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Project Management Orientation

What’s the Story Behind the Seven Keys to SuccessTM?

The Seven Keys to SuccessTM system was created by and for project managers to provide PMs with a systematic approach for dealing with their unique personal challenges in managing projects.

The original research and design team knew there were many methods and tools for planning and controlling projects and the various disciplines, but none solely addressed the PM’s unique situation and mindset. The team created a consistent and cohesive approach applicable for all types and sizes of projects regardless of the project phase or circumstance. The resulting Seven Keys to SuccessTM is a simple but highly effective system for all PMs to use in pursuing project management excellence and emulating world class project management. 

Many studies validate that appropriate engagement of appropriate stakeholders is the primary driver of project success.  The Seven Keys to Success provides an excellent but simple means for engaging and communicating with not only all key project players but also the executives who must understand the health of the project and take appropriate actions to ensure success.

Some of the highest performing and most successful Project Managers and Team Leaders are invariably doing the essence of the Seven Keys to Success.  This IBM PM approach simply provides a convenient framework and language for leveraging these best practices across all players. The Seven Keys to Success is included as part of WWPMM and is complementary to the other tools and methodologies used in IBM.


How are the Seven Keys to Success used? 

  1. As a common language for communicating about project health with the team, sponsor, and stakeholders
  2. To set consistent Steering Group agendas for effective project governance
  3. To balance and prioritize corrective actions across all project dimensions
  4. A structure and approach for Quality and Risk Reviews
  5. To identify and highlight underlying root causes of unhealthy project situations
  6. As a checklist for decision making, e.g., scope changes
  7. Effective throughout the Project Life Cycle from Opportunity through Defining, Planning, Executing and Closing
1: Getting Started
2: Define the Project Team
3: Team Management
4: Identify and Validate Requirements
5: Create Decomposition Structures
6: Risk Management
7: Project Estimates
8: Project Schedules
9: Change Management
10: Project Control and Execution
Defining the Project
11: Project Management Review
12: Project Closeout
13: Project Management Tool Suite
14: Self-Assessment and Final Exam
Fast Points
Concepts
Seven Keys
Case Study
WWPMM
Mentor
Check Point
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