Web Apps By Charles Brown

PM Approach

When I start discussions with a client, I perform a rigorous definition of the scope of the project so that there is no question what the project requires and whether or not it is feasible to do (Concept Phase).

When the client is in agreement with that definition, I then create a more detailed project analysis, outlining phases, tasks, and resources needed so that a total cost and schedule can be produced (Planning Phase). Again, the client must review and sign off before any billible work begins. This becomes the project baseline or budget.

Next I would create the product, for example creating software, which would be the Programming Phase, followed by the Testing Phase. When testing is complete and acceptable to the client, the Implementation Phase can begin. This is the actual rollout to a production environment accessible by the client.

When this is complete and all final tuning is done, I then would finalize the project in the Closure Phase.

Through each project phase, I log actual costs (labor and material) to each task on a daily basis so that up to date project status and visibility is available for review by all stakeholders. All of these steps ensure that a quality product is produced, in a timely manner, that meets the customers expectations.

Customer Portal

I also provide a tailored, secured Customer Portal for each customer to provide real-time detail about their project - ie Overview, Project Resources, Schedule, Documents, KPI's, and Issues Log, accessible from the Internet. See example below:

Concept
Planning
Programming
Testing
Implementation
Closure

Flowcharts - Visio
Scheduling - Project
Requirements - Word/Excel
Security Matrix - Word/Excel