Highlights:
The PGCS 2023 lunchtime webinar program is developed with the support of CASG and the Defence Program and Project Management Community.
To participate in future webinars click here.
2023 Lunchtime Webinar Program:
- The Sophisticated Problem Solver - Teresa Lawrence
- Controlling Projects Without a Critical Path - Patrick Weaver
- Estimation - creating the balance between precision and uncertainty - Barbra Roberts
- Capabilities-Based Planning and Defining and Delivering the Minimum Viable Capability in the
Shortest Possible Time - Glen Alleman (USA) - TBA -
- TBA -
April 2023
The Sophisticated Problem Solver: Separating Idea Generation from Idea Evaluation. Teresa Lawrence.
In life and in work, we encounter problems, challenges, and opportunities. In this session, attendees learn ground rules, thinking tools and experience the power that comes when we separate idea generation from idea evaluation. This “dynamic balance” between divergent thinking (a broad search for many diverse and novel alternatives) and convergent thinking (focused and affirmative evaluation of alternatives) is the crux of critical thinking and creative problem solving. When teams commit to this balance, things like stakeholder engagement, stakeholder identification, risk assessment, requirements collection, Definition of Done and much MUCH more accurate, inclusive and reliable.
This webinar will cover:
(1) The need to separate idea generation from idea evaluation.
(2) The “dynamic balance” between divergent thinking and convergent thinking.
(3) The ground rules and thinking tools needed for effective problem solving.
May 2023
Controlling Projects Without a Critical Path
Patrick Weaver, Mosaic Project Services P/L, Australia
This webinar discusses developments in the control of projects that are not suited to traditional Critical Path scheduling (CMP). CPM assumes there is one right way to undertake the work of a project and this can be modelled in a CPM schedule.
However, experience shows there are many types of project where this assumption is simply not correct, including both agile and distributed projects. There is an ongoing level of flexibility in the sequencing of work that can be exploited to the benefit of the project and the client.
This presentation will:
(1) Define the characteristics of projects that are not suited to CPM, including agile, adaptive, and distributed projects.
(2) Briefly outline some of the contractual issues identified by the courts in attempting to apply CPM to this type of project.
(3) Describe an approach for managing this type of project based on agile and lean, while recognizing there are likely to be some mandatory sequences that must be followed.
(4) Suggest a framework for identifying progress and the predicted project completion date based on Earned Schedule concepts.
(5) Suggest a methodology for assessing delay and disruption in this type of project.
June 2023
Estimation - creating the balance between precision and uncertainty
Barbara Roberts, Agile Transformation Consultant
Estimates need to be viewed from two sides, the requestor, and the creator. All too often there are misunderstandings or mismatched expectations between the two sides, resulting in estimates that do not meet the intended purpose. Building an understanding of how estimating works enables more constructive conversations between the two sides and naturally leads to better estimates. Using a mix of theory and real-life examples, the presentation will cover the following topics:
(1) Basic differences when estimating in an agile environment
(2) Choosing the right estimating style – why and when
(3) Dealing with uncertainty and risk
(4) How to present an estimate.
After participating in the webinar, participants will be better positioned to engage in developing and presenting quality estimates for their projects.
October 2023
Capabilities-Based Planning and Defining and Delivering the Minimum Viable Capability in the Shortest Possible Time.
Glen Alleman, Vice President Program Planning and Controls, Niwot Ridge LLC
A Capabilities-Based Plan defines the Measures of Effectiveness and Measures of Performance needed to accomplish a Mission or fulfil a strategy. These MOEs and MOPs provide the "assessment" for any technical or operational requirements needed to accomplish the Mission or Strategy. In the absence of the MOEs and MOPs and their resulting Capabilities, those requirements are simply a "solution looking for a problem to solve."
The Minimal Viable Capability (MVC) Strategy defines the Minimal Viable Product (MVP), focused on developing the smallest "feature set" needed to fulfil a Mission or Strategy. The MVP is the foundation of Iterative and Incremental development (IID). This approach relies on rapid feedback to shape the solution-based testable measures of effectiveness and performance inside the Framework of Iterative and Incremental development. This approach provides the developers and the recipients of the platform to rapidly respond to changing needs of the Mission or Strategy in the presence of reducible (epistemic) and irreducible (aleatory) uncertainties found on the acquisition of all modern complex system of systems.
After viewing this webinar, you will be equipped with the fundamental knowledge needed to participate in a capabilities-based planning environment.