Category
#05
Project
Project
Project
MGMT
MGMT
Client
Mixed
Category
Work Strategies
Year
2016-Present
Intro & Considerations
To successfully deliver projects on time and within scope, project management requires a combination of skills, including communication, leadership, planning, organization, time management, budgeting, risk management, adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Staying organized is crucial, especially in today's fast-paced, digitally driven world. With the rise of remote work, it's easy to get distracted, and in the modern digital landscape, where multiple devices and tasks compete for our attention, effective organization and sound judgment are essential. I've developed and adopted techniques to maintain focus and productivity, which I mention below.
Furthermore, throughout my career, I've worked in various roles, including Product Manager and Design Coordinator at Linkup, Operations Coordinator at Ontario Vipassana Centre, and President of the Board of Directors at OVC during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have honed my project management skills, and I've enjoyed working with exceptional teams. Some may argue that my experience as an English teacher, where I expanded the school's student body through my reputation, demonstrates superior project management skills. Currently, I'm interested in procuring my PMP certification.
I have experience in waterfall and kanban and have worked with my teams in an Agile fashion. I also have a Scrum certificate.
The following examples showcase some of the techniques I've learned, but this is a partial overview of project management. Instead, it's a glimpse into my approach and expertise.
To successfully deliver projects on time and within scope, project management requires a combination of skills, including communication, leadership, planning, organization, time management, budgeting, risk management, adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Staying organized is crucial, especially in today's fast-paced, digitally driven world. With the rise of remote work, it's easy to get distracted, and in the modern digital landscape, where multiple devices and tasks compete for our attention, effective organization and sound judgment are essential. I've developed and adopted techniques to maintain focus and productivity, which I mention below.
Furthermore, throughout my career, I've worked in various roles, including Product Manager and Design Coordinator at Linkup, Operations Coordinator at Ontario Vipassana Centre, and President of the Board of Directors at OVC during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have honed my project management skills, and I've enjoyed working with exceptional teams. Some may argue that my experience as an English teacher, where I expanded the school's student body through my reputation, demonstrates superior project management skills. Currently, I'm interested in procuring my PMP certification.
I have experience in waterfall and kanban and have worked with my teams in an Agile fashion. I also have a Scrum certificate.
The following examples showcase some of the techniques I've learned, but this is a partial overview of project management. Instead, it's a glimpse into my approach and expertise.
To successfully deliver projects on time and within scope, project management requires a combination of skills, including communication, leadership, planning, organization, time management, budgeting, risk management, adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Staying organized is crucial, especially in today's fast-paced, digitally driven world. With the rise of remote work, it's easy to get distracted, and in the modern digital landscape, where multiple devices and tasks compete for our attention, effective organization and sound judgment are essential. I've developed and adopted techniques to maintain focus and productivity, which I mention below.
Furthermore, throughout my career, I've worked in various roles, including Product Manager and Design Coordinator at Linkup, Operations Coordinator at Ontario Vipassana Centre, and President of the Board of Directors at OVC during the COVID-19 pandemic. These experiences have honed my project management skills, and I've enjoyed working with exceptional teams. Some may argue that my experience as an English teacher, where I expanded the school's student body through my reputation, demonstrates superior project management skills. Currently, I'm interested in procuring my PMP certification.
I have experience in waterfall and kanban and have worked with my teams in an Agile fashion. I also have a Scrum certificate.
The following examples showcase some of the techniques I've learned, but this is a partial overview of project management. Instead, it's a glimpse into my approach and expertise.
Scheduling and Productivity Strategies
Scheduling and Productivity Strategies
Scheduling and Productivity Strategies
Because of the rise of work-from-home culture, it is more important to strategize regarding our places of work and environments. I've learned that people are more likely to achieve goals if they visualize themselves achieving them.
Since time passes quickly, I write down my schedule for the day using my daily planner to visualize my goals. Scheduling ensures I make the most of my time and stay on track. It also helps me see the big picture and prioritize by assessing what is most important.
In addition, I like to ensure I am in an atmosphere with the fewest distractions, such as a clean, organized office.
I have a daily planner and use annual and monthly calendars to schedule annual events. This is important for me when I need to visualize overlapping calendars and operations-type work.
I find whiteboards are helpful for brainstorming, but they can also be used for Kanbans.
I set reminders on my digital calendars with a specific number of alarms just in case.
In addition, I use work management tools, such as lists, project management software, such as Asana and Jira, and the Waterfall, Kanban, or Scrum methodologies to keep my priorities straight.
Tab groups have been great in managing my ongoing projects and minimizing distractions in my digital environment.
Some straightforward changes, such as turning on "DND," changing focus settings, and/or wearing headphones, can make a big difference when focus and productivity are essential.
I use the techniques above to keep the big picture and details in mind simultaneously and stay on the same page with the team.
Because of the rise of work-from-home culture, it is more important to strategize regarding our places of work and environments. I've learned that people are more likely to achieve goals if they visualize themselves achieving them.
Since time passes quickly, I write down my schedule for the day using my daily planner to visualize my goals. Scheduling ensures I make the most of my time and stay on track. It also helps me see the big picture and prioritize by assessing what is most important.
In addition, I like to ensure I am in an atmosphere with the fewest distractions, such as a clean, organized office.
I have a daily planner and use annual and monthly calendars to schedule annual events. This is important for me when I need to visualize overlapping calendars and operations-type work.
I find whiteboards are helpful for brainstorming, but they can also be used for Kanbans.
I set reminders on my digital calendars with a specific number of alarms just in case.
In addition, I use work management tools, such as lists, project management software, such as Asana and Jira, and the Waterfall, Kanban, or Scrum methodologies to keep my priorities straight.
Tab groups have been great in managing my ongoing projects and minimizing distractions in my digital environment.
Some straightforward changes, such as turning on "DND," changing focus settings, and/or wearing headphones, can make a big difference when focus and productivity are essential.
I use the techniques above to keep the big picture and details in mind simultaneously and stay on the same page with the team.
Because of the rise of work-from-home culture, it is more important to strategize regarding our places of work and environments. I've learned that people are more likely to achieve goals if they visualize themselves achieving them.
Since time passes quickly, I write down my schedule for the day using my daily planner to visualize my goals. Scheduling ensures I make the most of my time and stay on track. It also helps me see the big picture and prioritize by assessing what is most important.
In addition, I like to ensure I am in an atmosphere with the fewest distractions, such as a clean, organized office.
I have a daily planner and use annual and monthly calendars to schedule annual events. This is important for me when I need to visualize overlapping calendars and operations-type work.
I find whiteboards are helpful for brainstorming, but they can also be used for Kanbans.
I set reminders on my digital calendars with a specific number of alarms just in case.
In addition, I use work management tools, such as lists, project management software, such as Asana and Jira, and the Waterfall, Kanban, or Scrum methodologies to keep my priorities straight.
Tab groups have been great in managing my ongoing projects and minimizing distractions in my digital environment.
Some straightforward changes, such as turning on "DND," changing focus settings, and/or wearing headphones, can make a big difference when focus and productivity are essential.
I use the techniques above to keep the big picture and details in mind simultaneously and stay on the same page with the team.
Project Management Lifecycle
Project Management Lifecycle
Project Management Lifecycle
In traditional project management, a project manager typically follows a structured framework:
Initiation: Defines project scope, goals, and deliverables; identifies stakeholders; and develops a project charter.
Planning: Creates a detailed project plan that includes timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
Execution: Carries out project tasks and activities as outlined in the plan; manages resources; tracks progress; and addresses issues.
Monitoring and Control: Tracks project performance; identifies and addresses deviations from the plan; and takes corrective actions.
Closure: Formalizes project completion, documents lessons learned, and evaluates project success.
In contrast, a Product Owner in tech follows a similar framework adapted for Agile:
Initiation: This phase defines the product vision, goals, and roadmap, identifies stakeholders, and determines customer needs and market requirements.
Planning: Develops a product backlog, prioritizes features, and creates a release plan. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to estimate effort and make a sprint plan.
Execution: Works with the development team to deliver product increments during sprints; ensures clear communication; prioritizes tasks; and makes trade-off decisions.
Monitoring and Control: Tracks product progress, metrics, and customer feedback and adapts the product backlog and release plan as needed.
Closure: Launches the product or feature, documents lessons learned, and evaluates product success.
In traditional project management, a project manager typically follows a structured framework:
Initiation: Defines project scope, goals, and deliverables; identifies stakeholders; and develops a project charter.
Planning: Creates a detailed project plan that includes timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
Execution: Carries out project tasks and activities as outlined in the plan; manages resources; tracks progress; and addresses issues.
Monitoring and Control: Tracks project performance; identifies and addresses deviations from the plan; and takes corrective actions.
Closure: Formalizes project completion, documents lessons learned, and evaluates project success.
In contrast, a Product Owner in tech follows a similar framework adapted for Agile:
Initiation: This phase defines the product vision, goals, and roadmap, identifies stakeholders, and determines customer needs and market requirements.
Planning: Develops a product backlog, prioritizes features, and creates a release plan. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to estimate effort and make a sprint plan.
Execution: Works with the development team to deliver product increments during sprints; ensures clear communication; prioritizes tasks; and makes trade-off decisions.
Monitoring and Control: Tracks product progress, metrics, and customer feedback and adapts the product backlog and release plan as needed.
Closure: Launches the product or feature, documents lessons learned, and evaluates product success.
In traditional project management, a project manager typically follows a structured framework:
Initiation: Defines project scope, goals, and deliverables; identifies stakeholders; and develops a project charter.
Planning: Creates a detailed project plan that includes timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
Execution: Carries out project tasks and activities as outlined in the plan; manages resources; tracks progress; and addresses issues.
Monitoring and Control: Tracks project performance; identifies and addresses deviations from the plan; and takes corrective actions.
Closure: Formalizes project completion, documents lessons learned, and evaluates project success.
In contrast, a Product Owner in tech follows a similar framework adapted for Agile:
Initiation: This phase defines the product vision, goals, and roadmap, identifies stakeholders, and determines customer needs and market requirements.
Planning: Develops a product backlog, prioritizes features, and creates a release plan. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to estimate effort and make a sprint plan.
Execution: Works with the development team to deliver product increments during sprints; ensures clear communication; prioritizes tasks; and makes trade-off decisions.
Monitoring and Control: Tracks product progress, metrics, and customer feedback and adapts the product backlog and release plan as needed.
Closure: Launches the product or feature, documents lessons learned, and evaluates product success.
Scope Creep and Triple Constraint
Scope Creep and Triple Constraint
Scope Creep and Triple Constraint
To avoid scope creep and to manage the three competing demands implied by the triple constraint, project managers must:
Clearly define and manage project scope
Set realistic goals and timelines
Establish a budget and resource allocation plan
Monitor and control progress
Make informed decisions about scope, time, and cost trade-offs
Above, you can see a critical path diagram used for schedule planning, which is a fun reminder of scope creep and the triple constraint.
To avoid scope creep and to manage the three competing demands implied by the triple constraint, project managers must:
Clearly define and manage project scope
Set realistic goals and timelines
Establish a budget and resource allocation plan
Monitor and control progress
Make informed decisions about scope, time, and cost trade-offs
Above, you can see a critical path diagram used for schedule planning, which is a fun reminder of scope creep and the triple constraint.
To avoid scope creep and to manage the three competing demands implied by the triple constraint, project managers must:
Clearly define and manage project scope
Set realistic goals and timelines
Establish a budget and resource allocation plan
Monitor and control progress
Make informed decisions about scope, time, and cost trade-offs
Above, you can see a critical path diagram used for schedule planning, which is a fun reminder of scope creep and the triple constraint.
Client
Ontario Vipassana Centre
Category
Project Management
Year
2016-Present
Background
Background
Background
At Ontario Vipassana Centre (see OVC schedule page here), I lead kitchen operations as the Kitchen Operations Coordinator. I needed to order food regularly, design the menu and other documents such as training manuals, lead meetings, bridge stakeholders and schedule trainers to train volunteers for each event. My team would train these volunteers to cook for 120 people at each event. These events are held 2x a month and consist of programs that last ten days, with some short courses interspersed. The Centre operates like a hotel venue with overnight stays, so three meals per day (fruit for dinner for some). We serve about 2400 people per year.
At Ontario Vipassana Centre (see OVC schedule page here), I lead kitchen operations as the Kitchen Operations Coordinator. I needed to order food regularly, design the menu and other documents such as training manuals, lead meetings, bridge stakeholders and schedule trainers to train volunteers for each event. My team would train these volunteers to cook for 120 people at each event. These events are held 2x a month and consist of programs that last ten days, with some short courses interspersed. The Centre operates like a hotel venue with overnight stays, so three meals per day (fruit for dinner for some). We serve about 2400 people per year.
At Ontario Vipassana Centre (see OVC schedule page here), I lead kitchen operations as the Kitchen Operations Coordinator. I needed to order food regularly, design the menu and other documents such as training manuals, lead meetings, bridge stakeholders and schedule trainers to train volunteers for each event. My team would train these volunteers to cook for 120 people at each event. These events are held 2x a month and consist of programs that last ten days, with some short courses interspersed. The Centre operates like a hotel venue with overnight stays, so three meals per day (fruit for dinner for some). We serve about 2400 people per year.
Project Plan
Project Plan
Project Plan
Above, you can see a project plan that clearly outlines all the required documents. It helped keep everyone organized so that records could be accessed by those who needed them. Sometimes sensitive information can be present, so a tactful approach to communication and information sharing is necessary.
Above, you can see a project plan that clearly outlines all the required documents. It helped keep everyone organized so that records could be accessed by those who needed them. Sometimes sensitive information can be present, so a tactful approach to communication and information sharing is necessary.
Above, you can see a project plan that clearly outlines all the required documents. It helped keep everyone organized so that records could be accessed by those who needed them. Sometimes sensitive information can be present, so a tactful approach to communication and information sharing is necessary.
Holiday Ordering
Holiday Ordering
Holiday Ordering
We had an instance where, at the last minute, the key person could not take care of the ordering and other duties. We were approaching the Christmas holidays and needed to navigate the holiday supplier closures. I contacted suppliers to organize a Gantt chart for organizational purposes, then checked with the team and pulled people in from other areas to help cover what was needed, including trainers for the beginning of the course, end-of-course closing, and the service period between courses.
I acted in this capacity remotely for quite some time while attending to other jobs simultaneously, going to the Centre every few weeks.
We had an instance where, at the last minute, the key person could not take care of the ordering and other duties. We were approaching the Christmas holidays and needed to navigate the holiday supplier closures. I contacted suppliers to organize a Gantt chart for organizational purposes, then checked with the team and pulled people in from other areas to help cover what was needed, including trainers for the beginning of the course, end-of-course closing, and the service period between courses.
I acted in this capacity remotely for quite some time while attending to other jobs simultaneously, going to the Centre every few weeks.
We had an instance where, at the last minute, the key person could not take care of the ordering and other duties. We were approaching the Christmas holidays and needed to navigate the holiday supplier closures. I contacted suppliers to organize a Gantt chart for organizational purposes, then checked with the team and pulled people in from other areas to help cover what was needed, including trainers for the beginning of the course, end-of-course closing, and the service period between courses.
I acted in this capacity remotely for quite some time while attending to other jobs simultaneously, going to the Centre every few weeks.
Role/Position Plan
Role/Position Plan
Role/Position Plan
At OVC, we have many volunteers coming and going, and it was my job to train the team of trainers and those who covered other priorities. I devised a plan to help everyone understand priorities and ensure responsibilities were covered.
At OVC, we have many volunteers coming and going, and it was my job to train the team of trainers and those who covered other priorities. I devised a plan to help everyone understand priorities and ensure responsibilities were covered.
At OVC, we have many volunteers coming and going, and it was my job to train the team of trainers and those who covered other priorities. I devised a plan to help everyone understand priorities and ensure responsibilities were covered.
Tracking and Scheduling
Tracking and Scheduling
Tracking and Scheduling
At OVC, we needed a way to track overlapping events and overlapping volunteers covering various days, so I created a sign-up sheet that we would refer to at meetings. I also needed to keep in touch with the volunteers to see how they were doing, checking in and asking if they could fill spots that required filling. This approach required much far-sightedness, constantly thinking about the future schedule.
At OVC, we needed a way to track overlapping events and overlapping volunteers covering various days, so I created a sign-up sheet that we would refer to at meetings. I also needed to keep in touch with the volunteers to see how they were doing, checking in and asking if they could fill spots that required filling. This approach required much far-sightedness, constantly thinking about the future schedule.
At OVC, we needed a way to track overlapping events and overlapping volunteers covering various days, so I created a sign-up sheet that we would refer to at meetings. I also needed to keep in touch with the volunteers to see how they were doing, checking in and asking if they could fill spots that required filling. This approach required much far-sightedness, constantly thinking about the future schedule.
Communication Plan
Comm. Plan
Communication Plan
A communication plan was necessary for such a large organization to ensure that the right people got the correct information at the right times. We had an instance where someone at the Centre needed to communicate better, so I presented this plan for everyone's benefit. OVC has a complicated matrix structure with large groups of teams, so staying organized and using these types of plans is essential. It is also important to know when and how to use communication channels.
A communication plan was necessary for such a large organization to ensure that the right people got the correct information at the right times. We had an instance where someone at the Centre needed to communicate better, so I presented this plan for everyone's benefit. OVC has a complicated matrix structure with large groups of teams, so staying organized and using these types of plans is essential. It is also important to know when and how to use communication channels.
A communication plan was necessary for such a large organization to ensure that the right people got the correct information at the right times. We had an instance where someone at the Centre needed to communicate better, so I presented this plan for everyone's benefit. OVC has a complicated matrix structure with large groups of teams, so staying organized and using these types of plans is essential. It is also important to know when and how to use communication channels.
Communication Channels
Comm. Channels
Communication Channels
Work management tools such as Jira, Asana, Monday, and Rike can help remote teams stay organized and on the same page. As long as everyone uses them properly, they can help teams to be harmonious in getting the job done well and delivering high-quality goods. These tools are handy when managing complex technical projects with remote teams. For example, the screenshot above the sprint plan shows the technical schematics of a mini ITX gaming computer case I designed with an international team. Similarly, I needed to finish a vertical GPU bracket and collaborate with the manufacturer in Taiwan, the engineer in Ukraine, local remote designers, and the designer in Sri Lanka to get the job done. You can see these projects here. The project management tools significantly improved the organization and helped us deliver a great product. Product Design page can be seen here.
Work management tools such as Jira, Asana, Monday, and Rike can help remote teams stay organized and on the same page. As long as everyone uses them properly, they can help teams to be harmonious in getting the job done well and delivering high-quality goods. These tools are handy when managing complex technical projects with remote teams. For example, the screenshot above the sprint plan shows the technical schematics of a mini ITX gaming computer case I designed with an international team. Similarly, I needed to finish a vertical GPU bracket and collaborate with the manufacturer in Taiwan, the engineer in Ukraine, local remote designers, and the designer in Sri Lanka to get the job done. You can see these projects here. The project management tools significantly improved the organization and helped us deliver a great product. Product Design page can be seen here.
Work management tools such as Jira, Asana, Monday, and Rike can help remote teams stay organized and on the same page. As long as everyone uses them properly, they can help teams to be harmonious in getting the job done well and delivering high-quality goods. These tools are handy when managing complex technical projects with remote teams. For example, the screenshot above the sprint plan shows the technical schematics of a mini ITX gaming computer case I designed with an international team. Similarly, I needed to finish a vertical GPU bracket and collaborate with the manufacturer in Taiwan, the engineer in Ukraine, local remote designers, and the designer in Sri Lanka to get the job done. You can see these projects here. The project management tools significantly improved the organization and helped us deliver a great product. Product Design page can be seen here.
Master Document
Master Document
Master Document
To manage the updates of kitchen documents, we created a master document, as seen above.
To manage the updates of kitchen documents, we created a master document, as seen above.
To manage the updates of kitchen documents, we created a master document, as seen above.
Client
Activity
Category
Project Management
Year
2016-Present
Background
Background
Background
My Project Management course was enlightening. We worked on managing two projects simultaneously. I'm attaching some highlights from both projects in this case.
I managed a project for Plant Pals where I needed to train vendors and work on logistics for supplying plants to offices.
I also worked with Sauce and Spoon with a team to roll out, install and test tablets in a few restaurants, including installing software and staff training on the software. We also had some benchmark KPIs to hit to ensure success, which involved ensuring the operation ran smoothly despite human ego/interaction and training challenges.
My Project Management course was enlightening. We worked on managing two projects simultaneously. I'm attaching some highlights from both projects in this case.
I managed a project for Plant Pals where I needed to train vendors and work on logistics for supplying plants to offices.
I also worked with Sauce and Spoon with a team to roll out, install and test tablets in a few restaurants, including installing software and staff training on the software. We also had some benchmark KPIs to hit to ensure success, which involved ensuring the operation ran smoothly despite human ego/interaction and training challenges.
My Project Management course was enlightening. We worked on managing two projects simultaneously. I'm attaching some highlights from both projects in this case.
I managed a project for Plant Pals where I needed to train vendors and work on logistics for supplying plants to offices.
I also worked with Sauce and Spoon with a team to roll out, install and test tablets in a few restaurants, including installing software and staff training on the software. We also had some benchmark KPIs to hit to ensure success, which involved ensuring the operation ran smoothly despite human ego/interaction and training challenges.
Project Charter
Project Charter
Project Charter
Above, you can see the project charter that I developed for Plant Pals. Paired with OKRs and the other plans and approval documents, it helps me better understand the big picture and procedures required to land the projects successfully.
Above, you can see the project charter that I developed for Plant Pals. Paired with OKRs and the other plans and approval documents, it helps me better understand the big picture and procedures required to land the projects successfully.
Above, you can see the project charter that I developed for Plant Pals. Paired with OKRs and the other plans and approval documents, it helps me better understand the big picture and procedures required to land the projects successfully.
Stakeholder Analysis
Stakeholder Analysis
Stakeholder Analysis
Above, you can see a stakeholder analysis I created.
Above, you can see a stakeholder analysis I created.
Above, you can see a stakeholder analysis I created.
RACI and Risk Management
RACI and Risk Management
RACI and Risk Management
Above is a RACI chart (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) and a risk management chart for Office Green and Plant Pals, respectively.
Above is a RACI chart (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) and a risk management chart for Office Green and Plant Pals, respectively.
Above is a RACI chart (responsible, accountable, consulted, informed) and a risk management chart for Office Green and Plant Pals, respectively.
Reviewing Launch
Reviewing Launch
Reviewing Launch
Above, you can see a retrospective review based on the first test/soft launch and soft launch findings.
Above, you can see a retrospective review based on the first test/soft launch and soft launch findings.
Above, you can see a retrospective review based on the first test/soft launch and soft launch findings.
Results Presentation
Results Presentation
Results Presentation
Above, you can see a presentation for high-level stakeholders explaining the results of our efforts to implement tablets in a few restaurants.
Above, you can see a presentation for high-level stakeholders explaining the results of our efforts to implement tablets in a few restaurants.
Above, you can see a presentation for high-level stakeholders explaining the results of our efforts to implement tablets in a few restaurants.
Sales Data for Linkup
Sales Data for Linkup
Sales Data for Linkup
At Linkup, I helped grow sales significantly during my tenure. Interestingly, sales dropped when the pandemic cleared up due to customers returning to the out-of-doors, and then the war in Ukraine happened, significantly affecting the economy. You can see the number of markets we were selling in and the sales growth from 2019-2021, and you may notice the size of the blurred-out sales figure at the top.
At Linkup, I helped grow sales significantly during my tenure. Interestingly, sales dropped when the pandemic cleared up due to customers returning to the out-of-doors, and then the war in Ukraine happened, significantly affecting the economy. You can see the number of markets we were selling in and the sales growth from 2019-2021, and you may notice the size of the blurred-out sales figure at the top.
At Linkup, I helped grow sales significantly during my tenure. Interestingly, sales dropped when the pandemic cleared up due to customers returning to the out-of-doors, and then the war in Ukraine happened, significantly affecting the economy. You can see the number of markets we were selling in and the sales growth from 2019-2021, and you may notice the size of the blurred-out sales figure at the top.
