Global Project Management Tips

PMI’s Voice on Project Management blog had an interesting article on Tips for First-Time Global Project Managers.

1. Requirements: On global projects, it is common to encounter both global (such as quarterly financial reporting) and country (such as provincial tax) requirements…

2. Estimation: A global project typically features added complexity and costs not found with a co-located project. This calls for estimation to include additional effort to manage the previously mentioned requirements, as well as cross-geography coordination. The latter can include things such as team member travel time and global communications…

3. Scheduling: Scheduling milestones, effort and resources on global projects is one of the greatest challenges for a project manager. The first thing to remember is to include country-specific scheduling considerations, such as regional holidays and vacations. In addition, always leave room in the schedule for project risks that can arise from unstable governments, new regulations and labor disputes. Finally, be prepared for unexpected surprises from nature, such as snowstorms, floods, volcanic eruptions and other disruptions.

Part and parcel of all three elements is managing resource constraints. It’s not just about managing travel time, though that’s certainly important. Resource availability is also important. In my experience, the mentors/managers necessary for assisting in setting up shop in the new country weren’t always available at the same time. Sometimes alternatives had to be found, visit schedules readjusted in order to accommodate as others were obviously working on other projects when asked to contribute to setting up the new office.

I do agree that global PM’ing was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever undertaken. I remember being on a flight overseas, sweating bullets wondering if I would really make the grade.

The best advice I would give is to just jump in. Don’t hesitate. Yes, we all try to plan and scope everything as best as possible. Plan the work, then work the plan, right? But you can’t account for every.single.variable. Trust in your training. Trust in your skills. Invariably, there will be mistakes but if you’re bold but not rash, you will be able to move your projects forward.

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