In the following podcast, hosted by the Project Management Professional (PMP) Cornelius Fitchner, an interesting topic is covered about how to use the concept of the triple constraint to manage client expectations. In the podcast Cornelius start by stating the importance of defining the project with the client by preparing a proposal or initial report. In this proposal, the first step is to indicate our assumptions; this will allow us to manage the expectations and the understanding that the client has of the project much better.

The next step is to clearly define to the client what the triple constraints are and how they relate to the project. We must educate the client so that it is a mutual understanding that a change on one of this constraints inevitably will lead to a change in the remaining ones. For example, if a project is to be expanded in terms of scope, then a certain amount of time and money also need to be invested in the project. A project that has time restrictions will need to increase the resources assigned to it or have the scope reduced.

To protect ourselves and our clients it is essential to add reserves in to our estimates, in order to allow for normal project risks and delays. We must be prepared to answer to all the questions from our clients and have ready a set of alternatives to be able to negotiate with them. This is actually something that I enjoy doing. I personally like to conduct an extensive research on alternatives, then when these are presented to the client, he can have a greater participation in the project by selecting his desired features. This method allows me to easily negotiate the remaining constraints without affecting the quality of the project.

The last topic that Cornelius made reference in this podcast is the ability to say no to certain projects where it hasn’t been set a mutual agreement with the client about the specifications of the project. This disagreement could lead to poor quality of the final product or to not meet the clients expectations of the product. This part is for sure the most difficult to adopt in my opinion. I think it must be difficult to determine how much is too much regarding the Triple Constraint. I guess with time and experience in managing projects this will become no longer an issue.

To finalize I must say that I agree with the PMs that state that quality is not in their constraints equation because they believe that the quality of a project should never shift with modifications to the other core knowledge areas. The reason why is because I believe that when your are building a project you should make it to meet the quality standards and if possible, go beyond them. Otherwise, if the project specifications are not in concordance with the Triple Constraint, then I would prefer to say no to the project instead of delivering a lower quality version.

DEFINITION
“Critical thinking is disciplined, self-directed thinking which exemplifies the perfections of thinking appropriate to a particular mode or domain of thought. It comes in two forms. If disciplined to serve the interests of a particular individual or group, to the exclusion of other relevant persons and groups, it is sophistic or weak sense critical thinking If disciplined to take into account the interests of diverse persons or groups, it is fair-minded or strong sense critical thinking”. Richard, Paul (1990).

Critical thinking, as well as effective leadership, are essential skills for a successful career in the software development field . Software development projects are often versatile, multifaceted, and complex through a constant state of change. Directing these projects successfully involves solid team management and efficient project controls. Fully developed skills like critical thinking, will provide me the necessary  tools to manage project objectives, create specific plans, build and manage a talented team through every phase of the SDLC.

References
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1. Critical_thinking. Wikipedia. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking>.
2. Pollice, Gary. Soft skills for software engineers. 15 Sep. 2006. IBM. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/rational/library/sep06/pollice/index.html>.
3. Baselinemag, . 10 Trends in Project Management. 26 Jun. 2008. Baseline Magazine. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://www.baselinemag.com/c/a/Project-Management/10-Trends-in-Project-Management/>.
4. Richard, Paul. Critical Thinking. 1990. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://outopia.org/teach/resources/CritThink1.pdf>.
5. Software Development. Wikipedia. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_development>.
6. Kulkarni, Arjun . Effective Leadership Skills. 12 Sep. 2009. Buzzle.com. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://www.buzzle.com/articles/effective-leadership-skills.html>.
7. Systems Development Life Cycle. Wikipedia. 28 Jan. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Systems_Development_Life_Cycle>.

Project Management is a structured attempt to accomplish a specific objective, by taking a project from its initiation stage to a planned and organized closure. There are two main approaches that can be applied to manage any type of project, Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) and Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2); while methods such as SDM, DSDM, RAD, ISAC, SA/SD, IEM and OO are specific to managing Information Technology (IT) projects. A project usually consists of the following major phases or stages, including project planning, analysis, design, implementation and support/maintenance (figure 1).

Figure 1. System Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Project Management is fundamental for the successful completion of just any kind of project on time and under budget, without compromising its quality. Starting from enterprise solutions with several teams of project managers, to even our personal projects that have nothing to do with our work or job field. For example, in my field of study (software development) every project must contain a project plan, which includes defining and confirming the project goals and objectives, identifying tasks and how goals will be achieved, quantifying the resources needed, and determining budgets and timelines for completion. The courses that I am currently taking, especially Project Management, are developing a strong set of skills that will help to influence my success into a better job and career advancement.