Effective Software Project Management

Problem Management Meetings

Problem management meetings provide an oversight function to identify, monitor, and resolve problems that arise during the life of a project. Every project has problems. No matter how well planned or managed the project is, there will always be problems. Many problems arise just as an accident of nature. For example, one of your key staff members has resigned just as he was to begin working on a critical path activity. His skills are in high demand, and he will be difficult to replace. Each day that his position remains vacant is another day’s delay in the project. What will you do? Nevertheless, the project manager must be ready to take action in such cases. The problem management meeting is one vehicle for addressing all problems that need to be escalated above the individual for definition, solution identification, and resolution.

This is an important function in the management of projects, especially large projects. Problems are often identified in the project status meeting and referred to the appropriate persons for resolution. A group is assembled to work on the problem. Progress reports are presented and discussed at a problem management meeting.