BossTalks.com Tag: management

myrrha on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

myrrha — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:10:35 +0000

Hi! I would like to recommend Binfire. Binfire is a project management tool for teams which has cool features, and is generally user-friendly.

Please visit this website:
http://www.killerstartups.com/Web-App-Tools/binfire-com-manage-projects-online

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myrrha on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

myrrha — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 07:09:59 +0000

Hi! I would like to recommend Binfire. Binfire is a project management tool for teams which has cool features, and is generally user-friendly.

Please visit this website:
http://www.killerstartups.com/Web-App-Tools/binfire-com-manage-projects-online

(read more)

Charlotte on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

Charlotte — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:34:32 +0000

Hi All! Im here to announce you new WorkforceTrack Software which has Project Management Tool, CRM, HRMS, and Accounting Tools. Moreover, it can integrate with Applications as Google Apps, MS Project, Outlook, in accounting field - Quickbooks, Android and iPhone, Blackberry integration is also available. Its worth to check out: www.workforcetrack.com

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jkeppens on "Scrum startegy: the missed Project Manager"

jkeppens — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:43:18 +0000

Scrum doesn't need a Project Manager. In the projects I worked with, we typically give the Product Owner role to the PMs. It works fine as long as the PM takes onboard the responsibilities and limitations that come with the role.

1. he is the owner of the product back log. Basically he communicates to business and creates the user stories and adds them to the backlog. He is in charge of deciding what priority each item on the back log has. This means basically he is in a effect in charge of planning and deciding what features are developed when. (initial estimations are done with the dev team at projects I work with. We estimate in complexity points, which means you estimate how much work something is compared to another task you did. The PO then puts a time on this).

2. the product owner calculates each sprint what the available complexity points are for the team. This is done taking holidays, vacation, etc... in mind. Based on this calculated number, he makes a prioritized list of backlog items he would like done in the sprint. This is discussed with the team during the first part of the sprint meeting (at the start of the sprint). In the second part of our sprint meeting (we call it the technical sprint), our dev team typically does small analysis of the stories and divides them in tasks. We then estimate the tasks and if needed we split the tasks further (task max 2 working days or 13h actual work). Based on this we couple back to the PO what the real estimates are and he can decide to add a story or remove a story if needed. Very important: never overcommit! it doesn't work!

3. during the sprint, the team has their daily scrum meetings. All problems and questions that arise are relayed back to the PO by the Scrum Master. The PO is then responsible for providing answers on the questions. In our company we also relay things such as "we need 2 extra servers" to the PO and he talks to the responsible departments for it.

4. If for some reason extra important features are required, the PO has the possibility to halt the sprint and start a new sprint. This is an exceptional situation and should be used with care. Never start messing with the content of your sprint mid sprint: emergency break + new sprint.

Earlier I said that the PM should also take on the limitations of the PO role to make it work. With this I mean that:

1. he should stay away from the team as much as possible mid sprint. Asking "is it done?" a million times leads to frustration. If developers can concentrate for a longer period of time, you loose momentum and your velocity drops. If there are issues, the SM will inform the PO. You need a good SM that dares to say NO to the PO btw. An SM that always says "yes", will lead to contra-productive situations.

2. he should not try to (micro-)manage the project or play boss. Scrum leads to self-managing teams. It works quite fine. Interaction in the team is very important and a good mix between junior and senior members where the juniors receive coaching by the seniors is needed.

3. if working with a burndown chart, keep it away from your PO, unless he knows how to interprete it. A burndown chart is not rocket science and it surely isn't a straight line down. If the PO starts panicking when you are above the most ideal line (especially in Greenhopper where it's a straight line down, while it's actually a curved line with slow slope in the beginning and steeper at the end), it will lead to frustration, annoyance and mockery.

With kind regards,

Jeroen

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timesolve on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

timesolve — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:38:37 +0000

Hi,
I would like to share my experience about Web Hosted Solution for Project Management.
Control your projects and budgets and bill faster with WorkSolv project management system integrated with TimeSolv time billing software. TimeSolv & WorkSolv can be accessed by all parties from any location through the internet 24/7.
For details one can contact them at:
http://www.timesolv.com/timesolv_worksolv.html
TimeSolv Corporation
3432 Denmark Avenue, # 105
Eagan, MN 55123

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scottcobb on "Experience a powerful collaborative MPP Viewer With ValleySpeak Project Server"

scottcobb — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:29:55 +0000

Experience a powerful collaborative MPP Viewer With ValleySpeak Project Server

ValleySpeak project server is a centralized MPP Viewer that enables viewing and sharing of Microsoft Project schedules with team members in real time without investing in expensive multiple Microsoft Project licenses. ValleySpeak project is a hosted MPP Viewer that enables team members to view their respective tasks as per the Project on their web interface.

Team members can also update their task status and on approval it gets reflected on the Microsoft Project files of the project manager. Only the project manager needs Microsoft Project. The team members can view their MPP tasks through the web interface.

ValleySpeak is easy to use and enhances project collaboration within the team. Project managers will appreciate this MPP Viewer because it extends data to help sharing Microsoft project files with remote team members. Because the hosted project management software is web accessible, resources working from other sites will be able to view and update project information in real time.

ValleySpeak project empowers the project manager with a powerful project management tool, that greatly enhances project execution efficiency. ValleySpeak Project server is a sophisticated MPP viewer with a host of additional features like Document and timesheet management, a roles based dashboard and portfolio management extend management capability of this MPP Viewer across the enterprise. Security and control concerns are addressed with this MPP viewer because the files always remain on the local host.

Salient Features of ValleySpeak Project server as a MPP viewer

Only Team Members of your choice have privileges to be able to make changes to the project status details
Team members use most updated schedule
Collaborate with Team Members in a central place to capture and discuss important topics and decisions
Built in calendar which helps keep track of the project meeting

Allow team members to report their work status on a daily basis and get it approved by the Reviewer/Project Manager
Keep projects on track and make sure critical issues don’t fall through the cracks
Reduce project execution risks by allowing Team Members to create and monitor risks
Get a canned view of project progress by generating several reports
Team Members and Project Managers do not need to install any software to get up and running
New improved Template work flow, where Project manager can save and share the work template

Use your own SMTP settings - Admins can now use their own SMTP settings to control email flow
Resource utilization report
Complete Portfolio reporting

ValleySpeak project Server a an MPP Viewer will be an indispensable part of any project management activity. The cost and time savings realized through implementing of ValleySpeak project server generally leads to huge project management cost savings

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Terryausten on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

Terryausten — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:08:04 +0000

Hey,
we use Valleyspeak Project Sever http://www.valleyspeak.com this allows the team members to read the project schedule, and update the task status by an easy browser access.

Key Benefits
1. Provides 100% two way integration between Microsoft Project tasks and ValleySpeak Project Server
2. Provides comprehensive features like Timesheets, Issue Tracking, Risk Management, Document Management
3. Free and automatic upgrades so that you are always using the latest version of the ValleySpeak Project Server
4. Hassle free Pay as you grow model
5. No restriction of number of projects that one can manage through ValleySpeak Project Server
6. Option to migrate out with your data anytime, your data on resides on your desktop and is under your control at all times
7. Secure and Web Based with support for all major browsers for team members

We didn't have to download any software... It was easy to sign up and start using.
Best project management software which I have come across and happy working with it.

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haljordan5 on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

haljordan5 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:49:22 +0000

can anyone suggest any web apps that do project management, time and billing, and CRM?

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haljordan5 on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

haljordan5 — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 01:16:25 +0000

can anyone make any suggestions?

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haljordan5 on "Online project management tool + issue tracking"

haljordan5 — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 07:39:32 +0000

Is there an affordable all in one solution web application that does project management, timesheet billing, and CRM?

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annasmith on "Scrum startegy: the missed Project Manager"

annasmith — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 04:43:37 +0000

I have found a software which Shares Microsoft Project schedules with team. Includes Project Portfolio Management, Issue Tracking, Risk Management, Timesheet Management, Document Management, Calendar Management, Forums, Reports and Project Dashboard.

A good hosted Project Management software that suits my EPM needs is called valleyspeak project server, which I found at http://www.valleyspeak.com. One of the main reasons why I like the software is the fact that I could continue to work in Microsoft Project 2007 while sharing my Microsoft Project plans with my teams.

ValleySpeak Project Server provides 100% 2-way integration with Microsoft Project 2007. While Project Managers can continue to plan and manage projects using Microsoft Project 2007 as usual, Team Members can now view and submit updates to the project plans in real time, simply by using any web browser.

Because it is a hosted service, I did not have to buy expensive software or deal with installation and maintenance headaches. The functionality that I have with valleyspeak to manage my geographically dispersed teams works well for me. We also evaluated Basecamp and some other solutions but were not impressed.

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white on "Working from home: pros and cons"

white — Fri, 16 May 2008 16:58:25 +0000

I am a 100% agree. I would even better typical 3/2 situation, but with a flexible hours.

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wakina on "Working from home: pros and cons"

wakina — Fri, 16 May 2008 15:12:52 +0000

Hi guys, I have been working from home for about 5 years. and sometimes its great and sometimes its not. I love the ability to work my hours and do things on my time. However, it can sometimes be very isolating. I think I do miss the buzz of the office world and the people contact

However on the hother hand, I dont miss the office politics and the every day work commute. I think the ideal situation may be to work from home 3 day s a week and 2 days in an office setting.

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green on "Why "manager" has to be better?"

green — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:17:13 +0000

Better manager is nothing without better team. This is my point. Either both are great, or no one can be "better"

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green on "Working from home: pros and cons"

green — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:14:56 +0000

May be the way out is to work around people? Starbucks and other places. It's not office, and not a home. Something in the middle ;-)

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susanvarghese2007 on "Working from home: pros and cons"

susanvarghese2007 — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 12:42:53 +0000

Boy..I agree!...I have worked in both- office and home. I feel even more responsible when I work from home...I know no one is watching- but at the end of the day- you have to show some output! It's tougher when you are a non-billable person...and it's even more tougher when your supervisors trust you with your work!

But apart from all the said above, I must say that when it comes to working from home- you are your own boss- I can be more organized, less of distractions (you see I don't like to have colleagues around ALL the time) and of course do things at my own pace- that includes having my meal in front of my PC too! However, it'd be nice to work in an office set up too once in a while- You see, the PC cannot be always the best of a man's companion!

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susanvarghese2007 on "Why "manager" has to be better?"

susanvarghese2007 — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:01:19 +0000

Man- ager! What a "coveted"title! The above thoughts are noble, fair and frank...and it depicts the thought process of a new era of generation...However, ask someone who comes from a different world- the "third world" namely- coming in with a baggage of oppression and suppression and in many cases, still continuing in the same social and cultural sphere. They'll tell you the manager is the be it and end of of the so called life. In fact for many in the third world- (that's a considerable population)...this title is what many dream for their sons and daughters...a metaphor for superiority, class and honor!

Why manager has to be better- ?? duh! try working with a spineless one, and you'll know. Yes- to all those who are saying, "been there, done that"...till you experience it- you'll never know the insanity that can drive you to misery! Decision- making; strategizing; to a certain level- a task master and to a higher level- some one who can inspire! Not every employee is intrinsically motivated...and not every one are doers-( forget "go-getters")- till they are told what to do- sometimes even the best and brightest of lot! A man-ager is essential- a better manager is inevitable!

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Sporkman on "Care to give my employee scheduler a spin?"

Sporkman — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:34:22 +0000

I now have a critical path calculator, as well as an internal rate of return calculator available:

http://sporkforge.com:424

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Sporkman on "Care to give my employee scheduler a spin?"

Sporkman — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:12:43 +0000

Inspired by some call-center scheduling work I did in a previous job:

http://sporkforge.com:424/sched/emplsched/emplsched.php

Feel free to give it a spin & critique it. It will generate an optimal schedule given a specified workload.

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green on "Why "manager" has to be better?"

green — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:24:47 +0000

While working with different and diverse developers from all around the world I noticed one common thing. Many of them see management position as an ultimate necessary and the only right goal of their career. But why is that? I spent some time thinking about that, but still no nice and reasonable answer. I can see that many developers think that "manager" sounds better and more impressive. Many developers see "manager" to be the guy to act bossy and tell everybody what to do. Somebody who have power. Is it just the human nature to be more powerful comparing to other people? "Status" kind of thing?

But in reality to be good manager is an hard job to do. And it's none of what people like to think about it. I am developer, manager and whoever you want to call it. I do not care really much about titles, until I do what I like. And when you manage other people, you have to admit they are the main workforce. Not you. You are the guide, may be the bridge closing some gaps. But those people are the best, because they are important and really meaningful.

This is also one of the reasons why startups can be built by developers, not managers. Well, it can be built by manager who has some money to hire developers. ;-) But to launch from the ground, to built from scratch, to make it happen - you need to be hands on. That's why no matter how deep in managing I am digging, I still remain hands on the coding. I do my own code, fix others, review... Learn new things - because it's a never ending process. You always have something to learn.

The best management goal is to give developers and opportunity to do their job. Just ask them, show right directions, and keep within it. If they are the best (but you hire best, right?) they'll really accomplish the job perfectly. Well, if they are not -- you'll have a lot of job on mentoring and guiding... imagine you have several "not best" developers, and it'll mean you have to work really hard. But it's not management then, again. ;-)

What do you think? Any comments are highly appreciated!

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