Project Hero Blog - Weekly Best Practices and Tips

The PMP is a Milestone, Not a Destination

For many project managers, earning the Project Management Professional (PMP)® credential is a significant career goal. It’s a highly respected and sought-after professional certification, signifying a thorough understanding of project management principles and practices. But here’s the truth: the PMP is not the finish line. It’s the starting block.

Too o...

Starting a project with an accurate budget is a significant step towards project success. But many project managers view budgeting as a one-time planning exercise, rather than a continuous management process. A well-constructed budget shapes expectations, guides decision-making, and provides the structure that enables the project team to perform effectively.

The crux of managing a budget effectiv...

Organizations understand the need to identify and analyze risks. But few give equal attention to developing a consistent process for risk response planning that turns awareness into action. A well-designed process guides decision-making, reduces cognitive bias, and manages secondary or residual risks arising from those responses.

Without a process, risk management becomes reactive. Decisions are ...

Not long ago, someone questioned the wisdom of holding a weekly project status meeting where the whole team participates to discuss issues and potential requirement changes.

“Wouldn’t that be an expensive meeting?” they asked.

“Sure,” I replied, “but imagine the expense without it.”

That brief exchange encapsulates one of the most persistent misconceptions in project management. Meetings have a...

Project management fundamentals are easy to understand, but mastery takes years of practice. Even the most seasoned project managers can fall into bad habits, leading to poor outcomes. Sometimes, mistakes are subtle, such as overreacting to minor changes or communicating in ways that fail to engage stakeholders. At other times, the errors are more obvious, such as insufficient planning or failing ...

Organization is everything! Projects can easily veer off track without a clear structure, exceed budgets, and miss deadlines. That’s where the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) comes in. A WBS is a foundational tool that helps teams break down complex projects into manageable parts.

What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?

A WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of a project into smaller, more manag...

Delegation is one of the most powerful tools available to a project manager. Yet, many managers struggle with it, often feeling like they need to do everything themselves to ensure quality and efficiency. While this instinct is understandable, failing to delegate can lead to burnout, bottlenecks, and an underdeveloped team. Effective delegation frees time for higher-level strategic tasks, strength...

Budgeting is a critical component of successful projects. Whether you’re working on a small business initiative or a large-scale enterprise project, financial planning determines the viability and execution of your goals. However, many projects run into trouble due to budgeting mistakes, which can lead to delays, quality compromises, or even complete failure. By understanding these common pitfalls...

Microsoft Project is a powerful tool widely used for planning, scheduling, and tracking project progress. While many users rely on its basic functionalities, such as resource definition, task creation, and Gantt charts, there are numerous hidden features that can significantly improve your workflow and productivity. Let’s look into lesser-known features of MS Project that can transform how you man...

Accurately estimating project costs and time is critical for project management success. Without a clear understanding of time and costs, projects are prone to budget overruns, delays, and compromised quality. Whether you're managing a small-scale initiative or a multi-million-dollar endeavor, estimation is a skill that can make or break your project.

This guide explores the essential principles,...