Managing projects in a weak matrix organization is not an easy job! Project managers usually have troubles when they get asked to deliver without authority while still being responsible. Most of issues project managers face in a weak matrix organization are people issues especially with functional managers and shared resources, in this post I will share a couple of tips that can help survive in the matrix.

I have some exciting news about an upcoming Project Management event quickly approaching that you don’t want to miss. The Project Management Telesummit is a live online “virtual” event where you will gain valuable insights from fifteen of today’s dynamic and engaging thought leaders in Project Management from the comfort of your home, office, or anywhere in between. Registration is now open for the first edition of the Project Management Telesummit on March 8-10, 2011.

The rollout of the Project Management Office is best managed by approaching it as a project, even if the ultimate objective of the project is to develop the PMO business case, it would be more effective to approach feasibility study and business case development as a project. You can use these five tips to sell your PMO when a C-Level executive tells you “I just don’t see the value of spending all this money to establish a PMO in such a bad economy. All right, can you sell it to me?”

Most of employers pay too much attention to the budget size of projects that the candidate project manager has managed before, on the other hand, most of project managers tout the total budget of all projects they have managed, and indeed, Budget doesn’t matter! Managing a multi million dollars project does not necessarily imply unique skills nor does it guarantee success for new projects.

The project selection process by an organisation or department is fundamental to success.  In talking with many clients this year the common theme is one of budget cuts and headcount reductions so the selection of the “right” projects is even more important than ever. I can however think of a number of well-known & profitable organisations that in the past have taken a surprisingly simplistic & informal approach to selection.