Critical Chain

The ProChain Approach

It has been some time since I last published a blog post. One reason is that I’ve been very focused on our critical chain methodology. Our team has worked through a number of changes that make it both simpler and more effective. I’ve created a video that describes our approach at a high level. Click […]

The Project Manifesto, Part 3: Resolving the Conflicts

My previous post described conflicts that people experience, and asked how those conflicts should be resolved. Here I’ll try to answer from both a Theory of Constraints perspective and an Agile Management perspective. From a Theory of Constraints (TOC) point of view, the first step would be to put the conflicts into a

The Project Manifesto, Part 2: Current Values and Behaviors

The problem with the definition of the project buffer presented in my previous post, the problem with most definitions of the project buffer, is that traditional schedules already have protection time. Some of that protection may be in the form of inflated task times or hidden safety time, but it’s there. Saying that “a project […]

The Project Manifesto, Part 1: Introduction

Over the past couple of years we’ve been involved with a lot of projects and spent time developing quite a few new ideas. In other words, while it’s been a long time since I’ve posted to this blog, I think I have some good excuses. But it’s time to start up again. Our biggest new […]

The “Critical Chain Tool”

I often hear people talk about the “critical chain tool.” They may say “we plan to try the tool” or “please show us the tool.” There’s nothing directly wrong with this, but it can imply a disconnect in objectives that will make communication difficult. A screwdriver seems obviously to be a tool. Is an engine […]

Critical Chain and Research

Many of our ProChain clients do significant R&D work, so people ask us from time to time whether critical chain is applicable in a research environment. The common wisdom is that it isn’t, because research is inherently unknowable. A particular discovery may be made in a week, maybe in a year, maybe never. How can […]

PMI Scheduling Best Practices Guide

The Scheduling Community of Practice (formerly the College of Scheduling) of the Project Management Institute has been working on a scheduling Best Practices guide for some time. Critical Chain was never part of the guide. I spoke at the annual SCoP conference last May and shortly after that was asked to contribute a description of […]

Incorporating Resources into the Critical Path

Tuesday, 2/28/2012 at 11:00 am EST, I will present a webinar for the PMI Scheduling Community of Practice. I’ll talk about resources and the critical path (aka the critical chain). If you’re interested and are a PMI member, you might be able to use this link or visit the Scheduling Community of Practice home page […]

Fever Chart Regions

I was recently asked how one should decide where the red, yellow, and green regions for a fever chart should go. I regretted not having a concise explanation at the tip of my tongue. So here are the basics: There are really four points whose vertical positions we have to decide on in order to […]

Introduction to Critical Chain

I’ve finally gotten around to putting together a brief video Introduction to Critical Chain, please let me know what you think. (I recommend using the YouTube “expand” button, it gives better resolution.)