February 16, 2009 "PRIDE"-PM PROJECT PLANNING

"PRIDE"-PM - PROJECT PLANNING (SPECIAL)

This is Part XXIX in our series on the "PRIDE" Methodologies for IRM. In this edition we describe Project Planning as defined by "PRIDE"-Project Management (PM).

The full text for this section can be obtained by clicking: HERE.

NEXT UP: "PRIDE"-PM - Project Estimating.

If you would like to discuss this with me in more depth, please do not hesitate to send me an e-mail.

Keep the faith!

OUR BRYCE'S LAW OF THE WEEK therefore is...

"You cannot put two quarts of liquid into a one quart bottle. If you try, you will lose a quart."

eBOOK: THE BRYCE IS RIGHT

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We have also produced a one-day training program of the same name. For more information on both the eBook and course, please visit our web site at:

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While there, look for our MS PowerPoint presentation describing both the book and the training program.

MY "PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK" IS "CONSUMER CONFIDENCE"

As we are now embroiled in a major economic recession, we are hearing a lot about plant closings, worker layoffs, restructuring of companies, tightening of credit, and government stimulus packages. But as you listen to the news and talking heads on television, everything seems to come back to "consumer confidence" or the lack thereof to purchase anything. It appears our disposable income has been disposed of. I don't hear anyone addressing this problem, so I'll take a shot at it. I may not be an economist, but as a businessman who has been around the block a few times, I would do the following:

First, the consumer wants confidence that the companies they buy from will stand behind their products; that they will be there tomorrow. This means companies have to do some soul searching and manage themselves better. In other words, take out the bloated bureaucracies, eliminate the inflated salaries and greed, become more organized and systematic in their operations, and offer products at reduced, yet fair, prices.

Companies also have to learn to adapt to the needs of the consumer, not the other way around. Perhaps the best example of this currently is the Hyundai Assurance program whereby the company advertises, "to show you the faith we have in you. Right now, finance or lease any new Hyundai, and if in the next year you lose your income, we'll let you return it." There are, of course, restrictions to avoid abuse, but it's a sharp idea and consumers are beginning to flock to them.

It is time for companies to challenge the marketing status quo and, like Hyundai, devise new programs that will turn the heads of the consumer. Companies can ill-afford to conduct business as usual.

Second, the government has a role here as well, but I balk at the stimulus package being proposed. People do not need pseudo "make work" jobs created by and for the government. Nor do we need more checks from the government which will primarily be used to pay off existing debts, not necessarily to purchase new goods. Instead, they want tax credits that support their way of life, like financing homes and sending kids to school. I realize such things already exist, but the government has to become more aggressive in such programs to allow the consumers to save a buck or two. Wouldn't it be nice to see the government encourage the saving of money as opposed to spending it? Even better, to invest it in key companies who are trying to conquer our energy crisis, or who perform medical research, or help the environment.

If you really want the consumer to have "disposable income," arrest inflation NOW! Government can do a lot for companies by simply leading them with a carrot and stick. Give tax credits to companies as incentives to go in new directions, such as research and development, or for companies who promote job security, for companies who help curtail the rising cost of living, and for creating real and meaningful jobs. In other words, reward companies for better management.

Third, the consumer has to learn to regain his own confidence. Instead of waiting for someone else to bail us out, we need to develop an entrepreneurial spirit and take the bull by the horns. Confidence begins in the mirror, not in our government.

Such is my Pet Peeve of the Week.

Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.

"BRYCE'S PET PEEVE OF THE WEEK"

Folks, a couple of years ago I started to include my "Pet Peeve of the Week" in these "Management Visions" podcasts. They have become so popular that I now syndicate them through the Internet and they are available for republication in other media. To this end, I have created a separate web page for my writings which you can find at phmainstreet.com Look for the section, "The Bryce is Right!" Hope you enjoy them.

Also, if you happen to be in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, be sure to stop by and check out our new Palm Harbor Business OASIS, a new business venue offering local business people a place to meet, work, network, and relax. Why pay a lot for leasing office space when you can become a member of the OASIS for as little as $100/month? For more information, visit our web site at: http://www.phboasis.com/

AND FINALLY...

I received the following e-mail regarding my Pet Peeve on "Political Correctness - Let us be bland":

A J.S. of Skidway Lake, Michigan wrote...

"This is such a travesty and the world must view us as fools. The gravity of the situation aside, this has me laughing, Tim. It's the irony of the "liberals" who are anything but. You have summarized it perfectly here: 'Consideration is given to whether it offends a handicap, a sexual gender (except heterosexual men), race (except whites), religion (except Christians), or politics (except conservative Republicans).' Anything traditional, sacred, decent, courteous, sensible, clean and normally acceptable is fair game for ridicule, so don't even think of praying or someone may be offended. When did Americans become so thin skinned? More to the point, when did so many lose their minds?"

An L.T. of Fall River, Massachusetts wrote...

"I am one of those people that made sure to say 'Merry Christmas'. I am tired of having to tiptoe on eggshells so that no one gets offended by something I may say. Especially if what I am saying is not meant as an offense to anyone."

A B.H. of Granger, Indiana wrote...

"At last someone who sees that political correctness leads to mediocrity."

I received the following e-mail regarding my Pet Peeve on "Social Networking Tools":

An R.L. from New York wrote...

"Tim. This is a wonderful piece, and full of valuable information so thanks very much for writing it. I am a non-traditional return-to-school adult student, and attend a private college that is run by most of the "name brand household word" firms in our country. They too, agree with you. Even though almost 100% of my business is done online, as much as I have to hype myself up and get motivated now to fly across the country (at age 54); I do so for the personal contact at conferences and conventions I feel may be educational, and even as important, well-attended. I have never walked away without new friends and/or new clientele. You make a very good point. It is usually just a weekend out of our lives, and a great opportunity for more education, contacts, and once in awhile even help educate someone who has not been doing this as long. Thanks for the sage wisdom."

An L.T. in Fall River, Massachusetts wrote...

"Social networking serves as an interesting outlet for many who do not have access to normal social groups. I think face to face social groups are slowly disappearing. With all social groups it pays to pick and choose who you associate with. Even face to face groups have frauds."

Again, thanks for your comments. For these and other comments, please visit my "Bryce is Right!" web site.

Keep those cards and letters coming.

MBA is an international management consulting firm specializing in Information Resource Management. We offer training, consulting, and writing services in the areas of Enterprise Engineering, Systems Engineering, Data Base Engineering, Project Management, Methodologies and Repositories. For information, call us at 727/786-4567.

Our corporate web page is at:

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Management Visions is a presentation of M. Bryce & Associates, a division of M&JB Investment Company of Palm Harbor, Florida, USA. The program is produced on a weekly basis and updated on Sundays. It is available in versions for RealPlayer, Microsoft Media Player, and MP3 suitable for Podcasting. See our web site for details. You'll find our broadcast listed in several Podcast and Internet Search engines, as well as Apples' iTunes.

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Copyright © 2009 by M&JB Investment Company of Palm Harbor, Florida, USA. All rights reserved. "PRIDE" is the registered trademark of M&JB Investment Company.

This is Tim Bryce reporting.

Since 1971: "Software for the finest computer - the Mind."

END