Week 5_ SeeGod Meregini_ How to write value adding weekly blogs

During the holidays, I tried to find a way to get maximum value for the weekly blog postings.

The problem was selecting the right method in writing weekly blogs such that I have maximum value for the work.

I developed some alternatives to solving this problem. They were:

A.    Write blogs after a work problem is found.

B.    Write blobs after a solution is known.

C.    Write blogs after reading AACE materials and discovering a tool or process.

D.    Write blogs only closely related to my paper topic (for the first 12 weeks i.e. till Feb. 2011).

The outcome of each alternative showed the following:

A.    This method would delay my delivery time because I would struggle with a solution to the problem due to limited foreknowledge in recommended (AACE) tools/processes.

B.    This method, while it would make me try to research for a solution before writing, might create a negative result if the problem is not correctly defined.

C.    This method would give me more time to proactively gain knowledge, understand different ways of solving issues, meet my one hour a day deliverable, research for a broader perspective without the burden of trying to solve a specific problem and better understand the best practices, tools and processes without trying to “check the box”.

D.    This would narrow my research and reduce my ability to freely gain knowledge in all spheres of TCM.

My selection criterion for this problem is that the alternative to be chosen must objectively meet at least 3 clear deliverables and must be measurable.

In analysing all alternatives bearing in mind my selection criteria, Alternative D was clearly not going to make it as it satisfied only 1 deliverable – writing paper. It also was not going to be sustained after submittal of the paper.

While Alternatives B and A were using the same method with different approaches, they still satisfied only 2 deliverables – 1hr/ day and “checking the box”- complete the blog posting column that I have submitted a weekly blog.

Alternative C satisfied 5 clear deliverables; 1h/day; completing my blog posting- “checking the box”;researching wide for my paper; preparing for the exam; and most importantly learning best practices to be used post exam period and for personal life.

I selected Alternative C based on the reasons above and exceeding my selection criteria goal.

For performance monitoring, I would use timely submission of quality deliverables as a key performance guide.

For post evaluation of results, the metric would be how many deliverables were accepted at first submittal. If too many rejections (3ce for same deliverable) are made, this alternative C would be reviewed. This can be determined using earned value metrics i.e. SPI, CPI and so on.

References

Giammalvo, P. D. (2010). AACE Certification Prep Course [PowerPoint slides], Day 5. Lagos: Nigeria.

Sullivan, W. G., Wicks, E.M., & Koelling, C.P. (2009). Engineering economy and design process. In M.J. Horton (Ed.), Engineering economy (14^th ed.) (chapter 1.3) (pp. 27). New Jersey, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

AACE International Education Board. (2010).Performance and productivity management. In S.J.Amos (Ed), Skills & knowledge of cost engineering (5th ed) (chapter 17). Morgantown, WV: AACE International.

AACE International Education Board. (2006).Project control performance assessment. In J.K.Hollmann (Ed), Total cost management framework – A process for applying the Skills & knowledge of cost engineering (1^st ed) (chapter 10.1.2.1.) (pp.203-204). Morgantown, WV: AACE International.

Global Alliance for Project Performance Standards. (2007) Performance based competency standards. A Framework for Performance based competency standards for global

level 1 and 2 project managers (chapter 2.2) (pp.3).Sydney: Global Alliance for Project Performance