A project manager needs to ensure they have the ability to be organised, which can be extremely difficult when expected to capture all project detail. Wouldn't it be great if Santa did exist and you could send him a list asking, not for a bike or a Barbie, just a simple tool/ document that would make your life a little easier? Well I think I have that tool, an AIR Log and it doesn't involve sending a letter to Lapland, simply click on Centiq's Project Management page and download for free.

What is an AIR Log?

IT Project failure is a topic discussed on many project management forums. A 2008 survey, produced by Harvey Nash, identified that poorly defined scope and requirements combined with weak leadership were the main factors contributing to project failure. Projects were proven to be unsuccessful even when driven by skilled project managers, therefore what would be the risk and impact upon your company be if this service was not even considered or provided?

At Centiq we understand the role of the project manager is central to the effective execution and implementation of any project. The current economic climate has also affected project budgets with mounting pressure for these to be managed more effectively. With this is mind we ensure that project management is always offered to our customers and underpinned with the following pledge; the customer will not be charged for project management services if the project fails to deliver on its agreed objectives.

I recently sat the ITIL V3 foundation course and I hate to admit it, but I really enjoyed it. If anyone is looking to do this course, upon initial reading the amount of acronyms and technical terminology can be daunting but please do not be put off.

I have started watching the new series of the Apprentice and becoming quickly annoyed by the fact that there is a preconception if a team loses it is the Project Manager who should be fired.

From a Prince point of view, the Project Manager is not responsible for delivering the benefits of the project, they are  there to ‘'deliver an outcome that is capable of achieving the benefits''. It is the Project Executive who is in fact responsible as they make all key decisions. The Project Manager really acts as the Executives administrator in producing draft plans, work packages and monitoring progress.

A popular question raised by those new to the Prince Methodology, “to what extent should I apply Prince to my Project”?

From my experience, there should be no set rules and this is simply because each project is different. The approach I like to take is to adapt to the customer’s environment to help me understand their needs and the tools in which they will benefit from.

Recently I took both the Foundation and Practitioner exam and for those of you considering the course, it is tough. Three years at University (100% coursework degree) did not even prepare me for the level of study the course entails.

Once booked on the course you are provided with a Prince 2 handbook (same thickness as the yellow pages) 5 weeks prior to the course commencing and it is suggested that you read this, at least once.