New Information Paradigms Project Management
NIP applies similar principles to project management as it does to development, namely:
- All work needs to be visible and accountable
- Quality needs to be embedded in all processes
- Balancing flexibility with rigour and standardisation is of paramount importance
Equally, different sectors and different customers have varying requirements. However, in general, we assign responsibility for different aspects of a project to various people internally, and agree project milestones, timescales, etc upfront. At the same time, we also organise our development work creatively and flexibly to achieve rapid and impressive results, which allows for changing needs and priorities.
Typically, a central project manager is appointed within NIP, to co-ordinate all internal NIP requirements and organisation. Other contacts customers may require include an Application Manager, a Development Manager, a Documentation Manager, etc, and other NIP staff are available as appropriate. Escalation procedures are in place for resolving any issues that aren't easily-addressed.
A culture of openness drives continuous improvements in NIP's standards and systems, and all team members take responsibility for all aspects of projects. During a project, regular telephone contact is typically maintained to communicate progress, which can also be demonstrated via WebEx. Regular site visits are also made to monitor business requirements and to deliver latest code versions, etc.
Depending on customer requirements, all of this - including any technical or business issues - can be logged in a secure, shared Internet database for tracking correspondence, together with e-mail notification of changes.