movement for the sake of proving you are doing something is pointless, consumes energy and resources and will not take you and your organization anywhere.
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Stop Worrying About Things You Cannot Control
(Jun 29, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo reflects on our desire for control and how the lack of control can create all sorts of psychological threats which could culminate in poor results for the project, for the organization and for you. Ricardo also talks about mechanisms of acceptance, reaction, adaptation and learning that you should put in place to be effective and deliver positive results in an environment where you do not have control.
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Understanding Scope Statement, Statement of Work and Requirements
(Jul 27, 2020)
In this episode, Ricardo explains the fundamental difference between the scope you define for the project, the procurement documents you may use to source products and services, and the requirements you identify to set the boundaries of the work you need to do. It is essential to highlight that Ricardo does not restrict these documents to waterfall project management.
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How to Get to the Root of a Problem Using the 5 Whys Technique
(Apr 12, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo explains the 5 Whys technique to help you identify the root cause of an event, a specific risk, or even support your decision-making process. The technique, although simple, has nuances that allow you to be more effective and expand its range of uses beyond what was proposed by its creator, the founder of Toyota in the 1930s.
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Understanding the Differences between Product Owner, Scrum Master and Project Manager
(Apr 26, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo explains the fundamental differences between 3 roles in the project environment: the product owner and Scrum Master, widely used when applying Scrum and the Project Manager. All of them have critical roles in supporting their projects to deliver the results. However, each of them comes with a different set of accountabilities and responsibilities. Listen to the podcast to know more.
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Sometimes it is Too Early to Be Late and Too Late to Be Early: Understanding ASAP and ALAP
(Jun 21, 2021)
In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses the misconception related to the "As Soon as Possible" and "As Late as Possible" approaches. Many professionals believe that we should focus on ASAP and avoid procrastination at all costs. But this is not necessarily true. Listen to the Podcast to know more.
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Understanding the Differences Between Conformity and Compliance
(Jul 11, 2022)
In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the difference between compliance and conformity. Compliance and conformity are rules that an organization must always follow. However, the purpose of each is quite different. Often the company decides to follow a specific rule not because it has to but because it is good for the business, such as obtaining ISO certification.
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Why Do We Need to Learn How to Swallow the Fish if We Want to Deliver Successful Projects?
(Jul 10, 2023)
In this week's episode, Ricardo explores a crucial concept for achieving successful project delivery: "swallowing the fish." This idea, originating from the book "Technology as a Service Playbook" by Thomas Lah and JB Wood, is represented by a graph that forms the shape of a fish, depicting a decline in revenue and an increase in expenses.
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