A5 TenStep Process Model

There are many different models for managing projects. Although most of the fundamental information is similar, they all have unique ways to organize the project management work, as well as unique roles, terms and philosophies. There are a number of key points to in the TenStep Process Model.

The "Steps" do not Imply a Sequential Order (A5.P1)

It is important to recognize that the ten steps of the TenStep methodology do not imply a sequential progression. It is true that you must define and plan the project before you can manage it. So, steps 1.0 and 2.0 would be done before the rest. However, the applicable activities in steps 3.0 through 10.0 are done in parallel.

Step 3 is the Key Integration Step (A5.P2)

Once the project is executing, all of the project management processes are integrated in Step 3.0 Manage the Schedule and Budget. The integration occurs here because of an overriding philosophy of the TenStep process – “What’s in the schedule gets done!” In other words, all of the work of the project should be in the schedule, and if an activity is not in the schedule, it should not be worked on.

The schedule is the focal point of managing the project, and all the project management processes are integrated in the schedule. You should have activities and time allocated in your schedule for communicating, managing scope, updating the schedule and all other project management activities. The integration occurs when the project management processes touch each other, as well as when the project management and project life cycle activities overlap. Consider the following examples:

  • A large scope change request is approved, resulting in more effort and more cost. This is a typical integration of project management and project life cycle work. The impact is reflected in the updated schedule and budget.

  • You identify risks and create a Risk Management Plan to manage the risks. You communicate the resulting Risk Management Plan to all interested stakeholders for feedback. This is an integration of managing risk and managing communication. Since all of this work takes time and effort, the activities are on the schedule and the integration occurs in this step.

All project work should be reflected in the schedule. Therefore, this step is where the project is managed and controlled, and it is the place where all of the project life cycle and project management activities are planned, executed, tracked and integrated.

The Higher Steps do Imply More Project Management Sophistication (A5.P3)

The higher steps of the TenStep process do imply a higher level of project management sophistication. For instance, smaller projects do not necessarily need to manage risk (step 7.0) since a small project typically does not have enough risk to worry about. Likewise, the work required to manage quality and a metrics process (step 9.0) and manage procurement (step 10.0) normally means that you don’t do as much in those areas for small and medium-sized projects.

Other Related and Contrasting Models (A5.P4)

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