Washington Chimuzu

Governance in Projects

Governance in Projects

According to Investopedia, “Corporate governance is the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. Establishing and implementing these practices involves balancing the interests of a company’s various internal and external stakeholders.” This system inevitably influences projects. Harvard professors Lynn Paine and Joseph Bower, ...

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Blamestorming in Project Teams

Blamestorming in Project Teams

Success in project management depends heavily on collaboration, accountability, and trust. Yet, in high-pressure environments, such as when deadlines are missed or deliverables fail to meet expectations, a counterproductive phenomenon often emerges: blamestorming. This practice —collectively assigning blame for a failure or setback— may provide temporary relief by identifying a ...

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START WITH “WHY”

Start With “Why”

Simon Sinek’s seminal book, Start With “Why”, emphasizes the significance of having a compelling reason for any endeavor. He argues that a clear “why” inspires focus and clarity—essential ingredients for success. This principle is particularly important in project management, where a lack of a strong rationale can lead to wasted ...

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Dissecting Value

Dissecting Value

What is value? By basic definitions, “value is the worth or usefulness of something. It is the benefit derived relative to the cost or effort invested”. In the context of projects, the Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a more nuanced definition. According to PMI’s 2024 research initiative, value goes beyond ...

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Recipe for project success

Recipe for project success

In his article titled, “Why Wedding Projects Are Never Late” renowned project management expert Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez highlights six elements of successful projects. These include: a compelling purpose, publicly committed deadlines, a well-defined plan, stakeholder buy-in, constant communication and feedback, and clear benefits. If a work breakdown structure were to be ...

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Lights, camera, action!

Lights, camera, action!

For many, the word “project” conjures up images of bridges, roads, and buildings under construction. Yet this narrow perspective is light years away from reality. The truth is that projects permeate every industry imaginable, and, by extension, so do project managers. One of the most vibrant industries that exemplifies the ...

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The Power of Team Chemistry in Project Management: Beyond Strategy and Structure

The Power of Team Chemistry in Project Management: Beyond Strategy and Structure

In project management, success is often narrowly attributed to well-defined goals, structured timelines, and efficient resource allocation. However, an often-overlooked factor is team chemistry—the intangible yet crucial element that determines whether a project soars or stumbles. A team’s ability to blend well can make all the difference in achieving project ...

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