Adam Gonnerman

Effective project management is crucial for organizations to meet their goals and deliver successful outcomes. One widely used tool in project management is the Critical Path Method (CPM). CPM helps project managers plan, schedule, and optimize project activities, ensuring timely completion and resource allocation. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of CPM, exploring its key concepts, benefits, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply it effectively. The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique that focuses on identifying the longest sequence of dependent activities within a project, known as the critical path. By determining the critical path, project managers can pinpoint the tasks that must be completed on time to prevent project delays. Implementing CPM offers several advantages to project managers and stakeholders: Accurate Project Planning: CPM enables project managers to create a detailed project schedule, accounting for task dependencies and i...

In today's job market, it's becoming increasingly important for employees to take control of their careers and maximize their profits. One way to do this is by changing jobs every two years. According to research, staying employed at the same company for over two years on average will make an individual earn less over their lifetime by about 50% or more. This is a conservative estimate assuming that your career will last only ten years, but the longer you work, the greater the difference in earnings over your lifetime. In 2014, the average raise an employee can expect is only 3%. Even the most underperforming employee can expect a 1.3% raise, while the best performers can hope for a 4.5% raise. However, the inflation rate is currently 2.1%, meaning that your raise is actually less than 1%. This can be sobering news, and it's unlikely that management will change their decision. Furthermore, loyal employees are often punished for their dedication, while those who jump ship ar...

The Definition of Done is a crucial concept in Scrum framework that is often misunderstood. It is a formal description of the state of the Increment when it meets the required quality measures for the product. It plays a critical role in the successful implementation of the Scrum framework by ensuring the creation of a 'Done' potentially releasable increment. The Definition of Done is the entire Scrum team's responsibility, but teams must also adhere to any organizational-level norms, regulations, standards, or security policies that must be part of the product's Definition of Done. The Definition of Done supports the Scrum framework throughout its five Scrum events. During the Sprint Planning event, it helps the Scrum team understand the required activities to complete the work and decompose the Product Backlog Items into an actionable plan. The Daily Scrum event helps build a "Team Goal over Individual Goal" mindset by realizing that a product backlog item i...

Introduction As a program/project manager with experience in Agile work, I have encountered a plethora of red flags that have caused me concern over the years. Some have been easier to spot than others, but I have learned that it is essential to heed the warning signs to avoid finding oneself in a difficult situation. The Contents Don't Match the Label One of the most common red flags I've encountered is when the contents of a role do not match the job description. This has happened to me more than once, and I have learned the hard way that it is important to clarify the responsibilities and expectations of a role before accepting a job. In one instance, I accepted a program manager role that seemed to match my skill set and the job description, only to find out that the role required me to update PowerPoint slides all day instead of doing actual program management. Needless to say, I did not stay in that role for long. Sprinting Another red flag that I've encountered is wh...

All the time I see the posts on LinkedIn, urging people to quit their day job and follow their dreams. Before you do that, here are some points to consider.  The Reason You Haven't Done It Yet is That It's Risky We all have dreams and aspirations. There are things we want to do or achieve, but we hesitate because we fear the risks involved. Whether it's starting a business, pursuing a new career, or traveling the world, the fear of failure can be paralyzing. But is risk really a good enough reason not to pursue our dreams? Calculate Your Risk When faced with a potentially risky decision, it's essential to calculate your risk. Take the time to research and analyze the potential consequences of your actions. Consider the financial impact, the time investment, and the possible outcomes. You may find that the risk is not as significant as you initially thought. Alternatively, you may realize that the potential reward outweighs the risk. Don't Believe the Hype As I have ...

Midjourney The entertainment industry has always been about transporting audiences to new and exciting worlds. From the days of silent films to the rise of streaming services, the medium has evolved to meet the changing needs and expectations of consumers. As we move forward into the future, it's clear to me that the next frontier for media and entertainment lies in world building at a massive scale. Streaming companies struggling right now with their revenue model, and I think we can expect to see more consolidation and mergers with other entertainment businesses as well as companies in adjacent industries. The end result will be streaming services that are part of much larger portfolios, encompassing everything from theme parks to books and beyond. These companies will create brand worlds that allow fans to immerse themselves in their favorite universes like never before. At the heart of this trend is the idea of fandom. Fans today want to do more than simply watch a movie or re...