Web Project ManagementStrategies for chaotic web projects

A Web Project…Building a few web pages for a client in town

Developing a simple web application that collects client information

Extensive Content Management System

The ChaosDeveloper working out of their basement from

12-7am

Designer that doesn’t answer email

Client that wants to change something every other day

Content that hasn’t been written

Server hosting that is unreliable at the moment due to twitter outage

A Project is… “a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result”

– PMBOK Guide (2004)

Triple ConstraintScope

Time

Cost

Triple ConstraintWhat am I building?

How long will it take?

How much will it cost to develop? How much do I charge for it?

Dealing with the “what”Project sponsor (client) asks for something that

needs to be built

Meet with client and develop a clear scope along with timeline

Sketch out application

Call in resources you need

Develop application, get feedback, tweak, done.

What really happens“I would like a web site that looks like (insert

newsworthy site of the week)”

“Next month would be perfect”

“Oh and can we have video?”

“And a live chat?”

“We would also like our users to sign in and have customizable features.”

Learn a little from software engineeringUnderstand clearly what you are doing

Risk management

Client management

Version control

Define what you are doing.

Break the project into manageable blocks

What is the critical path?

Clarity

Developers

Identify resourcesWho do you sub-contract with?

What can they do? Did you ask them? Do you know or have you seen?

Is there a line of communication between you and your resources even when not working together?

Identify risksWhat could cause this project to be delayed or

fail?

What will you do about them?

How much will it cost (time/money)?

Get the project sponsor involvedUse Basecamp or excel or a word document

Break down the project for the sponsor (and you)

Provide time estimates for each phase

Follow-up with daily/weekly updates on progress

Share information.

Learn how to use version control software.

Use a process that works for you.

Other methods?GTD

Waterfall

Agile/Extreme

About meJesse Rodgers

Member of the Special Projects Group at the University of Waterloo

Blog: http://whoyoucallingajesse.com

Email: jrrodgers@gmail.com