This blog was created to share information on Quality Issues. I’m an ASQ Certified Quality Engineer and a graduate of Georgia Tech. I have served as Event Website Coordinator and Social Media Manager for ASQ Raleigh for 5 years(2014-2019). In 2015 as part of the American Society for Quality Influential Voices program, I wrote monthly articles.
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I hope you enjoy my writing - Pam Schodt.
Prezi can be another tool in your skill set for making presentations. Instead of preparing PowerPoint slides and moving from one to the next, Prezi uses one large canvas with zooming from place to place as the presentation progresses. YouTube videos can be integrated into the presentation. Prezi is free and accessible from the internet at prezi.com. The following link is to a presentation I prepared for a recent Public Relations class. The topic is the January 2014 chemical spill in West Virginia's Elk River. You can step through the presentation by clicking on the arrows at the bottom of the Prezi screen. Three YouTube videos are incorporated into this presentation. It will take 10-20 minutes to view. Prezi Presentation on Elk River Chemical Spill in January 2014
The following is a minute-long YouTube video about Prezi.
I used Prezi on both Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers. I was unsuccessful in downloading the iPad app. If you try out Prezi for the first time, please leave a comment about your experience.
A project exists to improve or create something. Joseph Juran’s definition is “A project is a problem scheduled for solution.” The phases of project management are: define, plan, implement, and complete. Project management phases: 1. Define 2. Plan 3. Implement 4. Complete Project Definition Involve the project manager, the team, and key stakeholders in project defining meetings. Creative thinking could lead to a breakthrough or novel idea. For example, a laboratory expansion project could include all possibilities at this point without worrying about the viability of those ideas. Using nonrestrictive brainstorming techniques during project definition can foster creative solutions. Next, project constraints in terms of cost, process, people, or time should be identified. The main constraint is called the limiting factor. Lack of available adjacent real estate could be the limiting factor in a plant expansion project. Also included in project definition are the deadline, performance measurements, major milestones, and project scope. Project scope defines the boundaries of the project. Without a definition of scope, some projects tend to creep and are never completed thus expanding the timeline and expense. For example, a project to install a water purification unit in a laboratory should spell out who has the responsibility to tie in existing water pipes to the unit. Is it plant engineering or the unit installer? In another example, the design of a website can include launching the site on the internet or providing a file of code to be launched by the customer. Lastly, write up the project definition proposal for review and approval by all stakeholders. Project Definition List:
1. Develop project definition in collaboration with stakeholders 2. Identify project constraints and the limiting factor 3. Determine the project deadline 4. Describe performance measurements 5. Pinpoint major milestones 6. Assign project manager 7. Define project scope 8. Document project definition proposal 9. Secure final project definition approval by all stakeholders Project Planning Planning expands on the project definition by listing tasks, refining milestones, identifying required resources and budgeting. During the planning stage, information should be gathered from those with experience in similar projects. The project team is selected and training and team building can begin. Scheduling of project tasks is determined. (Project scheduling is an involved topic to be addressed at a later time.) Rules, policies, and procedures are implemented. A schedule of project meetings is arranged. Tasks are assigned. A contingency plan is developed. Scope creep is monitored. Documentation of project plans is organized in a Project Management Plan. This information is reviewed with all stakeholders. Plans are revised per feedback.
Project Planning List: 1. List tasks 2. Refine milestones 3. List resources 4. Gather historical information 5. Review budget 6. Select project team 7. Plan project team training 8. Organize project team building activities 9. Develop project schedule 10. Document and implement rules, policies, and procedures 11. Schedule project meetings 12. Assign project tasks 13. Develop contingency plan 14. Review plans for scope creep 15. Document Project Management Plan 16. Review Project Plans with Stakeholders Project Implementation Project implementation is following the tasks and timeline developed in the planning phase. Use project meetings and procedures outlined in the planning phase to check progress and resolve issues. The more thorough the planning phase, the easier the project progresses. Project Completion There are important steps to complete at the end of a project. Meet with the project team to evaluate lessons learned during the project, identify successful processes, and identify areas needing improvement. Document this information for the project file. Project completion tasks: 1. Insure customer is satisfied 2. Generate final reports and other documents for distribution 3. File essential project documents 4. Return equipment and perform housekeeping 5. Obtain final payment (if applicable) 6. Perform final accounting and ensure project budget is up-to-date 7. Disband team and assist in reassignment 8. Celebrate and recognize team members
