Do All Project Managers Follow the Same Process?

In May, I am giving a talk at PDSummit 2017 in Halifax, comparing the project management processes used in the television and construction industries. Having taught project managers from many different industries, I have seen that the process is generally the same for all projects. The terms used may be different but, going from one industry to another, the five process groups (Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closing) seem to be followed by project managers everywhere. But is this really true?

To test my theory I am conducting research, gathering input from project managers in the television and construction industries on their project management processes.

I have a request for you: if you work, or have worked, in either the TV or construction industry, would you please have a look at the questions and send me your input?

Individual replies will be kept confidential but I will be sharing a summary and highlights of my research. (If you really want your name stated, though, I will make sure to do so!)

Click here to answer this brief survey.

If you would like to give any other information on your projects, I would be glad to receive it - email me. Thank you very much!

In "the Biz"

Recently, I fell into a new project – getting a TV series produced. It's amazing how much project management is involved in the entertainment industry.

When I was in St. John's last month, my friend Anne Marie told me that the romantic comedy series she had submitted to a producer could use a boost to get going. People who saw the write-up liked it, but things weren't happening. Hmm, I thought, we have the wherewithal to get this on the go. So, that's how our project together started.

First, we talked with a friend who was in "the biz" here in Halifax. He generously gave us an indepth view on the process for getting a series started and what type of key players would be needed.

Seemed to me this effort required a lot of project management - creating a workable plan, coordinating resources, and keeping stakeholders engaged, among other things. It became clearer and clearer to me that those project management principles will help us keep this project on track.

Wish us luck! If you have worked in the TV industry, and have some advice (or contacts!) to share, please drop me a line.