Managing Successful IT Projects With the Basic Tools of the Trade

Presented by Dhanu Kothari, President, D2i Consulting

Abstract: The management of information technology (IT) projects has become increasingly complex and challenging with accelerated changes in technology, new business models, high demands, and the need to respond to business pressures. This has resulted in increased expectations of Project Managers to deliver project results within accelerated timeframes.

The usual response, in most cases, is to acquire yet another automated tool or technology and expect it to solve the fundamental gaps in the practice of Project Management. The gaps arise from inadequate understanding of project dynamics, undue reliance on automated tools, and lack of skills for managing the client’s expectations.

Successful Project Managers know how to bridge the gap by using and leveraging the basic tools of the trade, just as in any other profession. This presentation will address the key factors that contribute to a successful outcome for IT projects by meeting or exceeding stakeholders’ expectations.

The speaker will share with us a summary of the ten key tools/techniques that can be implemented and integrated into existing methodologies and environments for managing IT projects. The presentation is based on a book published by the speaker in April 2006 titled, “Rainbows & Ratholes: Best Practices for Managing Successful Projects”.

Bio:

Dhanu Kothari has over twenty-five years of experience in IT with emphasis on Project Management, Process & Quality improvement, Methodology implementation, and Consulting delivery across several industries.

He has worked for major organizations including Hewlett-Packard, Digital Equipment, Honeywell, Nortel Networks, Bank of Nova Scotia, Sperry Univac and the Norwegian Computing Center. He is the President of D2i Consulting, a firm specializing in Project Management delivery and consulting including Methodology, Process, PMOs, Projects Audits and skills development & training.

His expertise includes managing groups of IT professionals, mentoring Project Managers, leading and facilitating workshops, directing teamwork and conducting Project Management training. He has trained over 7,500 students in Project Management. He has successfully applied the principles of Project Management to complex IT and non-IT projects.

As a Program Manager, he successfully managed the divestiture of HP Canada (into HP & Agilent Technologies) in conjunction with the HP Corporate team.

Mr. Kothari holds a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Production Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

He has presented & published several papers on Project Management, IT Quality Management and CMM/ ISO 9000 for software development. in such industry publications as Controls & Systems, Office Automation, Manufacturing Systems, and CIPS Special Issue on Project Mgt. for which he served as the Guest Editor.

He is a past President of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Southern Ontario Chapter.