Podcast episode 011 - critical chain project management [25:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (2200)

According to research by the Standish Group, using traditional project management approaches, only 44% of projects finish on time.  In fact, the study showed that projects on average complete at 122% over the original schedule, 89% over the original budget, 70% of projects don’t meet their planned scope, and 30% are cancelled before completion (Standish 1994).

But, what if I were to tell you that there is a proven project management methodology out there that has been credited with allowing project managers to complete their projects 10% to 50% faster and cheaper than by traditional Critical Path or PERT methods alone?  What if I also told you this methodology has also been credited with up to 95% on time and on budget success when applied correctly? 

Sound too good to be true?

In episode 11 we talk to Mr. Larry Leach, PMP to learn more about the Critical Chain Project Management Methodology and its keys to success.  Larry Leach is the president of Advanced Projects Incorporated.  Prior to founding API, he was a vice president in several Fortune 500 companies, managing projects up to $1 billion dollars (US). His 30-plus years of experience as a project manager involve varied projects that include software development, research and development and construction. Larry has a master’s degree in business management from the University of Idaho (USA) and a master’s in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut (USA). He is certified in the Theory of Constraints, and the leading expert on Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). He is a member of PMI and has published many papers on related topics including articles in PM Network and in the Project Management Journal. Larry is a facilitator for the University of Phoenix, an instructor for PMI Seminars, and a certified Project Management Professional.  His clients include Abbot Laboratories, American Express, Boeing, GTE, Hewlett Packard, Honeywell, Motorola, Shell, Texaco, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Air Force, and many others. His books, Critical Chain Project Management, and Lean Project Management: Eight Principles for Success, are available from Amazon.com.  Also, be sure to visit the Advanced Projects website at www.Advanced-Projects.com.  There you will find more information about CCPM and API’s software that integrates with Microsoft Project called CCPM+.

We will draw the names of two lucky listeners on August 25th to win either a free ebook copy of  his book Lean Project Management, or a free copy of his Critical Chain software add-on for Microsoft Project, CCPM+.  Simply send an e-mail with your name and e-mail address to show@pm411.org with “CCPM Drawing” in the subject line before August 25th, 2007.

If you have had success using Critical Chain Project Management or have any comments or questions about using CCPM, please stop by and post on the discussion board through the pm411.org website.  The discussion board allow you to ask questions or post comments on everything from general discussions, PMBOK, team building, PM software, books, and more.

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