5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas

Trailer – 5 Minutes Podcast

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 13 Dec 2021 10:00:00 GMT

AI Agents: Decisions Can Be Automated, but Responsibility Is Human

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the growing use of AI agents in projects and highlights an essential point: decisions can be automated, but responsibility remains human. Tools such as collaborative platforms and automation engines already perform tasks, prioritize activities, and interact with stakeholders autonomously. Despite their efficiency, there is an illusion that responsibility can also be transferred to AI, which is not true. In case of error, the responsibility falls on whoever designed the system. Thus, the manager's role evolves, it goes from simply executing to designing decision-making systems, defining limits, and validating logic. The recommendation is clear: automate tasks, support decisions, but never delegate responsibility.

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Projects Also Get Old

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains that projects age not only over time but also when they lose energy, relevance, and purpose. Many continue to be taken for granted, even as markets, technology, and priorities change. He warns that past investments do not justify continuing, as they do not guarantee future value. Signs of aging include a lack of clarity about the purpose, low team motivation, and decisions based on outdated assumptions. Reviewing or even ending a project is not a failure, but demonstrates leadership. Maintaining “zombie” projects consumes valuable resources. Therefore, leaders must continually assess whether the project remains viable, delivers value, and aligns with current realities.

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Sustainable Projects Have Rhythm, Not Hysteria

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the importance of maintaining rhythm, not hysteria, for projects to be sustainable. He explains that many organizations confuse productivity with a chaotic environment full of emergencies, constant meetings, and changing priorities. This scenario only creates the sensation of movement but doesn't guarantee real progress. For Ricardo, rhythm means consistency, cadence, and continuous advancement with focus and energy, while hysteria puts the project in a permanent state of emergency. This generates fatigue, worsens decision-making, and reduces the quality of work. He emphasizes that projects are made by people and that exhausted teams lose motivation and make more mistakes. Therefore, leaders must define clear priorities, respect the team's capacity, and create a sustainable environment to achieve consistent results.

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Better Projects Do Not Come from Uniformity: A Reflection for International Women’s Day

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo Vargas celebrates International Women’s Day while reflecting on the importance of diversity in projects. He explains that projects often fail not because of technical issues but because teams fall into uniform thinking, where everyone analyzes risks and decisions from the same perspective. Complex projects require contrasting viewpoints, experiences, and interpretations. The participation of women strengthens decision-making, risk analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement. Ricardo emphasizes that diversity is not only about fairness but about performance, collective intelligence, and better results. When women can fully participate, challenging ideas, leading, and influencing decisions, projects become more robust and complete. He concludes that real inclusion means ensuring women’s voices are heard and that diversity should be treated as a fundamental condition for delivering better projects.

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Geopolitics: The Invisible Risk Behind Your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains that many projects fail not because of technical issues, but because the global context changes during execution. Elections, wars, sanctions, and trade tensions can shift priorities, block suppliers, and unexpectedly increase costs. Geopolitics goes beyond armed conflicts; it includes global supply chains, interest rates, exchange rates, and environmental regulations. Trade restrictions can halt infrastructure projects, export limitations can delay the delivery of critical equipment, and regional conflicts can raise material costs. Higher interest rates affect project financing, while currency fluctuations can quickly make contracts unviable. Regulatory changes also impact scope and timelines. So, project managers must include macroeconomic risks in planning, work with multiple scenarios, and involve leadership when the context changes to stay aligned with strategy in a globally unstable environment.

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The True Enemy of a Project Is Not Risk. It Is the Illusion

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains that the true enemy of a project is not risk, but illusion. Although teams dedicate significant effort to risk management—creating registers, assessing probability and impact, and defining mitigation plans—many failures arise from collective self-deception. Unrealistic schedules, underestimated budgets, and overly ambitious scopes are often accepted to satisfy expectations and gain approval. Unlike uncertainty, which is natural in complex environments, illusion is culturally constructed and reinforced by pressure, incentives, and overconfidence. The planning fallacy drives teams to underestimate time and cost. Effective project leadership means confronting illusions early, making trade-offs explicit, and protecting reality. Projects fail not because of known risks, but because uncomfortable truths are ignored.

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Your Project Needs a Carnival

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

During Carnival week in Brazil, Ricardo connects celebration with project management. Carnival, one of the world's largest cultural events, symbolizes creativity, energy, discipline, and months of preparation. Behind the music and parades lies structured planning, budgeting, rehearsals, and well-defined roles—just like in projects. However, in professional life, teams often move from one milestone to another without celebrating achievements. Projects demand resilience, discipline, and sacrifice, and each victory deserves recognition. Celebrating is not a waste of time; it's emotional fuel. It reinforces positive behaviors, strengthens the sense of belonging, reduces burnout, and highlights progress. Just like in Carnival, successful projects deliver results and build stronger, more motivated teams along the way.

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Claude Cowork: When AI Stops Assisting and Starts Working

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo presents Cloud Cowork, an agentic AI model from Anthropic that goes far beyond traditional conversational assistants. It is designed to execute complete tasks within real contexts such as files, folders, documents, reports, and workflows. Ricardo highlights its strong applicability to project management and other forms of structured knowledge work, where a large amount of time is spent on operational activities like organizing documents, consolidating data, reviewing information, and preparing reports. By delegating these tasks to an AI agent that plans and executes work in a structured way, professionals can shift their focus from execution to orchestration, decision-making, and strategy. Speaking as a satisfied user with no affiliation to Anthropic, Ricardo strongly recommends testing Cloud Cowork to understand the real impact of agentic AI on projects, PMOs, and organizations.

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From Generative AI to Agentic AI: When Machines Stop Waiting for Prompts

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains the difference between Generative AI, AI Agents, and Agentic AI—topics that are widely discussed but often misunderstood. He draws on a clear explanation by Filipa Peleja, presented during the O’Reilly Super Stream on Generative AI. Generative AI, based on large language models, responds to prompts and produces text, ideas, and analysis, but it has no initiative, goals, or independent decision-making. AI Agents, on the other hand, are given a goal and can plan tasks, use tools, interact with systems, and execute actions in sequence, with operational autonomy within defined rules. Finally, Agentic AI involves systems of agents working together, with memory, adaptability, and evolving strategies, raising major challenges around governance, ethics, and accountability.

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WEF Global Risk Report 2026 and the End of Predictability

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo analyzes the 21st edition of the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2026, highlighting the end of predictability and the beginning of the so-called "era of competition." The report points to a more turbulent global scenario, with 50% of leaders predicting instability in the next two years, driven by geoeconomic confrontation that threatens global supply chains. Ricardo explains that in the economic field, high global debt and increased spending on defense, energy transition, and artificial intelligence make capital more expensive and scarcer, requiring extreme financial rigor in projects. Misinformation intensifies social polarization. As a strategic response, the report proposes a "coalition of the willing": moving forward with truly committed groups, without waiting for total consensus.

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More Tools Don’t Mean Better Decisions

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo warns against a common mistake in organizations: believing that more tools and software mean more maturity. Many companies invest in expensive platforms, dashboards, and impeccable reports, but continue to make poor decisions. Tools don't create maturity; they only highlight what already exists. If there is no prioritization, clear criteria, and decisions, technology only organizes the confusion. Teams end up spending more time feeding systems than thinking about projects. Abundant indicators do not compensate for the absence of priorities. Maturity is not about having the best software, but about knowing who decides, based on what criteria, and what changes when something deviates from the plan. Without this, any tool becomes just a digital ornament.

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Inside CES 2026: What I Saw About Projects in a World Where Everything Has AI

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on his participation at CES 2026 through the lens of project management, highlighting a structural shift rather than new gadgets. Using LEGO’s smart bricks as an analogy, he explains how projects today extend, not replace, traditional foundations by integrating data, AI, and digital capabilities. He highlights Project AVA, a holographic AI advisor, as an example of projects becoming complex ecosystems where hardware, software, data, governance, ethics, and security must work in harmony. From AI-powered consumer products to robotaxis like Zoox, projects now continue beyond delivery into ongoing operation. Ricardo concludes that project managers are evolving into value orchestrators who connect technological possibilities with meaningful, responsible value for organizations and society.

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The biggest mistake that kills projects in January

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In the first episode of 2026, Ricardo warns about the biggest mistake that ruins projects early in the year: saying yes to everything. January brings optimism, pressure for fast results, and a belief that everything is possible, leading to overloaded portfolios and teams working far beyond capacity. Projects are planned under unrealistic assumptions, confusing hope with real capacity. Failures don’t happen at the end of the year, but at the beginning, when wrong choices are made. Strong projects start with focus, tough decisions, and renunciation. The key question is not what to start, but what not to do. Saying no early is less painful than canceling projects later. Projects fail not due to a lack of ideas, but an excess of promises.

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2026: Five Insights That Will Redefine Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this final episode of 2025, Ricardo proposes a reflection on changes that will profoundly impact projects in 2026. He presents five central insights: the end of projects as isolated islands, which will operate as parts of a continuous value stream; the radical fragmentation of teams, marked by high fluidity between people, partners, and AI agents; the silent transfer of authority, with decisions distributed among boards, algorithms, and teams; the emergence of cognitive risk, caused by flawed mental models and excessive reliance on automated responses; and the silent obsolescence of the traditional project manager. For Ricardo, 2026 will be the year of repositioning, requiring the courage to unlearn, assume new responsibilities, and lead in ambiguous environments, focusing on real impact and conscious choices.

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2025 Retrospective: A Year of Pressure, Learning, and Decisions in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo looks back at the year in projects with a mature and deeply reflective perspective, focusing on the lessons learned. He describes an intense year, marked by strong pressure for results, shorter deadlines, and increasingly tight budgets, where good planning ceased to be a differentiator and became a matter of survival. Execution took center stage, and mistakes became more costly. At the same time, artificial intelligence ceased to be a promise and became part of the daily routine of projects, bringing real productivity gains. AI did not replace the project manager; it replaced improvisation. Even so, the biggest challenge remained human: fatigue, overload, burnout, and failures caused by human exhaustion. The dispute between methods lost its meaning; those who knew how to adapt to the context won. Projects became more strategic, guided by value, purpose, and conscious choices for the future.

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Milestones, Baselines, and the Power of December 31 in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo highlights the importance of milestones, baselines, and control points in project management, using December 31st as a powerful example of a milestone, both personally and organizationally. Just as individuals reflect on decisions and plan the future at the end of the year, projects and organizations use milestones to review budgets, compare goals, and consolidate results. Although the calendar is a human convention, milestones provide essential reference points for comparison and control. Without a clear baseline, it is impossible to assess real progress. Projects without milestones rely on perception, while projects with milestones rely on facts. Milestones are not bureaucracy; they are moments of reflection, decision-making, and adjustment that help prevent gradual and unnoticed project deviation.

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What does the PMBOK® Guide 8th Edition say about Artificial Intelligence?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo wraps up the discussion on the PMBOK Guide 8th Edition by highlighting the role of artificial intelligence in project management. PMI included AI in Appendix X3, presenting three adoption strategies: automation (making tasks faster), assistance (AI as a partner helping with scheduling and resources), and augmentation (expanding managers’ capabilities and decision-making). The appendix provides practical use cases for governance, risks, resources, scheduling, and other areas. Ricardo emphasizes that AI evolves rapidly, so some examples may soon become outdated, but project managers must understand and leverage AI to remain competitive. Recent research indicates that organizations are already saving significant money by utilizing AI. He encourages readers to study the appendix carefully and stay adaptable.

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Don’t Memorize the PMBOK® Guide 8th Edition - Understand It

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains that in the PMBOK® 8th Edition, you do not need to memorize all 40 processes. Many of them are very similar, especially in the planning phase, which alone contains 19 processes. He shows that processes like Plan Scope Management, Plan Schedule Management, Plan Financial Management, and Plan Risk Management follow the same logic: they define the “rules of the game” for each performance domain. If you understand one, you know the others. Ricardo advises candidates for CAPM or PMP to focus on understanding the logic and flow of the processes rather than memorizing them, which is less effective for real-world project management.

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What Happened with the Communication Domain in the PMBOK® Guide 8th Edition?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses a key change in the PMBOK® Guide 8th edition: the relationship between stakeholders and communication. In previous editions, communication was a separate knowledge area, but now it is considered part of stakeholder management. This shift is significant because communication only exists when there are stakeholders with different needs. If a project had no stakeholders besides yourself, communication would be unnecessary. Therefore, communication is a tool to support stakeholder engagement. In the new PMBOK® structure, stakeholders remain a performance domain that includes planning, execution, and control activities. Ricardo encourages PMI members to download the PMBOK® Guide PDF and explore these updates to improve project value and delivery.

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My First Impressions about the PMBOK® Guide 8th Edition

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the new edition of PMBOK 8, which brings important changes more aligned with the real work of project managers. Based on nearly 48,000 data points and two rounds of global feedback, it has become more practical, clear, and value-oriented. The old 12 principles have been condensed into six more focused ones, while maintaining good project practices. The traditional five process groups return and now apply to predictive, agile, and hybrid projects. The old knowledge areas have evolved into seven performance domains: governance, scope, schedule, finance, stakeholders, resources, and risks. This edition also features 40 updated processes with integrated ITTOs and reinforces tailoring with practical examples, making the guide more applicable and balanced.

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Luck, Probability, and Risk: What Is Really Under Your Control in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the role of luck and probability in project management. He explains that while luck can influence outcomes, it favors those who are prepared. Probability, he says, is not a prediction but a decision-making tool that helps manage uncertainty. Effective project managers turn randomness into results through preparation: identifying risks, creating contingency plans, defining triggers, and building buffers. Ricardo also warns against hindsight bias, which makes us underestimate luck after success. He recommends modeling uncertainty with scenarios, using simulations for high-risk decisions, protecting the critical path with buffers, and designing flexibility into projects. True management, he concludes, is not about eliminating luck but shaping how it affects outcomes—turning uncertainty into smarter choices and opportunities.

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Executives Who Don’t Understand Projects Can’t Deliver Results

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains why executives need to understand the logic of project management to make informed strategic decisions. Projects drive organizational changes, such as digital transformation, new products, entry into new markets, and mergers. Without understanding how projects add value and manage risk, leaders may fail to connect strategy to execution. Many focus only on "normal functioning," but the future depends on "business as change." By understanding the dynamics of projects, executives ask better questions, support teams effectively, and build a results-oriented culture. This knowledge helps them keep pace with the organization, prioritize efficiently, and see failures as learning opportunities. True leadership requires learning to think like a project, not like tools, but like governance, critical thinking, and value creation.

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The Invisible Loop: Why Your Schedule Never Balances Out

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses activity loops, which occur when tasks become predecessors and successors to each other, creating cycles that make schedule calculations difficult. Although schedules are designed for linear flows, engineering and innovation projects are often iterative, with constant revisions and feedback. Looping isn't a mistake, but it needs to be represented correctly. Ricardo suggests some ways to avoid this problem, such as creating successive versions (elaboration 1, 2, final), using intermediate milestones, or delayed start-start relationships. When interdependence is unavoidable, he recommends using the Design Structure Matrix (DSM), which maps circular relationships and helps plan blocks of iterative activities. The important thing is to choose the model that best represents the project's reality.

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The Project Didn’t Fail — It Just Revealed the Truth

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains that projects don’t really fail — they reveal the truth about an organization. Projects act as mirrors, exposing hidden cultural flaws like poor alignment, weak leadership, and political decisions. When pressure from deadlines and budgets increases, the organization’s true nature surfaces: silos, egos, and fear replacing collaboration. A troubled project is not a failure but an X-ray showing what is broken and who has the courage to fix it. Crises test maturity and trust, revealing whether teams can speak honestly or stay silent. The real mistake is ignoring these lessons and repeating errors. Ricardo explains that learning from failing projects leads to real growth and invites listeners to explore his new course on recovering troubled projects.

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The Truth Behind Fake AI Projects: Understanding AI Washing

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses AI washing, a growing trend where organizations falsely claim to use artificial intelligence. Similar to greenwashing, AI washing occurs when companies exaggerate their AI capabilities to attract investors or appear innovative. In reality, many so-called AI systems are just basic automation or rule-based tools. This practice creates serious risks, including loss of credibility, legal issues, and project failure. Vargas highlights warning signs: flashy storytelling over science, unrealistic promises, lack of true AI experts, neglect of data quality, and poor governance. He explains that real AI projects require transparency, solid data, ethics, and humility—reminding project managers to avoid overpromising and to focus on genuine, data-driven value instead of hype.

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The Future Has Arrived: The Second Global Research on AI in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo announces the release of the second global research on AI in project management, co-authored with Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez. Compared to their first study two years ago, AI has moved from experimentation to mainstream adoption. The 2025 report, based on insights from 870 professionals in 97 countries, shows that AI familiarity has doubled, and over two-thirds now use AI tools daily. Nearly half of organizations report cost reductions, and 25% achieved over $250,000 ROI. The greatest benefits appear in scaling, risk management, and forecasting. Barriers have shifted from technical to cultural and ethical. By 2028, 42% of organizations expect AI copilots to manage most projects. AI won’t replace humans but enhance leadership and decision-making. Download the free report at pmairevolution.com.

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The Mega Power of Nano Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo introduces the concept of nano projects: ultra-short, highly focused initiatives lasting just a few days, designed to generate value quickly. Unlike megaprojects, which require months or years, nano projects respond to the need for speed and adaptation in a fast-paced world. Examples include testing a marketing channel in five days, redesigning hospital processes in a week, or running rapid pilots in the public sector. Their advantages include low risk, rapid learning, and greater team engagement, as results are quickly seen. However, they require a well-defined scope, discipline, and attention to quality. Ricardo emphasizes that they complement traditional models, helping to reduce uncertainty and stimulate innovation in short cycles.

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Is Agile Still Enough in the Face of AI’s Speed?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo questions whether Agile is still sufficient in the face of the speed of artificial intelligence. Created in 2001, the Agile Manifesto introduced short iterations and continuous learning to address the unpredictability of software development. However, today, tools become obsolete in days, raising questions about the relevance of 2- to 4-week cycles or a quarterly backlog. Vargas doesn't criticize Agile—on the contrary, he recognizes its essential role for organizations in dealing with volatility. The point is to reflect on how to apply it intelligently in the face of the rapidity of AI: smaller microcycles? More discipline? An "Agile 2.0" that includes governance, ethics, and social responsibility? The challenge is adapting to the current intensity of change.

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AI: Reducing Risks or Creating New Challenges?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo questions whether artificial intelligence (AI) actually reduces project risks or creates new ones. While it helps predict delays, identify flaws, and minimize errors, AI can create invisible risks, such as data bias, which distorts results, and "blind trust," when professionals accept predictions without critical analysis. Another risk is technological dependence: if the tool fails or disappears, the project could stall. There are also ethical and legal questions about who is responsible for AI's misguided decisions. Vargas emphasizes that AI is neither a villain nor an absolute solution. It should be seen as an ally, but always with human oversight, contingency plans, and clear accountability from managers.

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How Many Broken Windows Are You Tolerating in Your Project?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo explains the "broken windows" theory, which originated in criminology, and how it applies to project management. The central idea is that minor signs of disorder, when ignored, lead to bigger problems. In projects, accepting delays or failures without correction sends the message that quality and discipline are unimportant, opening the door to widespread carelessness. Therefore, it's crucial to quickly correct violations, maintain organized processes, and set an example of consistency and accountability. It's not about micromanaging, but about demonstrating that attention to detail protects the project. Often, it's not major disasters that destroy it, but the accumulation of minor oversights that undermine trust and results.

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What to Do When Everything in the Project Goes Right and No One Notices

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the concept of "silent success" in projects. Managers often highlight dramatic stories: impossible deadlines met, small teams overcoming limitations, or difficult clients. These narratives attract attention, but true success can be more discreet: well-managed risks, on-time deliveries, a motivated team, and aligned stakeholders. Without memorable crises, this work is often seen as luck or an easy project, when in fact it results from careful planning, constant communication, and early strategic decisions. Ricardo warns that it's necessary to review metrics and value these managers, as they are the ones who truly deliver the expected results, without relying on the spectacle of the crisis.

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5 AI Tools for Projects You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo introduces five lesser-known AI tools that can transform project management. The first is Study Fetch, which creates personalized tutors from documents, allowing interactive learning and team alignment. The second, Granola, records meetings, generates summaries, and produces prioritized action lists—saving time for project managers. The third, Limitless (formerly Rewind), is a wearable device that records and indexes everything heard or said, enabling quick recall of past conversations, though it raises privacy concerns. The fourth, Mylens, uses computer vision to analyze images and videos, offering insights into progress or issues. Finally, Emlo (Emotion Logic), with tools like FeelGPT and Emotional Diamond, interprets emotions in communication, helping managers understand team morale and prevent conflicts.

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Access the tools at the following links:

Ignoring the Signs Is Costly: The Art of Seeing Red Flags in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo Vargas talks about the importance of recognizing and acting on early warning signs — the famous red flags — before small issues become full-blown crises. He shares practical advice and real examples to help create a culture of active risk awareness and psychological safety in project environments.

Project Delivered, Relevance Lost: When Reality Outpaces Your Scope

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explores the paradox of projects that were executed with excellence — on time, on budget, and within the original scope — but ultimately fail to deliver real value because the world changed during execution. The pandemic, accelerated digital transformation, new regulations, or even political and social shifts can make what was promised at the start of the project no longer relevant at the time of delivery.

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General-Purpose AI in the Spotlight: What the EU AI Act Means for Your Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of the AI Act, the European regulation on artificial intelligence (General-Purpose AI models). The law, passed in 2024 and fully in force in 2026, began imposing strict rules on general-purpose AI models such as GPT, Claude, and Gemini on August 2, 2025. Projects using these AIs, even for simple integration, must also follow ethical, privacy, and transparency requirements. This changes the role of the project manager, who now needs to ensure legal compliance. Despite criticism that the law limits innovation, Ricardo emphasizes that it signals technological maturity. For him, adapting is essential to avoid risks and add value to projects.

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https://rvarg.as/euactslide

https://rvarg.as/euact

Cut the Talk, Keep the Impact: 5 Tips for Better Meetings in the times of AI

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo shares five tips to optimize meetings. First, keep them short and focused—long calls often waste time. Second, ask if a meeting is truly necessary; many decisions can be handled via Slack or email. Third, when a meeting is needed, send a clear agenda and define objectives in advance. Fourth, use AI tools to record and summarize meetings so participants can focus on the discussion. Tools like Claude help create action-based summaries. Fifth, assign a facilitator to keep the meeting on track and ensure outcomes turn into actions. Finally, gather team feedback to improve future meetings. Effective meetings can truly accelerate project success.

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Leadership in Crisis: 3 Lessons for Projects from the Astronomer Case

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses a case involving the CEO of Astronomer, who was caught with a subordinate during a concert, leading to both of their departures from the company. The episode highlights three main lessons: (1) A leader's reputation is a strategic asset, directly linked to the company's image. (2) There is no longer a separation between personal and professional life; behavior outside of work also impacts the organization. (3) Organizational culture begins with leadership, and misconduct can compromise the company's governance and credibility. The case serves as a warning about how individual attitudes can negatively impact projects, teams, and business broadly and immediately.

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In the Eye of the Storm: How to Stay Calm Amid Uncertainty

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of staying calm when everything seems out of control. He shares eight practical tips for dealing with moments of chaos in projects — from doing a reality check to taking care of your well-being. Ricardo highlights that under pressure, common sense is often the first thing to go, and impulsive decisions tend to make things worse. That’s why creating strategic pauses, seeking support from trusted people, and going back to the basics of the project can be key to regaining focus. By communicating clearly and accepting uncertainty as part of the process, the project manager can navigate with balance even in the middle of turbulence. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Not Every Project Has to Be Straight: The Magic of Frank Gehry

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo visits the Marqués de Riscal winery, highlighting the hotel designed by Frank Gehry as an example of creativity outside the box. He reflects on how disruptive ideas, like this architectural work made of titanium and stainless steel, often emerge when rigid frameworks are abandoned and “ordered chaos” is explored. Ricardo emphasizes that, in projects, thinking outside the box can lead to genuine innovations. He also points out that striking design has become the winery’s main business, attracting tourists more than wine production itself.

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The Fear That Sabotages Your Projects — And How to Overcome It

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of fear on project management and the role of psychological safety in transforming fear into positive and effective actions. Fears such as making mistakes, being judged, or losing your job can silence teams, hindering decisions and innovation. Psychological safety, a concept developed by Amy Edmondson, allows people to express themselves without fear of punishment. Leaders play a fundamental role in demonstrating vulnerability and encouraging participation. This does not eliminate discipline, but it dissociates it from fear, replacing it with respect and trust. Authoritarian cultures can generate quick results, but they compromise the team’s potential. To reduce fear, genuinely listen to your team and share your own concerns. Projects are made by people, and people need trust.

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When the Brazilian Way Becomes a Trap: The Risk of Normalizing Improvisation

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the “Jeitinho Brasileiro” — the Brazilian way of solving problems creatively, often with limited resources. While this ingenuity is a strength, it becomes risky when improvisation turns into standard practice. He shares a story of a glass installer who used chewing gum instead of putty, which worked but became a habit. In projects, this mindset can lead to poor documentation, rushed timelines, and weak planning. Flexibility is vital, but it must not replace structured processes. True project maturity comes from building sustainable systems, not relying on last-minute fixes. Creativity should be embraced, but always directed toward lasting, professional solutions, not temporary patches.

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According to PwC, AI Has Already Changed the Game — And You Can’t Keep Playing in the Past

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses insights from PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer, analyzing 500 million job postings across 15 countries. He shows that AI-exposed sectors like IT and project management see 4.8x higher productivity. Jobs requiring AI skills grow three times faster and offer a 25% wage premium. AI’s biggest impact comes from everyday professionals using tools like ChatGPT. Skills in AI-exposed roles shift 20% faster, urging continuous learning. AI enables smaller, more efficient teams and introduces new risks. Importantly, AI drives not only efficiency but also innovation and new business models, making it essential for project managers to adapt and evolve.

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The Cost of Hurry: How Speed Undermines Project Quality

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the dangers of prioritizing speed over strategy in project management. He says that being agile means adapting and learning quickly, not rushing in blindly. Urgency often leads to missed plans, poor decisions, and costly rework. Teams suffer under pressure, and when delays happen, they are unfairly blamed. Ricardo argues that a slower, more thoughtful start—with proper planning and stakeholder engagement—can accelerate long-term progress. He encourages leaders to educate stakeholders on the difference between rushing and smart acceleration. A realistic schedule is not a delay, but an investment in sustainable success.

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Why Earned Value Still Matters — Even with AI

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the ongoing importance of earned value analysis in project management. Despite advancements in AI, real-time dashboards, earned value remains a precise, structured, and effective tool—especially in complex environments. AI can automate data collection and forecasting, but it cannot replace human judgment. Metrics like the cost performance index (CPI) require interpretation to guide decisions. Earned value analysis integrates scope, time, and cost, providing actionable insights. Ricardo emphasizes that while technology enhances our tools, it doesn’t replace core principles. He also announces an upcoming course on earned value application.

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The Rise of AI Agents in Project Work

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how AI Agents are transforming project management. Unlike traditional tools, these agents are autonomous, understand context, make decisions, and interact with people and systems to deliver value. With the advancement of models like ChatGPT and platforms such as LangChain, Crew AI, and Google NotebookLM, building smart agents has become much easier. They can update schedules, write meeting notes, draft emails, generate reports, and monitor risks—all integrated with tools like Notion, Slack, Trello, and Google Docs. This shift changes the project manager’s role to that of an “AI orchestrator.” However, caution is needed due to potential errors, hallucinations, and data security concerns. AI isn’t here to replace project managers but to empower them to focus on what truly matters.

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How to Protect Your Project by Saying “No”

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the challenge of saying “no” in project management, a struggle for many who aim to help. He warns that each impulsive "yes" may sacrifice scope, schedule, quality, or team well-being. Sharing his experience of overcommitting, he learned that saying “no” is an act of leadership. He uses three guiding questions: 1) Is it aligned with the project’s strategy? 2) Do I have time, budget, and people for it? 3) Does it add measurable value? He suggests offering conditional options with a “no, but yes” approach. Saying “no” with data, clarity, and respect not only protects the project but also strengthens relationships and shows care for the team.

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The End of Skype and the Life Cycles of Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on the end of Skype's cycle. Created in 2003 in Estonia, the application revolutionized online communication, allowing free voice calls and being essential for families, companies, and project managers. Acquired by eBay in 2005 and by Microsoft in 2011, Skype lost ground to more modern solutions such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and Teams. Ricardo highlights that the end of a project or product does not mean failure. Everything has a cycle: beginning, middle, and end. Recognizing when to end something responsibly is an essential skill in project management. Success lies in fulfilling its purpose, not in lasting forever. The end can also be a sign of success.

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Stanford’s AI Index Report: 11 Key Takeaways for Project Leaders

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The AI Index Report 2025, published annually by Stanford University, is a key global reference that tracks the progress, trends, and impact of artificial intelligence. In this podcast, Ricardo highlights how AI is advancing rapidly, reshaping industries, and demanding new skills from professionals, especially in project management. He emphasizes the growing influence of AI on productivity, innovation, and education, as well as its ethical challenges and global implications. The report shows that AI is no longer hype, but it’s a transformative force shaping our work, society, and future, requiring leaders to adapt with agility and strategic vision.

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Same risk. Three opinions. Who’s right?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explores the concept of “Risk Lensing”, the idea that risk is shaped by individual perceptions rather than objective data. He uses the example of a child climbing a tree to show how various people can have different perspectives on the same event. Understanding how stakeholders view opportunities and risks is more important for effective risk management than formulae or spreadsheets. Ricardo places a strong emphasis on cooperation, empathy, and listening. Asking people what really troubles them is a good way to manage risk since risk exists in the minds of those engaged, not the project.

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Simplicity at Work: John Maeda’s 10 Laws for Project Clarity in 5 Minutes

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the 5 Minutes Podcast, Ricardo explores John Maeda’s Ten Laws of Simplicity as a guide for project managers seeking focus, flow, and impact. Key principles include reducing non-essential elements, organizing work clearly, using time efficiently, embracing learning and diversity, and linking tasks to purpose. Emotional intelligence, trust, and learning from failure are emphasized, along with having one guiding principle. Maeda’s three keys—Away, Open, and Power—remind us that simplicity boosts clarity and outcomes. Ricardo encourages listeners to explore the website lawsofsimplicity.com for more insights. Simplicity isn’t about doing less - it’s about doing what truly matters.

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Moving Forward When a Negotiation is Stuck

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how to handle stalled negotiations, using the U.S.–China trade tensions as a case study. He highlights that project managers often face deadlocks not due to unsolvable problems, but due to repeated arguments. Instead of pushing harder, Ricardo suggests pausing, reframing the issue, and focusing on interests rather than positions. Key tactics include identifying hidden constraints, involving a neutral party, breaking negotiations into smaller parts, and revisiting the BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement). Ultimately, success in negotiation lies in rebuilding trust, finding common ground, and fostering collaboration, not in winning, but in moving forward.

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Five Project Tips to Navigate Trade Tariffs and Uncertainty

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of tariffs and global trade tensions on project management. He shares five practical tips: (1) Review international dependencies to assess risks to cost and timelines; (2) Diversify suppliers to reduce vulnerability to specific countries; (3) Update risk analysis to include political and economic uncertainties like customs delays or currency fluctuations; (4) Communicate clearly with stakeholders to maintain trust; and (5) Explore local sourcing to avoid international instability. These strategies help navigate market volatility and keep projects on track. Proactive planning, not passivity, is essential in times of global uncertainty and disruption.

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My #1 Tip to Spot a Troubled Project Before It's Too Late

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes the importance of monitoring corporate support in projects. Projects often start with enthusiasm, but as challenges arise, support may wane. Ignoring this decline can lead to failure. Ricardo advises openly addressing the issue with stakeholders, even if it's uncomfortable. Recognizing when support is lost allows for adjustments before the project collapses. Developing alternative options is crucial for avoiding professional damage. Remaining adaptable and alert to early warning signs is essential, especially in volatile environments. Blindly pursuing a failing project is destructive and unsustainable. Proactive communication and flexibility are key to preserving value and reputation.

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How Vibe Coding Will Completely Transform Project Management in Software Development

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of Vibe Coding, an approach where generative AI writes code based on natural language commands. He highlights that this technology could revolutionize software project management, making traditional planning less relevant. With faster execution and instant corrections, the need for documents and processes may decrease. Ricardo recommends exploring tools like Lovable, Cursor, and Interface V0. Despite its limitations, adoption is happening quickly and could transform the industry within months. He encourages preparation for this disruptive change and invites discussion on its impact.

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Quantum Computer, Privacy, Biotech Projects, LLM and AGI: The Future Ahead of Us at SXSW 2025 in Austin Part 2/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this second episode of the SXSW series, Ricardo shares insights from South by Southwest, highlighting three major trends: (1) the evolution of artificial intelligence, with adaptive models learning in real-time and energy consumption challenges; (2) advances in biotechnology, including projects to resurrect extinct species; and (3) the impact of vibe coding, allowing software to be created quickly, which could transform project management. He also discusses ethical dilemmas of AI, such as privacy and decision automation. Finally, he recommends exploring content from the event on YouTube and its newsletter for those who want to stay up to date on these innovations.

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Biological Computers, AGI, Living Intelligence: The Future Ahead of Us at SXSW 2025 in Austin

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo recorded this special 5 Minutes Podcast from SXSW in Austin, Texas, where he explores AI and technology trends in project management. Key insights include small language models optimized for specific tasks, biotech integrating neuron cells into computing, AI’s influence on human behavior, and vibe coding, which allows users to build software through voice commands in minutes. He highlights the disruptive speed of AI-driven development and its profound impact on project management. Ricardo describes these innovations as mind-blowing and closer to reality than expected, promising a follow-up episode with more insights from the conference.

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Stop Complaining About Your Project: Less Whining, More Winning

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses excessive complaining in project management, explaining that it hinders progress. He highlights the need to shift from frustration to action and shares three strategies: Reverse Standups, The Two-Minute Rule, and No-Blame Hackathons. He emphasizes that projects are inherently difficult, requiring methodologies and tools, and that complaining alone accomplishes nothing. Instead, focus on solutions that lead to real progress. His main message is clear: stop complaining and take action. He concludes by encouraging listeners to adopt this mindset.

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Why Can Feedback Make or Break Projects?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the importance of effective feedback in project management, emphasizing that poor feedback can be harmful. He highlights common mistakes like vague, generic, or poorly timed feedback. Ricardo advocates for the SBI technique (Situation, Behavior, Impact) to provide clear and constructive feedback, focusing on the situation, what happened, and its impact. He warns against using feedback as a tool for personal attacks and stresses its role in fostering a culture of learning. Ricardo also encourages receiving feedback openly, learning from it, and ignoring unconstructive criticism. Proper feedback improves team performance and project outcomes.

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Managing Projects in Chaos: 5 Practical Tips for Project Leaders

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how to manage projects in chaos, inspired by a conversation with Oleg Konovalov. He highlights how noise distorts reality, making it crucial to see beyond immediate challenges. To navigate the chaos, he shares four key tips: 1) Embrace uncertainty, 2) Prioritize ruthlessly, 3) Stay agile, 4) Overcommunicate, and 5) Keep calm. These principles help project managers stay focused and resilient. Instead of trying to eliminate chaos, the key is to adapt and work within it.

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Why Project Sponsorship is One of The TOP Reasons for Project Failure

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo discusses how many project failures are due not to technical issues, budgets, or deadlines but to weak project sponsorship. A senior sponsor is not enough if they are disengaged or unaware of the project’s progress. Sponsors are crucial to solving complex problems and providing executive support. Changes in sponsorship often introduce new risks, as new sponsors bring different priorities and behaviors. To mitigate these risks, Ricardo advises tracking sponsor engagement, identifying early warning signs, and delivering projects in smaller, faster phases to reduce volatility. He discusses the importance of proactive risk management and adaptability in such situations.

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Using What-if Analysis to Manage Projects in Extremely Volatile Scenarios

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of what-if analysis in navigating volatile scenarios, such as geopolitical changes or unexpected project disruptions. By anticipating potential challenges—like new taxes, supply chain issues, or key team members leaving—project managers can develop contingency plans to adapt quickly. Ricardo highlights that dismissing unlikely scenarios can be dangerous, as even improbable events can occur. He stresses reducing project lifecycles to minimize exposure to volatility and using what-if scenarios to stay prepared. Ultimately, adaptability and proactive planning are essential for managing projects in uncertain environments.

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DeepSeek: How a small Chinese start-up Shocked Silicon Valley and May Reshape Entirely AI Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about DeepSeek, a groundbreaking AI application from a small Chinese startup. Unlike other AI models, DeepSeek was trained for just $5.7M—far less than OpenAI’s $100M+ investments—yet it rivals top models like OpenAI’s O1. This breakthrough could disrupt the AI industry, enabling smaller companies to develop advanced models without massive infrastructure. The news has already impacted major tech stocks, including Nvidia and Microsoft. If DeepSeek’s claims hold true, AI accessibility will skyrocket, reshaping project management and beyond. Ricardo urges listeners to explore DeepSeek and stay alert to its potential impact.

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How the WEF Global Risk Report 2025 Shapes the Future of Our Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025. Released annually, this report highlights the most pressing global challenges and trends, shaping discussions at Davos and significantly influencing project management worldwide.

Ricardo examines the top risks for 2025, such as armed conflicts, extreme weather events, and the rise of misinformation, while comparing them to previous years' findings. He also explores how these risks directly impact project management, emphasizing the growing importance of agile strategies, sustainability, and effective risk mitigation practices.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re a professional aiming to stay ahead of global shifts. Join Ricardo to discover how to align your projects with the trends that will shape the future.

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See the report at this link: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/

How to Make and Live with Imperfect Decisions in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the #5minpodcast, Ricardo discusses a challenge every project manager faces: making and living with imperfect decisions. He explains that critical project decisions are often open-ended and filled with uncertainty, unlike the straightforwardness of mathematical problems. Ricardo shares three practical tips he uses to navigate complex, high-stakes scenarios, helping project managers embrace uncertainty and turn imperfect decisions into opportunities.

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5 Strategies to Boost Your Project Management Career in 2025

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo kicks off the first 5 Minutes Podcast of 2025 with five priorities for project managers to focus on for personal and professional growth. He encourages continuous education, attending impactful events, learning AI, exploring projects outside one's expertise, and strengthening soft skills like crisis management and conflict resolution. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and adapting to evolving challenges. He closes by wishing listeners a fantastic year and inviting them to join him weekly for insights and guidance.

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Three Tips to Plan Holidays and Vacation Without Compromising your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo wraps up the year on the 5 Minutes Podcast, discussing recurring project delays during the holiday season, a predictable yet often overlooked challenge. He highlights the importance of planning to avoid issues caused by holidays and vacations, emphasizing that these situations occur annually and can be managed proactively. To address this, he stresses the need for practices that reduce pressure and provide better control over deadlines, ensuring quality time during celebrations. Ricardo underscores that learning from these challenges helps prevent repeating the same mistakes in the future.

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Inviting Google’s Notebook LM AI Hosts to Reflect on the 10 Big Ideas For 2025

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo Vargas recently published 10 short videos about the 10 big ideas on his mind regarding what could happen in 2025, essentially exploring trends for the future. In doing so, he wanted to record a podcast reflecting on these ideas, but not just from his own perspective.

Ricardo aimed to showcase the disruption caused by artificial intelligence, using Google Notebook LM to generate a reflection on these 10 big ideas with AI support. What listeners will hear, apart from the introduction and the first few seconds, was entirely generated by artificial intelligence.

The goal is to demonstrate how this disruption is much closer than we think.

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How to Get Insights from Macro Trends and Events and Bring them to Your Projects in 2025

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of evaluating scenarios and macro trends when planning projects. He explains that the end of the year is an ideal time to reflect on retrospectives and forecasts, using a variety of sources, such as The Economist and Wired, for a broad and informed view. Ricardo shares Big Ideas, a series of reflections based on these trends, as a way to help people prepare for the future. He reinforces that understanding global changes and risks, such as wars and economic fluctuations, is essential to adapt plans and transform challenges into opportunities.

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Notre Dame: 5 PM Lessons from History's Most Watched Restoration

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on the remarkable five-year restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after its devastating 2019 fire. He highlights five key project management lessons: (1) setting ambitious goals, driven by a bold timeline tied to the Paris 2024 Olympics; (2) unifying diverse stakeholders, managing over €1 billion in grants, ensuring transparency, and resolving debates about preserving historical integrity versus modernization; (3) managing resilient risk, overcoming challenges such as lead contamination, COVID-19 delays, and the unexpected death of project leader Jean-Louis Georgelin; (4) blending innovation and tradition with 3D scanning alongside centuries-old craftsmanship; and (5) balancing speed and quality, ensuring historical integrity while using modern fire prevention measures. This achievement celebrates human ingenuity and teamwork.

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Values at Stake: Lessons from the Artwork 'Comedian' on Product Values, Miscommunications, and Responsibility

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on the sale of Maurizio Cattelan’s artwork The Comedian, a banana taped together with duct tape that cost US$6.2 million. He discusses three lessons that can be applied to projects: (1) the concept of value, highlighting that value resides in the exclusivity of the work, not in the physical object; (2) how communication can manipulate perceptions, exemplifying the media’s distorted interpretation of the work; and (3) social responsibility in projects, criticizing actions that perpetuate inequalities. Ricardo concludes that project managers must balance efficiency with a positive societal impact.

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25 Years of PMI Minas Gerais: Lessons Learned, Personal Reflections, and a Vision for the Next 25 Years

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo celebrates the 25th anniversary of PMI Minas Gerais in this special episode of the 5 Minutes Podcast. Recording from his mother's house in Brazil, he reflects on the collective impact of building this milestone and shares three lessons: remember the path taken, avoid immediacy, and value gratitude. He emphasizes that great achievements are the result of joint efforts and not of isolated individuals. Ricardo warns against seeking quick results and explains why immediacy is a poison. Finally, he expresses gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning for the future.

When 'Done' Delivers More Than 'Perfect' in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the concept of "Done is Better Than Perfect" in project management. He highlights that perfectionism often leads to high costs, delays, and marginal improvements, citing the law of diminishing returns. Emphasizing the importance of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), Ricardo notes that releasing a functional product quickly allows for iterative improvements and avoids missed opportunities. He stresses the balance between quality and timeliness, explaining that executing promptly builds stakeholder trust and credibility. Ricardo advises prioritizing essential features, using time-boxing to manage effort within deadlines, and aligning deliverables with project goals to thrive in a volatile and competitive environment.

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In Search of the Holy Grail: There’s No Such Thing as a Perfect Project Methodology

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the myth of the "Holy Grail" of project management methodologies. He challenges the idea that a single methodology—whether Scrum, PMBoK, or Prince2—can be the perfect solution for all project issues. He emphasizes the importance of using a flexible, adaptable approach, combining elements from multiple methodologies to fit each project's unique needs and likens this process to building with Lego bricks, where different colored sets represent various methods.

Listen to this episode to know more.

Image created in PMOtto for ChatGPT.

#PMP, #PRINCE2, #RiskManagement, #Certification, #PMBok, #Scrum

Will We Learn from Lessons That Never Existed? How Synthetic Data May Change Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses Meta's recent development of a "self-thought evaluator," which uses synthetic data to train AI models instead of real human-generated data. This innovation could transform project management by creating lessons learned and risk insights from simulated, rather than real, projects. Ricardo highlights the potential for synthetic data to disrupt the field, as it may reduce the competitive advantage of organizations traditionally relying on real experiences and knowledge. He views this advancement as exciting yet unsettling, given the impact it could have on the value of genuine expertise and experience in project management.

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This is NOT Your Boss's Problem! Reflections on Value, Success, and Project Results

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on a conversation with a project manager who claimed it wasn’t his responsibility to consider the long-term impact of his project. Ricardo argues that today’s project managers must go beyond delivering on time and within budget. They should evaluate the ethical and societal impacts of their work, ensuring it aligns with the greater good. He explains that every project professional, regardless of seniority, has a duty to ask questions and act ethically. Being socially responsible, sustainable, and mindful of societal effects is essential in modern project management.

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Beyond Profit: Reflections on Shaping Project Value Through Sustainability

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the concept of value in projects, explaining that true value goes beyond profit. He questions whether delivering projects on time and on budget truly adds value if they do not benefit society. Using the example of building a bridge that “connects nothing to nowhere,” he highlights the importance of sustainability and the social impact of projects. Ricardo also discusses industries such as online gambling, where profit can come at the cost of social harm. He encourages project managers to consider the long-term social value of their work, advocating for responsible project management that positively impacts society and the environment.

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Why I Love Using Daily Scrums for Non-Agile Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the benefits of implementing Daily Scrums, even in non-Agile projects. These brief, 15-minute stand-up meetings foster open communication, help teams align, and quickly identify problems. By sharing what they did yesterday, what they plan to do today, and any obstacles, team members enhance accountability and collaboration. Daily Scrums improve decision-making, detect problems early, and maintain team focus and momentum. Ricardo highlights that these meetings work best in small groups and can be applied even to large projects with multiple teams. He encourages listeners to try this approach immediately for better synchronization and faster project progress.

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5% or 40%? Why Job Disruption by AI Doesn’t Matter if You’re Not Ready

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo Vargas explores the growing debate around AI's impact on jobs. Last year, Morgan Stanley predicted that AI would disrupt 40% of the workforce (Link to the Article). Last week, Prof Daron Acemoglu from MIT said that everybody overestimates the impact and that the true impact is only 5% (Link to the Article).

But for Ricardo, the percentage does not matter; the key is to be prepared for these changes. Ricardo shares his experiences with AI tools and emphasizes the importance of experimenting and adapting. Waiting for the perfect solution won't help—you must act now.

Listen to the episode to discover why adaptability is your best strategy in an unpredictable world shaped by AI.

How to Manage the Insane Volatility of AI Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the volatility of AI projects. He explains that AI projects face volatility due to rapid technological advancements, constant changes in API connections, and their experimental nature. Regulatory and ethical considerations evolve daily, creating uncertainty about legal and public perceptions. Talent shortages compound the challenge, with expertise in high demand and high turnover rates. To manage this volatility, Ricardo suggests adopting agile methods, allowing for flexibility and faster iteration; investing in robust data management to handle large amounts of data and ensure quality; and finally, building multidisciplinary teams that can adapt to evolving AI technologies and collaborate across technical and non-technical areas for long-term success.

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Mastering Delivery Cadence: Choosing the Right Rhythm for Your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo explains the concept of delivery cadence, which defines how and when a project delivers products or services. He describes four types: single delivery (everything delivered at the end, rarely used today), multiple delivery (milestones with variable timing), periodic delivery (timeboxed intervals like sprints), and continuous delivery (common in digital projects, where updates are released as soon as they are ready). Ricardo explains that using a delivery cadence improves project predictability by managing stakeholder expectations. Even large capital projects, such as power plants, do not rely on single deliveries, but rather on phased implementations for better financial viability.

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Making Sense of Why We Developed the AI-Driven Project Manager Credential

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo introduces the AI-Driven Project Manager Certification, explaining the rationale behind this certification. He highlights the growing hype around AI, with many project managers using AI terms without understanding the technology. The certification aims to ensure that professionals have the knowledge needed to manage AI-driven projects effectively. Developed in partnership with APMG, known for its Prince2 and ITIL credentials, the certification is rigorous and severe. Ricardo also highlights the importance of preparing for the future impact of AI on project management, noting that his motivation is not just business-driven but aimed at promoting awareness and readiness among professionals.

3 Strategies to Tackle Your Endless Project Backlog

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the common problem of project backlogs that grow instead of shrinking. He offers three practical tips for managing them effectively: (1) Accept that your backlog will never be empty. (2) Prioritize tasks through “radical prioritization,” focusing only on what really matters and delegating or discarding the rest. (3) Control what goes into the backlog, using a “parking lot” for ideas that may not be immediately essential. Ricardo emphasizes the complexity of projects and the importance of making strategic decisions to avoid unnecessary tasks in the project.

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Quick Tips on Crafting Effective Prompts for Generative AI Tools

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo talks about PMI’s AI Prompt Engineering for Project Managers course in this episode. He highlights the importance of crafting effective prompts using AI tools like ChatGPT. Essential guidelines include being specific, providing context, setting the right tone, knowing your audience, ensuring clarity, and using structured prompts. Ricardo also stresses the need to experiment, test, and refine prompts for the best results. He encourages PMI members to take the course, praising its value for project management professionals. PMI does not sponsor the episode, but Ricardo shares his genuine appreciation for the course.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

** Check out PMI's Talking to AI course

OKRs and KPIs: Two Essential, Yet Distinct Metrics

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains the differences between OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). While both are measurement tools, they serve different purposes. KPIs track ongoing processes, offering real-time insights into performance, such as project progress in terms of time and cost. OKRs, on the other hand, are goal-setting frameworks that push teams toward ambitious targets. Unlike KPIs, OKRs are time-bound and tied to specific objectives. Ricardo emphasizes that OKRs and KPIs are distinct and should not be considered subsets of one another despite their measurement functions.

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My Personal Reply to a Thoughtful Critique About Advocating for AI in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo addresses a skeptical comment about AI's impact on project management, specifically questioning whether AI will diminish the role of project managers and PMI's responsibility in shutting down AI. Ricardo emphasizes that neither he nor his colleague Antonio are pushing an AI agenda for profit. Instead, they believe in AI's transformative potential and advocate for preparedness through education and training. Ricardo argues that adaptation is crucial as AI changes the field, and institutions like PMI are working to guide project managers in navigating these changes. He stresses the importance of understanding AI to thrive in the future.

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Emotions in Motion: Unveiling Plutchik’s Wheel in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of understanding emotions in project management, emphasizing that human challenges often outweigh technical ones. He introduces the "Wheel of Emotions" by Robert Plutchik, which categorizes eight primary emotions into pairs of opposites, helping project managers recognize and manage emotions in themselves and their teams. Ricardo explains how this tool can improve communication and team cohesion by addressing emotions like fear, trust, and disgust. He acknowledges that while the model may simplify complex emotions, it is a valuable resource for non-experts in psychology to enhance emotional awareness in project management.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

* The Plutchik Wheel can be downloaded Here

* Image: @The Scientific Research Society and SixSeconds

Fasten Your Seatbelts: The Project Manager Is Missing

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100

What happens when a project loses the project manager or an absolutely critical member?

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the challenges of changing project manager mid-project. He explains that it is costly and risky due to potential accountability issues, where the new manager may blame the predecessor. To mitigate these issues, he advises keeping documentation organized and project files clear. Effective stakeholder management and communication are crucial to avoid rumors and misunderstandings. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of clear and formal communication to avoid misinformation. He concludes by saying that changing project manager significantly impacts the dynamics of the project.

Listen to the podcast to learn more

*Image generated by PMOtto for ChatGPT

Why I Should Care About The Virtuous Cycle When Developing an AI Project?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the virtuous cycle in AI development, based on Andrew Ng's Coursera course, "AI for Everyone," and highlights the importance of creating AI projects that intersect with business value. Ricardo explains that more data improves algorithms and services, attracting more users, which generates more data and creates a virtuous cycle, leading to some companies dominating AI due to their vast data resources. Ricardo also suggests using existing large language models with fine-tuning for specific applications and recommends Andrew Ng's course for a better understanding of the fundamentals of AI.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Global Tech Meltdown: How Secure is Your Project?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses a recent global computer meltdown that affected 1% of Microsoft Windows computers, causing chaos across multiple industries. He comments on the risks of relying on unique technologies, using an example from his own business. Ricardo distributes his technological needs among several suppliers (Apple, Google, AWS, Dropbox) to mitigate risks. He advises companies to plan for technology failures by diversifying the use of technology, ensuring backup solutions, and preparing for different scenarios to maintain operations. Ricardo concludes that understanding and managing risks is crucial for effective decision-making and business continuity.

Listen to the podcast to learn more

Image from Wikimedia

OpenAI: Mastering Stakeholder Communication with the New 5-Level AI Scale

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the OpenAI ranking to classify AI systems, highlighting the importance of clearly communicating these advances to the general public. The ranking has five levels:

1- Chatbots that support but do not replace jobs,

2 - Systems that solve problems at the human level,

3 - AI capable of taking action, Innovative AI,

4 - Creating new products,

5 - Complex organizational operations managed by AI.

We are currently at level 1 and progressing to level 2. Ricardo comments that this clear communication helps us understand the direction and potential of future technology.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

* Image generated by PMOtto on ChatGPT

Like it or Not: You Must Master the Political Landscape of Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of understanding the political aspects of project management. Effective project delivery isn't just about planning, budgeting, risk analysis, or stakeholder management; it requires the management of human interactions and political dynamics. Ricardo gives four main tips: influence mapping to understand authentic relationships beyond organizational charts, using political intelligence to read unspoken signals, strategic commitment to protect the central elements of the project, and maintaining ethics in political maneuvers. He points out that mastery of political awareness comes from practical experience, not just theoretical learning, and is crucial to successful project management.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

* Image generated by PMOtto on ChatGPT.

** Discover the new course on problematic projects at: https://youtu.be/JIaRnLfHfas

Managing Change Fatigue: Shaping the Path to Project Resilience

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the fatigue of change, and the constant need for adaptability. Frequent changes can lead to frustration, apathy and reduced team productivity. To manage this, Ricardo suggests three tips: open and transparent communication to explain changes and listen to feedback; empathy to support and recognize team challenges; and prioritization to help the team focus amidst numerous changes. He explains the importance of mental stability in navigating change and encourages implementing these strategies to improve project performance and team morale.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Why Is It So Hard to Accept That Our Project Is in Trouble?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the difficulty of recognizing a project in crisis and offers three reasons why this is challenging. First, cultural stigma prevents leaders from admitting failure, as it can imply incompetence. Secondly, the belief that problems can be solved unnoticed is misleading since recovering from a crisis requires much more effort than avoiding it. Third, fear of job loss causes individuals to hide problems. Accepting a crisis is crucial to changing the project's direction and finding solutions. Ricardo explains that dealing with projects requires a unique mindset, confidence, and discipline to recognize and resolve problems effectively.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!

*Image generated using PMOtto.ai for ChatGPT.

Shaping Social Behaviors in Projects with the SCARF Model

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explores the SCARF model, a powerful framework developed by neuroscientist David Rock to understand and manage social behaviors in projects. He examines the five key domains of SCARF: Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, and Fairness—and discusses how each of these elements can significantly impact team dynamics and project outcomes.

By recognizing and addressing these social drivers, project managers can create a more positive and productive environment and ultimately achieve greater project success.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

*Image generated using PMOtto.ai for ChatGPT.

Generative AI in Projects: When Proper Use Turns into Cheating

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the misconception that using AI tools like ChatGPT is cheating. He distinguishes between ethical and unethical uses of AI. Using AI to improve communication or generate ideas is fair if the user remains the intellectual author. However, passing off AI-generated work as your own, such as writing articles for publication, is cheating. Ricardo highlights the importance of transparency and ethical considerations in using AI, recommending AI as a tool to enhance human creativity and productivity, not to replace or distort it.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

* Image generated by PMOtto.ai Plug-In for ChatGPT 4

Mastering the Balance: Exploration and Exploitation in Artificial Intelligence Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the 5 Minutes Podcast, Ricardo discusses the crucial balance between exploration and exploitation in the context of AI and business. Exploration involves researching and innovating, similar to analyzing multiple doors to understand the best option. However, at some point, organizations must shift to exploitation, applying their findings to achieve efficiency and profitability. Ricardo warns that continuous exploration without action leads to missed opportunities, especially in rapidly evolving fields like AI. Companies should learn when to stop exploring and start exploiting to remain competitive, as examples like OpenAI and Gemini illustrate.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Bracelets, Beats, and Big Stages: Project Management Lessons from a Taylor Swift Concert

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo shares his experience attending the Taylor Swift concert with his daughter, highlighting what he learned. Initially skeptical, he was impressed by the event's importance to the young audience, teaching him the importance of understanding stakeholders. He was impressed with the flawless execution of the show, which featured impeccable project management. Ricardo comments that we must leave our comfort zone to gain new perspectives and understand social changes. Ultimately, he draws parallels between Taylor Swift's ability to captivate her audience and the project's effective delivery, highlighting the value of capturing stakeholder sentiment and delivering transformative experiences.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Artificial Emotional Intelligence (AEI) Will Have Wide-Ranging Impacts on Society

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses his recent article on artificial emotional intelligence (AEI), published with André Barcauí at the London School of Economics Business Review. AEI can significantly improve employment, healthcare, education, and negotiation by identifying small emotional clues. For instance, Character.ai allows users to interact with historical people, while hirevue.com uses avatars to evaluate candidates' emotional matches. Ricardo, however, accentuates the moral ramifications of AEI, including possible invasions of privacy and prejudice based on assumed characteristics like ethnicity or sexual orientation. He underlines that to avoid misuse and harm to society, ethical considerations must go hand in hand with technological progress.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Click here to read the article.

Three Things to Keep in Mind While Managing the Crisis With the Rain in the South of Brazil

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the severe flooding crisis in Southern Brazil, emphasizing three key points. First, focus on immediate rescue and safety, not on blame. Authorities should prioritize evacuating people, providing basic needs, and ensuring shelters. Second, protect the vulnerable, such as women and children, from potential abuse in chaotic environments by maintaining security and organizing safe shelters. Third, post-crisis, sustained attention is crucial for rebuilding and preventing future disasters. Despite potential distractions from new crises, continuous efforts are necessary to ensure long-term recovery and implement preventive measures to avoid recurrence.

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Where everyone thinks alike, no one thinks very much

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how the film "The Social Network" prompted him to think creatively. By encouraging people to focus on novel concepts rather than mundane routines, he reinforces the importance of escaping the conformity cycle. Ricardo argues that in order to improve one's creative and problem-solving abilities, one should seek out varied experiences, break out of patterns, and meet individuals with different viewpoints. To demonstrate the merits of embracing innovation, he draws on personal experiences such as going to Burning Man. Before ending with a call to action, he cautions his audience to avoid falling into the trap of social media conformity and instead focus on driving innovation through unconventional thinking.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Watch the video of this podcast at: rvarg.as/thinking

Navigating the Fog: Is This a Project Crisis or Just a Challenge?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the challenges and crises in project management. He emphasizes that projects naturally encounter difficulties, such as delays, stakeholder issues, and risks, which are manageable. A crisis occurs when these challenges exceed the ability to deal with them, necessitating significant changes in behavior and approach. Ricardo warns against confusing daily challenges with crises, as living in a constant crisis leads to unsustainable stress levels. He also highlights the importance of distinguishing between everyday challenges and actual crises, managing the latter with a specific approach.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

*AI-generated image via PMOtto.ai on ChatGPT.

Making Sense of the Stanford University AI Index Report 2024

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about findings from the "Stanford University AI Index Report," which emphasizes the advantages that industry has over academia in AI research, the efficacy of AI in specific activities, and the high expense of creating sophisticated models. Although regulation is still in its infancy, the US leads the way. While AI boosts efficiency, it can also lead to reliance. Artificial Intelligence accelerates scientific development while raising knowledge and concerns about its effects. Using ChatGPT, Ricardo examines the lengthy report and emphasizes how helpful it is for comprehending AI trends. The report provides insightful information and is free.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

You can access the report at this link: https://aiindex.stanford.edu/report/

Myth or Reality: Were Human Skills Only Highlighted in PMBOK Guide 7th Edition?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of soft skills in project management, noting their relevance since the inception of the PMBOK guide in 1996. The 7th edition introduces a principles-based approach, diverging from the process-based structure of the 6th edition. This change facilitates a holistic understanding, which is particularly beneficial to those preparing for PMP and CAPM certification. Ricardo highlights that soft skills, such as leadership and adaptability, are deeply rooted in human behavior and essential for the success of the project. He encourages listeners to recognize that the PMBOK guide is not the only repository of project management knowledge, advocating a comprehensive understanding beyond exam requirements.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

The Power of Managing By Exception to Control Project Variations

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about "management by exception" in PRINCE2 methodology, which encourages communication and action only in exceptional cases, saving time on routine updates. As an example, meetings are only called when there is a significant delay, a cost overrun, or a risk that is about to happen. Teams can focus on project work when communication is streamlined. Ricardo accentuates project success over meticulous management processes. "Management by exception" can be used with both Agile and waterfall methods, which makes project discussion more efficient. Ricardo suggests using it when making project communication strategies, highlighting the benefits of time savings and increased focus for the team.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

*PRINCE2® = PRojects in Controlled Environments

Why Even Tiny and Simple Projects Fail

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how even small projects like assembling IKEA furniture can become overwhelming if not planned and executed efficiently. He highlights the need for attention, commitment, and streamlined communication to prevent such tasks from accumulating and disrupting larger goals. Planning, dedicating time, avoiding multitasking, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders are vital strategies for these minor yet impactful challenges. By addressing these small tasks promptly and effectively, individuals can focus on more significant endeavors, avoiding unnecessary stress and complications in both personal and professional spheres.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

The Hype Cycle of Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the hype cycle, which was first used in relation to technology but is also applicable to project management. He describes how projects go through phases of exhilaration that peak upon release, problems, and disillusionment. This cycle is like how technology hype, like that surrounding the 2022 introduction of ChatGPT, unfolds. As a project manager, Ricardo stresses the significance of traversing this cycle, admitting the early exhilaration, overcoming obstacles and disappointments, and eventually achieving productivity. He provides the example of building a tunnel when the reality of impediments replaces the initial thrill. Considering shifting goals and hype, Ricardo offers guidance on embracing and managing the cyclical nature of projects in his conclusion.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

FOMO Should Not Be a Metric of Your AI Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the importance of implementing AI projects with metrics, cautioning against the fear of missing out (FOMO) as a driving force. He draws attention to the high expenses of AI, especially those related to hiring qualified personnel and purchasing processing power. To analyze possible time and cost savings, Ricardo suggests using simulations to help businesses properly weigh the costs and advantages. Especially for enterprise-level AI projects, he recommends scaling up after doing small pilots to determine efficacy. Ultimately, Ricardo encourages listeners to consider the financial implications and benefits before jumping into AI initiatives based only on market trends.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

5 Quick Tips for Effective Remote Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about remote project management, drawing from years of experience. He stresses using online tools like Asana and Slack to stay organized and talk to people. Clear communication rules are fundamental and should include casual office hours for spontaneous discussions. Setting clear goals, roles, and standards helps team members be more independent. Collaboration tools like Miro make it easier to work together, and online social events help people get to know each other. When you work from home, you must be flexible and put results over strict control. Ricardo predicts that working from home will become the norm, which shows adapting is essential.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Balancing Executive Demands for Transparency, Resources, and Deadlines with the Need for Agility

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the dilemma of balancing executive demands for transparency, resources, and deadlines with the need for agility. He makes it clear that agility doesn't mean having any control but rather a mix of control and flexibility. Flexibility, imagination, and new ideas are valued more than strict rules when using agile methods. Ricardo stresses the importance of educating executives on the nuances of agile approaches, especially in innovative and volatile environments. He suggests hybrid methods as a middle ground between agility and control. To finish a project successfully, you need to balance stakeholder interests and apply different methods to different project aspects based on experience and project requirements.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

* The image for this podcast was created in DALL-E using PMOtto Via ChatGPT Plus

Harnessing AI for Smarter Risk Identification in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about AI's role in risk management, particularly in risk identification, which is based on human experience and often involves techniques such as brainstorming. AI can analyze large amounts of data to identify links that people might overlook, such as the placement of diapers next to beer on supermarket shelves. Using AI in risk management provides insightful data despite concerns about its ability to predict sensitive personal data. Ricardo recommends integrating human experience with AI-generated risk lists for more efficient risk management. He suggests crafting accurate responses and advocates starting risk discussions with AI-generated lists before human brainstorming. This approach leverages the strengths of AI and human intelligence.

Listen to the episode to know more.

* The image for this podcast was created in DALL-E using PMOtto Via ChatGPT Plus.

From Plans to Pandemonium: A Project Manager's Home Move Journey

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about his recent adventure of moving homes. He shares insights from selling his old house and buying a new one, planning the move for a less busy time, and the unexpected turn of events when he decided to renovate his new apartment. The journey, filled with planning and chaos, offers a unique perspective on project management applied to personal life.

Ricardo reflects on the lessons learned during the move, emphasizing that no matter how much you plan, unforeseen changes are bound to happen. He highlights the importance of commitment to deliver and the reality of facing a "chaos point" in projects, sometimes extending to a whole week of chaos, contrary to what one might expect.

Listen to the episode to know more.

Mastering Uncertainty in Projects: The Art of Recognizing Triggers and Early Warning Signs

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this 5 Minutes Podcast, Ricardo covers the necessity of recognizing triggers in project management and artificial intelligence. Triggers indicate patterns, risks, or occurrences before they happen. Ricardo uses analogies such as plane catastrophes and building collapses to illustrate the need to pay attention to signals and indicators. He underlines the importance of identifying triggers in various scenarios, such as geopolitical developments or supplier inquiries, to foresee future concerns. Ricardo recommends remaining informed through social media and newsletters and employing tools such as custom GPT. The capacity to recognize triggers and take preemptive measures is emphasized as a critical talent for project managers.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

You Can Change Almost Anything in a Project, But You Must Not Change Its Purpose

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes the need for change in project environments while cautioning against modifying the project's primary purpose or DNA. He underlines that while adapting and evolving is essential, changing fundamental goals can lead to confusion and a lack of focus. Using the example of building a school vs a hospital, he proposes that if the project's purpose changes considerably, it may be more effective to cancel the existing project and begin again. Ricardo highlights the need for clear project objectives to prevent projects from being disjointed and losing their initial intent.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Why Project Managers Can't Miss the Bigger Picture: Lessons From Davos

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasizing the need for project managers to expand their perspectives beyond the immediate concerns of the project. He highlights the rapid pace of global change, including technological advances that impact jobs and industries. Ricardo encourages listeners to stay informed about global trends by watching the Davos discussions to gain insights. He warns of the potential for positive impact and challenges, highlighting the importance of adaptability, continuous learning beyond traditional project management methods, and understanding each person's role in an uncertain future.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

* Photo: Tabitha Written WEF

AI and Misinformation at the Top of the World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2024

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo addresses the Global Risk Report recently released by the World Economic Forum. He emphasizes and validates some clear risks, such as climate change and extreme weather, as well as long-term risks, noting that although they are not new, they are reaching a critical point of no return.

Beyond the immediate risks, there is something he talks and posts about almost every week: the combination of AI and social polarization that brings enormous pressure to the truth, signaling the possibility that, soon, the distinction between what is true and what is not may become increasingly difficult to discern.

Ricardo also highlights a surprising omission in the report: the absence of the pandemic among the risks discussed. Despite being at the top of the global agenda in recent years, it is now not even among the top ten. This fact, unfortunately, shows the human tendency towards short-term memory.

The download is free at the link: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2024/in-full/

Listen to the episode to know more.

Welcome to 2024: Exploring the Top 3 Game-Changing Trends in Global Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In this first episode of 2024 of the Five Minutes podcast, Ricardo addresses the current presence of artificial intelligence and its impact on project management and the job market. The podcast offers insights into Ricardo's considerations for this year, covering AI, mathematical tools, geopolitical shifts, and evolving design methodologies.

Listen to the episode to know more.

Why Projects are Like War: Quite Easy to Start and Almost Impossible to Finish

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explores the difficulty in completing projects, highlighting three leading causes. First, anxiety causes you to start more projects than you can finish, resulting in a backlog of work. Second, planning based on ideal conditions leads to underestimating the actual complexity of the work, which causes delays. Third, a lack of awareness about the underlying nature of the change results in changes that distort the essence of the project. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of controlling anxiety, planning realistically, and avoiding changes compromising the project's DNA.

Listen to the episode to know more.

Google's Gemini: AI Revolution or Refined Illusion?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about Google's latest AI endeavor, Gemini.
It includes a native multimodal environment, allowing people to write, talk, or draw and get answers live.
One of its demo videos was so impactful that it instantly got millions of views (https://youtu.be/UIZAiXYceBI?si=FDCCrScYXQQDr5wy).
But one day later, Bloomberg released an article where Google admitted that the video was edited, or for some experts, "fabricated."
The bottom line is that the demo was incredibly edited to suggest that Gemini is far more capable than it is.
Anyway, the hype is significant, but the trend is here. I can easily see a board meeting being recorded and commented on by AI live or a camera onsite, providing instantaneous project updates.
Maybe or probably, this is not ready now, but it will come. And soon.

Listen to the episode to know more.

What is Reality?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses a prank at the Web Summit where two individuals posed as a rapper and an Adidas executive, promoting absurd ideas like implanting SIM cards in workers to control productivity. The audience applauded, highlighting a concerning disconnect from reality. Ricardo emphasizes the responsibility of project managers to align ideas with societal values, cautioning against blindly pursuing disruptive technologies without ethical considerations. Drawing parallels to a tragic incident influenced by a chatbot, Ricardo calls for a conscious integration of core values in technology projects, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations over mere profit motives.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Surviving the AI Wave: Skills, Adaptation, and the Future

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the recent developments at OpenAI, including the departure and return of Sam Altman. Rumors say that OpenAI is creating a potentially revolutionary language model with the capacity to pose a threat to humanity. In the Financial Times, he published an influential article detailing how ChatGPT has already impacted workforce wages, particularly in translation services (https://www.ft.com/content/b2928076-5c52-43e9-8872-08fda2aa2fcf). Ricardo acknowledges the unpredictable future, emphasizing the need for adaptability, especially in project management. The rapid evolution of AI raises questions about the role of project managers and the broader workforce. Adaptation becomes crucial for survival and success despite unprecedented technological advancements.

By the way, this episode illustration was created by Generative AI using DALL-E.

OpenAI Leadership Crisis: The Governance and Communications Madness

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the recent upheaval at OpenAI, likening it to a dramatic chapter from HBO's succession. CEO Sam Altman was fired on a turbulent weekend, leading to speculation and confusion. Microsoft, unaware of the decision, expressed concern. Key researchers resign, and Altman is rumored to return. OpenAI appointed Emmett Shear as CEO, and Microsoft later announced Altman's joining. Ricardo emphasizes the lessons on volatility, communication failures, and the importance of governance in tech giants. The sudden changes raise uncertainties about AI development and investments, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the industry.

It's Dangerous to Give an Opinion About Anything

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo highlights the danger of uninformed opinions, especially in the era of influencers. Ricardo emphasizes the need for a "place of speech" where individuals speak from a position of knowledge. Drawing from personal experiences in conflict zones, he urges caution in expressing opinions without a solid understanding of the subject. This warning extends to project management, advocating for informed decisions and discouraging the misuse of influence for unsupported viewpoints. The overarching message is to seek reliable information, exercise caution in expressing opinions, and be ethical in leadership roles.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

The Cult of Immediacy is Dangerous and Very Risky for Your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes the modern cult of immediacy and the impact it has on professionals' patience and ability to concentrate. The younger generation seeks instant results in various aspects of life, including work and learning. This mindset is compared to "TikTok project managers," who expect quick outcomes and shallow understanding. Ricardo highlights his concerns about the next generation of project managers aiming for credentials in 15-second learning sessions. He also stresses the importance of deeper thinking and avoiding becoming too addicted to instant gratification. Ricardo encourages professionals to balance agility with patience and understanding that some things take time to develop or understand. We live in a TikTok generation where everything happens in 15 seconds, but real life isn't like that.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Project Management, AI, and Sustainability: Is This the New Triple Constraint?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the broader context of AI in sustainability. While environmental sustainability is often the focus, Ricardo emphasizes the importance of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. He draws an analogy with the project management triangle (scope, time, cost) and introduces the "three C's": complexity, cost, and carbon. Balancing these aspects is essential as complexity, often driven by interdisciplinary demands, regulatory requirements, and data overload, increases costs. The environmental part is highlighted, citing the high carbon footprint of AI training. Ricardo provides a five-step approach for building sustainable AI applications, emphasizing understanding sustainable objectives, centralizing data, customizing algorithms, starting small with pilots, and implementing projects gradually to ensure long-term sustainability. He recommends reading his article for more insights.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

How the Calculation of the Risk's Expected Monetary Value Can Mislead Our Project Reserves

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the common practice of calculating Expected Monetary Value (EMV) for risk management. EMV involves multiplying the probability of a risk by its impact to determine the exposure and, in turn, the financial reserves needed. He points out that using EMV for risk reserves is only effective when managing a large portfolio of risks as an insurance company does. For small projects with just a few risks, relying on EMV is insufficient, and a different approach is needed. Ricardo suggests using more extreme scenarios, such as worst-case or best-case, depending on risk tolerance and project specifics. Large, complex projects, like nuclear power plants, require special consideration due to the potentially catastrophic impacts that may be financially unmanageable. Therefore, these projects are often funded by governments or large organizations. The key takeaway is that risk management involves more than just EMV calculations; it depends on the project's size and risk tolerance.

Organizations Want to Change Everything Without Changing Anything

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the standard rhetoric of change in organizations and individuals. While many talk about the need for change, they often struggle to take action. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of change and how it benefits individuals and organizations. Without a compelling reason to change, people tend to resist it due to fear of the unknown. Fear can be managed by providing predictability and assurance. The podcast underscores that merely discussing change without a clear purpose and addressing fear won't lead to actual change. Convincing people to embrace change requires a critical sense of urgency and a compelling purpose.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

The Devastating Uncertainty of Life: The Tragedy of The Recent Events in Israel

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo expresses deep sadness and extends condolences to those affected by the recent tragic events in Israel and Gaza. He emphasizes his personal connection, mentioning that he has brothers and sisters in both Israel and Palestine.

Ricardo highlights the importance of understanding and managing uncertainty, a crucial skill for project managers. He believes that the recent events will have direct and indirect consequences, impacting global trade, technology, and political environments. Ricardo also draws attention to the hard times in the history of global society.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

How to Poorly Manage Crisis: My Swiss Airlines Nightmare

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Ricardo shares a recent experience with Swiss Airways that highlights the mishandling of a crisis in the airline industry. Ricardo's flight from Lisbon to Punta Cana via Zurich was delayed progressively, ultimately leading to a seven-hour delay. When the flight was finally canceled due to technical issues, the airline did not assist in accommodation or support. This resulted in significant inconvenience for passengers, including children and elderly individuals. He emphasizes three critical lessons for crisis management: empathy, responsibility, and damage control.

Ricardo expresses disappointment with Swiss Airways' handling of the situation and underscores the importance of customer-centricity and effective crisis management.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Unlocking the AI Potential: Top 5 Courses to Advance Your Skills in Generative AI

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast episode, Ricardo emphasizes the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) across various professions, particularly in project management. He recommends several free online AI courses, including those by PMI, Google, Linkedin, and Microsoft, highlighting their differences and merits. Ricardo encourages professionals to dedicate time to these courses to enhance their AI understanding, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning. He mentions the Masterclass and concludes by urging listeners not to procrastinate and to take advantage of these valuable AI resources.

My Participation at Burning Man Was Much More Than Attending an Event

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100

A new Podcast is on the air and this week Ricardo discusses how our work and personal relationships tend to feed back into our perspective and set of implications.

In the last Newsletter he published, Ricardo spoke about an event that was introduced to me by a great friend, Burning Man.

Ricardo went to Burning Man this month looking for something “out of the box”. In this week's podcast, he talks a little about his experience, where the place, the people, and the social organization opened up new perspectives.

Check out a little of what happened and come and reflect with him on the importance for project managers and transformation agents to allow themselves to see the multiplicity of ways of seeing what is around us, including when making decisions within our projects.

See you next week for another 5 Minutes Podcast.

My Insights About Our First Research of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management - Part 2/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this "5 Minutes Podcast" episode, Ricardo discusses topics 6 to 10 of the research on AI in project management.

Topic 6 reveals that 25 to 26% of experts see AI as a tool to enhance diversity and reduce bias, while Topic 7 highlights the concerns of 75% regarding AI's ethical implications, particularly in decision-making.

Ricardo stresses the need to balance AI's potential for positive change with ethical considerations, especially in areas like hiring.

Topic 8 underscores AI's role as an innovation catalyst in project management, recognized by 65% of respondents. Ricardo encourages embracing AI for transformative change.

Topics 9 and 10 address challenges in integrating AI into existing frameworks and the importance of investing in AI exploration. Some struggle to adapt old frameworks and 20% hesitate to explore AI's potential.

Ricardo emphasizes the necessity of investing time and resources to understand AI's impact to prevent falling behind, drawing parallels with industry disruptors like Blockbuster.

Ricardo concludes by offering the research report for free, urging ongoing discussions to navigate AI's influence in project management effectively.

See the research report at https://www.pmairevolution.com.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

My Insights About Our First Research of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management - Part 1/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 27 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In the "5 Minutes" podcast, Ricardo discusses the AI-driven Project Management Revolution Research he did with Antonio Nieto Rodriguez, covering critical aspects of AI's role in project management. The survey involved nearly 800 experts from 95 countries. The first insight highlights that 75% recognize AI's potential in project management, though Ricardo expected more enthusiasm.

The fear of AI job takeover is addressed, with 29% expressing minimal concern. This elicits positive and negative interpretations—confidence in adaptability or unawareness. Further, 41% believe AI tools significantly enhance project delivery, with Ricardo sharing examples of tools and their impact.

The urgency of adapting skills in the AI era resonates with 62%, emphasizing data analysis and AI implementation skills. Sustainability's importance emerges, with 82% stressing its relevance. Ricardo delves into the interplay between sustainability, ESG, and AI, asserting that AI can reshape ESG applications.

Ricardo's passion for learning and skill development to navigate the changing landscape is emphasized, urging listeners to do the same. Ricardo concludes by promoting the freely accessible report at pmairevolution.com. In the next episode, he will continue analyzing survey topics 6-10.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Will We Need Reports, Templates and Analysis of Our Projects in Times of AI?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode of the 5 Minutes Podcast, Ricardo delves into the implications of AI's rapid evolution, particularly about generating reports and analysis. He highlights using AI-generated insights to replace conventional statements and analytical tools. Ricardo envisions a future where sophisticated AI systems, like ChatGPT, are employed for project management and finance analysis, possibly replacing the need for tools like Power BI or Tableau.

The potential of generative AI, characterized by its ability to connect diverse ideas and discern patterns that elude human comprehension, is discussed. Ricardo acknowledges the discomfort and uncertainty surrounding this transformative trend. He emphasizes that envisioning and adapting to this evolving landscape is essential to stay ahead.

This episode references a recent research publication by Ricardo and Antonio Nieto, available at pmairevolution.com, which explores these ideas further and provides insights into the changing job landscape. Ricardo concludes by urging listeners to contemplate these changes and prepare for the future, which is already unfolding.

Why People Got Surprised When I Shared My Certificate Last Week?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In the newest episode of "Why People Got Surprised When I Shared My Certificate Last Week?" Ricardo shares a surprising experience. After completing an AI certification program often chosen by younger professionals, many people sent positive notes and called him an "inspiration" for project managers.

Why does a gesture like that by someone over 50 and with a consolidated career cause so much surprise and impact? Why is it not the opposite? Why not be surprised when seasoned project manager stops in time and does not challenge themselves to learn new tools and trends that will bring their projects to the next level?

Listen in as he discusses why everyone should keep learning and growing, no matter age, seniority in the organization, or CV.

In our fast-changing world, everyone needs to stay updated and adaptable.

The Challenge of Building Trust When People Want to Hear Only What They Like

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the dilemma of maintaining trust while conveying truths that may not always be pleasant to hear.

He emphasizes the critical role of honesty and transparency in project management, despite the challenges they might bring.

Ricardo uses his experience and shares real-life instances where telling hard truths was vital for the ultimate success of a project.

Even though projects can be challenging, and sometimes the reality may not align with what people want to hear, the strength of a project lies in its accurate depiction and handling.

Listen to the episode to learn more.

My Golden Rule of 5-80% to Improve The Work with Generative AI

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo introduces the 'Golden Rule of 5-80%' concept for enhancing your work with Generative AI. He starts by explaining how the first 5% of the process depends on us - the users, discussing the significance of context, specificity, intent demonstration, and setting the expected format when we craft the prompt or the message to be analyzed by ChatGPT, Bard, Bing or any other tool.

The conversation then shifts to the period between 5 and 80%, where the AI operates, using its algorithms to generate the expected output.

But when the output is ready, you return to the stage to do the final 20% reviewing and refining the results to make them accurate and practical.

Listen to this episode to learn more.

Understanding Minimax Strategy in Project Decisions Under Uncertainty

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the Minimax Strategy, highlighting its role in decision-making under uncertainty.

Instead of focusing on the technical aspects of the algorithm, he explores its philosophical underpinnings. He underscores how this approach aids in prioritizing risks that could inflict the most significant loss on a project.

This episode will provide great insights to those interested in strategic decision-making and understanding project risks better.

Listen to the episode to know more.

Zombie Projects: Why They Exist and How to Kill Them

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo digs into the uncanny world of zombie projects - the projects that refuse to die despite their draining effects on organizational resources.

He explores the mystery behind their existence, highlighting factors such as the fear of failure and the misgivings around abandoning sunk costs.

He closes the episode with practical suggestions to defeat these undead undertakings by providing psychological safety, a clear set of criteria, and when needed, external support to identify and handle their closure.

Listen to the episode to effectively put an end to them, reclaiming your resources, time, and energy.

Why Do We Need to Learn How to Swallow the Fish if We Want to Deliver Successful Projects?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo explores a crucial concept for achieving successful project delivery: "swallowing the fish."

This idea, originating from the book "Technology as a Service Playbook" by Thomas Lah and JB Wood, is represented by a graph that forms the shape of a fish, depicting a decline in revenue and an increase in expenses.

Ricardo applies this analogy to projects and transformations, emphasizing that challenges will outweigh results throughout the journey, but will eventually diminish as the project nears completion.

He closes the episode discussing how important it is to understand this moment and how to be persistent and resilient to "swallow the fish" and not "throw it up" because if we do that, we are only getting the challenges of the "pain" and no benefit with the "gain."

Listen to the episode to know more.

Will Project Management Offices (PMO) Survive in the Age of AI?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's podcast, Ricardo talks about the future of PMOs in an AI-dominated world. He explores the fundamental question: Can Project Management Offices (PMOs) stay relevant in the age of AI?

AI will change the work we all do inside PMOs. AI could take over tasks like making reports or sorting out data.

But Ricardo sees a bright side. He thinks PMOs can use AI to improve delivery as a great accelerator of work, freeing up the time of the PMO to do other critically relevant work like developing and supporting soft skills of Project Managers and team managers, managing conflicts, supporting change, providing psychological safety to the teams struggling to deliver.

All these tasks are critically relevant, but they are not provided by AI (at least at the present moment).

Finally, Ricardo invites us all to think differently about PMOs and AI. He shows us how we can use these new tools to our advantage.

Are you interested? Listen to the podcast to know more.

What Can Be Learned from the Tragedy of Titan Submersible?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the tragedy of the Titan Submersible, highlighting what we can learn from this deep-sea catastrophe.

He discusses the inherent complexities of oceanic exploration and their implications on project management, using the submersible's story as a case study.

He also illustrates how overlooked flaws contributed to the disaster by discussing the complex and interconnected relationship between engineering, design, and materials.

Ricardo closes the podcast by exploring the financial decisions that potentially led the project astray, drawing insights from the intersection of project management, engineering, and business strategy.

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Self-Reflection on Burnout: Five Proactive Strategies for Personal Resilience

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo goes deeper into the importance of understanding burnout.

In a very personal and reflective approach, Ricardo shares his own experience with burnout in recent weeks. His stories and insights offer an intimate look at a struggle several people face in silence.

In addition to his personal experience, he explores how to spot the symptoms and avoid this debilitating state that increasingly affects professionals in general, especially people dealing with projects.

With an empathetic eye, Ricardo also shares the tools and strategies needed to combat and prevent burnout.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

3 Quick Tips to Use ChatGPT in Your Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo explores how generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, can transform project management.

He highlights the nuances of adapting this technology to your projects, potentially supporting everything from the conception of the Project Charter to risk management and preparation for the PMP exam.

He not only breaks barriers by encouraging the adoption of these advanced tools but also provides practical advice on maximizing their benefits.

Don't miss the opportunity to understand how to leverage AI in your projects.

Listen to this week's episode.

4 Ways to Improve The Relationship With Your Boss

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explores the core principles of building stronger connections with our boss and how it is critically relevant if we want to deliver our project and get the work done.

It covers how building trust, establishing connections, avoiding negative bias, and broadening our relationships can support a positive professional relationship with our supervisors.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Occam's Razor: The Power of Simplicity in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo introduces the timeless philosophy of Occam's Razor, a principle that champions simplicity. Coined by 14th Century philosopher William of Ockham, this concept prompts us to choose the most straightforward explanation or solution when faced with equally good alternatives.

He discusses how this principle can streamline our approach to project management. From decision-making to problem-solving, Occam's Razor can guide us to cut through complexity and prioritize efficiency.

Using examples from conspiracy theories to project failure reasoning, Ricardo reinforces that simple reasoning can substantially affect how we decide.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

The Cobra Effect: Unraveling Second-Order Consequences

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In today's episode, Ricardo guides you through the fascinating world of second-order consequences, focusing on the Cobra Effect.

He explores how solutions that seemed reasonable in the short term can sometimes spawn more complex issues in a project environment if not adequately anticipated. Ricardo suggests you rethink your decision-making process and underline the importance of considering all potential outcomes before deciding.

He closes the episode by talking about AI and its potential second-order consequences.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Is there Something to Learn from Bayes' Theorem That Will Change Your Perceptions of Risks?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explores the practical facets of Bayesian thinking, demonstrating how previous events and knowledge can reshape our evaluation of future risks. In his discussion, he avoids complex formulas, highlighting the theorem's real-world implications.

He also underscores the significance of 'triggers,' events or facts that provide additional information, refining our grasp of probabilities.

This conversation illuminates Bayes' theorem's everyday usefulness, showcasing its potential to revolutionize how we assess risk and make decisions.

He ends the episode by telling his own experience of how Bayesian thinking helped him understand and adapt his strategy to the public emergence of GPT and Generative AI.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence the Future We Want for Us?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this thought-provoking episode of the podcast, Ricardo explores the possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence and developing emotions to the point where it has a soul and feelings, as the philosopher Nick Bostrom proposed in his Big Think video.

With such advancements in AI, it begs the question: will we need to consider "AI Rights" similar to "Human Rights"? How will this change our understanding of consciousness and our relationship with technology?

As we explore these questions, it becomes apparent that we are moving into uncharted territory. While the development of AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we live and work, we must also consider the ethical implications of creating beings with emotions and consciousness that rival our own.

This episode encourages you to reflect on the future of AI and the role we must play in shaping it responsibly as project managers developing these initiatives.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Three Strategies for Improving Your Remote Work

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 May 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses three strategies for improving your remote work experience. These strategies include establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time, proactively and effectively communicating with your team using different channels, and embracing remote work's flexibility.

As remote work becomes mainstream, these strategies improve team members' productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction.

Listen to this episode to know more.

How Gamification Can Maximize the Results of your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo shares his experience learning Spanish using the Duolingo app and diving into how gamification can boost the productivity and morale of project teams.

Using micro-rewards, project managers can create fun and healthy competition among project teams to deliver better projects.

Listen to this new engaging episode packed with Ricardo's real-life experience and actionable insights!

Listen to this episode to know more!

Three Uses of AI that can Bring Agile Development to the Next Level

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode of "5 Minutes Podcast About Project Management and AI," Ricardo explores three key areas where AI can bring Agile Development to the next level.

Firstly, he discusses how AI can help teams plan and prioritize sprints for greater accuracy in predicting delivery dates.

Secondly, Ricardo talks about how AI can help teams respond quickly to changes and optimize resource allocation.

Finally, he addresses how AI can help teams continuously improve by identifying areas for improvement and suggesting new ways to optimize the development process.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Mental Liquidity and Our Ability to Change

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo delves into the concept of mental liquidity and why it's crucial to think quickly and creatively in today's fast-paced environment.

Mental liquidity is a mindset that combines flexibility, creativity, and resilience, allowing individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.

Ricardo covers critical elements of mental liquidity, including rapid cognitive shifting, creative problem-solving, and emotional resilience.

Individuals can anticipate and respond to unexpected challenges by cultivating mental liquidity, adapting to changing requirements, and generating innovative solutions to complex problems.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

360 New AI Applications in the past 7 Days: I Hope This Does Not Hurt Agile Approaches

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses the rapid emergence of new AI applications on the market. According to one of the most prominent AI Twitter feeds @heybarsee, over 360 new AI applications have been developed in the past seven days.

Ricardo argues that the proliferation of technologies employing artificial intelligence is inevitable. However, he also poses the following question: Does the rush to introduce these applications compromise the quality of the resulting products? How many applications will survive and provide a lasting benefit?

In this type of project, the agile methodology is frequently employed, but if it is not implemented correctly, no supernatural force can make the product flawless. It is necessary to conduct the appropriate tests and validations. And if the product is launched with errors and does not survive, the creators and investors will incur significant losses.

At this time, the tendency is to blame the agile approach, but they ignore that haste makes waste.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Little’s Law Application in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0100

This week on the podcast, Ricardo discusses Little's Law. The formula created by MIT Professor John Little for productive processes involving Lean and Six Sigma has applicability in project management, particularly in agile projects that use Kanban and Scrum boards.

The formula that discusses the number of customers in a service queue and how to optimize service to these customers can be applied to our projects' "work in progress."

Ricardo investigates how we manage our frequently bloated to-do lists, the concept of multitasking, and the relationship between work in progress and value delivery.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

#agile, #project management, #value of project management

Trust Me, We Can Control Much Less Than We Think

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo talks about the predictions we make for our projects and initiatives in this week's episode. He explains that we frequently have an illusion of control and that the perception of future reality is significantly more complicated than reality itself. Professor Philip Tetlock found that only 45 percent of almost 30,000 predictions made by various professionals were accurate. This means that the probability of a miss is equal to the probability of a hit, much like flipping a coin.

Ricardo also gives tips on how to deal with these forecasts. First, it is essential to view them as perspectives, not absolute truths. Second, it is necessary to evaluate the potential impacts of each scenario on the project or initiative if the forecast or risk materializes. Diversification is an essential additional strategy because it creates an adaptation tool that enables us to adjust to various scenarios.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Why We Must Expand the Moral Hazard Concept to our Projects and Initiatives

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about moral hazards. He exemplifies the recent collapse of the North American financial system when the Silicon Valley Bank closed its doors. From then on, a debate arose about the extent to which the government should interfere, with the emergence of moral hazard, because if the government helps, other banks will also have this right. Bank executives will assume riskier operations, and investors will be less demanding of the banks with which they do business.

From the perspective of projects, we can experience the same situation; that is, we risk more when we think there will be fewer consequences if the risk materializes. If nothing occurs when a supplier is late, he will not be incentivized to provide on time. The issue is that we do not know exactly what transpired with the delivery, and if we punish this supplier, we face the danger of other vendors refusing to do business with our company. This is the principle of asymmetric information; we know less about the impact and probability of the risk occurring than the supplier does. And there is no mathematical solution to this impasse; it all depends on human expertise to comprehend the issue and choose the least risky option.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Using the Big Five Personality Traits Model to Select and Develop the Project Team

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo focuses on the Big Five Personality traits and their application in project management.

The Big Five outlines five personality dimensions: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. Each of these traits could influence individual performance on different types of projects.

Ricardo also used examples of how a specific trait can benefit a project and not necessarily have the same effect on a different one.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

3 Reasons Why We Make So Many Mistakes While Deciding

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's podcast, Ricardo discusses some common mistakes that can be made when making decisions in various contexts, such as a project.

Our decision may have positive and negative consequences depending on the circumstances because we may have to sacrifice to achieve our objectives.

To avoid errors, we must first understand the relationship between the decision and its outcomes (a good result does not always mean a good decision). Furthermore, we must comprehend the roles of impulse and rationality, as well as the numerous biases we encounter when seeking information for our decisions.

To learn more, listen to the #5minpodcast.

Do Not Mess Up Your Communications By Using the Wrong Channel

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo discusses the importance of careful communication in the workplace and throughout projects.

Each of us brings unique beliefs, skills, experiences, and perspectives to the table. Noise and wear and tear are detrimental to the project and our work when communication is unclear or the means used to transmit information is inadequate. The data we thought to be useful ended up being harmful.

In accordance with the MRT Method, Ricardo explains, we have both poor and rich lines of communication.

When information is presented in a variety of ways, it increases the likelihood that recipients will grasp its significance. It's difficult to understand the message sent over a poor communication channel because there aren't enough resources to clarify it.

Using a rich communication channel necessitates more time to prepare and explain; in some cases, to communicate effectively directly, we need personal interaction, where we can easily perceive verbal and non-verbal cues and respond accordingly. When we choose to send a message with just a few words to get a quick solution, we use a poor means of communication that will cause different interpretations and unnecessary stress.

Always ensure your communication channel is optimal for getting your message across.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

When Haste Makes Waste: Understanding the Failed Release of Google AI Bard

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo talks about the difficulties inherent in presenting a new product to the consumer. As an example, he mentions the recent launch of the artificial intelligence tool Google Bard, which is a competitor to ChatGPT.

Incorrect information was provided in response to a child's question to the James Webb Telescope.

For Google and other large corporations, failure is costly from many perspectives, most notably in terms of credibility and market value (Google lost $100 billion).

Ricardo notes that Google likely spent time and effort developing this new AI engine because the company has very skilled workers. But he wonders if executives were pressured to speed up the product's launch.

The question is, from a projects point of view, what is the cost of releasing an immature version? How reliable will we be as a company? Sometimes we rush to market with an unfinished product, which can have serious consequences for us and our business.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Stop Overthinking With The 5-4-3-2-1 Method to Reduce Anxiety

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

To help us cope with anxiety, Ricardo discusses a technique he learned from Nick Trenton's book "Stop Overthinking": the 5,4,3,2,1 method.

Every day brings new challenges, and it's easy to get caught up in a never-ending cycle of panic and worry about the potential dangers to our work and projects.

The method is based on counting down from five to one; at each stage, we focus on a different sense in order to locate ourselves in the here and now.

And the first sense explored is vision; you observe five things in your environment, then you do the same exercises in the countdown with the senses: hearing, touch, smell, and taste.

While going through this, you bring your mind into a position of self-control.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Trying to Make Sense of Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT and Dall-E

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about ChatGPT again and comments on people's lack of knowledge and ability to assess how these artificial intelligence mechanisms work.

Many people believe that ChatGPT is a magic tool that can answer any question. However, behind the answers it provides, there is a complex network of algorithms designed to simulate human thought processes and assemble the answers from millions of pieces of information of all kinds, even including programming codes.

Neither ChatGPT nor Dall-E (which makes images from text) nor any other AI engine is perfect.

Ricardo has taken several tests over the last few days, getting correct answers and wrong answers.

Furthermore, the data that feeds these algorithms can easily contain cultural, social, or even, in extreme cases, racist bias.

The algorithm reflects real life. The answers are not necessarily free of bias.

Another alert is related to people's fear of losing their job or work because of artificial intelligence. In this case, Ricardo suggests a simple action: open a ChatGPT account and try it out. Meet and make your assessment.

Nobody knows for sure how artificial intelligence will be used in the future, but we can at least understand its current mechanism by doing our own tests.

By the way, the illustration of this episode was 100% created by artificial intelligence using OpenAI Dall-E (text: A Matrix Movie style photo of a person looking in a mirror and seeing a robot like the False Mirror by Rene Magritte)

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Understanding the Concept of Gray Rhinos and Our Negligence to Respond to Highly Likely and Impactful Events

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses the Gray Rhino concept described in Michele Wucker's book. Ricardo comments that this idea is the opposite of the Black Swan concept.

Events and risks, according to the Black Swan concept, have a very low probability of happening but can have catastrophic consequences if they do occur. The Gray Rhino concept refers to risks with a high chance of occurring and a massive impact if they happen, but we fail to recognize them as threats because we overlook their obviousness. It's not that we didn't see trouble coming; we just despise it.

The analogy to the gray rhinoceros is that the rhinoceros is like a destructive steamroller, which runs at high speed through the savannah and leaves a path of destruction in its wake.

Ricardo gives several examples of situations where the consequences were obvious, but we could not take concrete actions to mitigate them, such as the 2008 financial crisis, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and the problems with climate change.

Using this idea in projects, we tend to focus on Black Swans during risk assessment and neglect Gray Rhinos.

We often face threats in our projects that are so obvious and impactful that we do not give the necessary importance.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Would you Attempt to Predict the Top 10 Global Risks for 2023?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo discusses the 18th edition of the Global Risk Report, published annually by the World Economic Forum.

This report presents a ranking of global risks and threats, both short-term and long-term.

From an operational standpoint, the project or initiatives we are working on can be severely impacted by events that happen far away. Ricardo draws a parallel between the positioning of our project from the global perspective.

Three of the ten topics described in the short term pertain to the behavior of society, five to environmental concerns, one to international politics, and one to technology.

Of the ten stated items, the first four are climate change threats, and six of the items are related to the climate in the long term.

Climate change, geo-economic conflicts, social division, cyber security threats, and a depletion of natural resources are a few of the issues that Ricardo highlights. He comments on the items according to ranking, as well.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Trust is The Key to Get Things Done

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about trust as a critical component to getting things done.

He mentions that trust is not just a nice and politically correct word. Citing an HBR article, Ricardo says that trust increases productivity by 50%, engagement by 76%, and energy at work by 106%.

Ricardo also shares three tips for developing trust among your teams:safety, consistency, and honesty.

Listen to the episode to learn more.

#Communication, #Team, #Leadership, #Honesty, #Soft Skills

ChatGPT, AI and the Future on How we Manage Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

FULLY GENERATED BY ChatGPT with the transcript of the episode. NOTHING CHANGED FROM THE OUTCOME.

This episode of the "5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas" discusses chat GPT (Generative Pre-training Transformer), a tool that can generate natural language and improve various aspects of project management, including reporting, decision-making, and reducing workload. The speaker also notes the potential for chat GPT to disrupt various industries, including low-code/no-code software development and customer care. However, the speaker also raises concerns about the potential for chat GPT to facilitate plagiarism and the need for companies and universities to consider how to address this issue.

The Year in Review and What to Expect of 2023

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This episode concludes the 2022 podcast series as Ricardo looks back on the year's events.

Ricardo says that 2022 was, in some ways, a different year. Maybe because we recently emerged from the lockdown situation caused by Covid, society stayed in something like a "limbo" state.

In particular, he emphasizes three noteworthy aspects of the year 2022:

The first is about unpredictability: at the beginning of this year, a war broke out in Europe, and few saw it coming and the full consequences of it. Climate change also contributed to the perception that the problems are not a problem for future generations and that climate disruptions are happening now.

The second point concerns technological advances, such as the recently announced clean energy from nuclear fusion. Technology is at the center stage of every single business worldwide.

The third and final point is about estability. Ricardo mentioned that the only place you can find stability is in the dictionary. He discusses the layoffs in technology companies that surprised most of the workforce, the Twitter changes in leadership, and its disruptive impact. Companies considered safe places to work and grow are not that so great anymore.

Finally, Ricardo offers some thoughts on our most valuable resources for surviving in this unstable environment: our emotional capability, mastery of our fears, and adaptability to the various changes we face.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to learn more!

Why It Is Important to Recognize When It Is Time to Quit

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the moment to get out of a certain situation and discusses three essential points based on the book "Quit" by Annie Duke.

People are socialized to believe that staying in a harmful situation is a virtue, so the idea of stopping what is toxic, whether professionally or personally, is often seen as a negative choice and a demonstration of fragility.

Contrary to this line of thinking, Annie Duke's book demonstrates how our problem can only worsen if we don't recognize when it's time to change. Persistence does not necessarily lead to a long-term goal.

The second tip is that when we seek complete certainty in our decision, we often decide to leave when it is too late, and the damage is already evident.

The third concerns buried costs or sunk costs. What has already been spent, be it effort, money, time, or energy, cannot impact future decisions.

Finally, he discusses the importance of creating metrics that establish a cut-off point from which output needs to be triggered. And these metrics cannot be created when the problem already exists. They must be created before the problem since our perception is altered when we are "inside."

Listen to the #5minpodcast to learn more!

Does Holacracy Work in Projects?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo discusses the holacratic model in the context of businesses and projects.

Organizations following the holacratic model are self-managed and self-organized; there is no manager, and duties are distributed horizontally.

In this framework, individuals and groups are empowered by a shared sense of mission and accountability, leading to greater flexibility.

In Ricardo's opinion, projects using agile methods like Scrum, smaller teams, and startups are ideal settings for this model. However, this model may not be suitable for larger organizations, capital projects, an airport or oil refinery construction, etc.

In this type of project, with the absence of some minimal hierarchical structure, it becomes more difficult to follow the flow of people and decisions because there is a natural loss of focus and responsibility, and interactions between groups and areas are more significant and complex.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to learn more!

Directly from the PMI Summit 2022 in Las Vegas

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo talks about the PMI Summit 2022 in Las Vegas, the world's premier project management conference.

He talks about the energy of being with thousands of people and networking opportunities.

Keynote speaker Amy Webb discussed emerging trends in project management in her opening address to the congress.

While giving her presentation, Amy Webb brought up the following points:

FOMO is not a trend (Fear of missing out) is the fear of being outdated.

Ricardo has recently produced a podcast devoted to the concept of FOMO.

Click on the link below - in session "More on this series," if you're interested in hearing it.

The metaverse may not be a trend, even though many people are getting into this new network.

Ask more and what if to avoid asking now what, so you don't need to ask after the problem happens.

It's important to play out potential problems in advance by simulating them. Using our skills, we must create reasonable scenarios for the future.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to learn more.

Project Management is a Life Skill

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This week Ricardo shares a personal experience where he can see project management happening naturally as part of life. He made lunch at the weekend to celebrate a friend's birthday. Without even realizing it, Ricardo prepared the list of ingredients and made a mental plan of what resources he would need, how long each item would last in the oven, etc. Important to note that lunch was not for two people. It was for more than 20 people. And he did it all himself.

Without meaning to or realizing it, he's been practicing the project management skills we always look forward to practicing.

And he did it naturally as part of structured thinking. And that's what this episode wants to talk about. You don't need to deploy a nuclear power plant, a gigantic airport, or a digital transformation in the most relevant companies in the world to practice and learn to manage projects.

You can do this the next time you think about tidying up your closet, at your next barbecue, your next visit to the farm, or on your vacation.

Projects (or whatever name you want to call them) are nothing more than logic and common sense to connect ideas with results. That simple

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

What We Can Learn from Elizabeth Holmes (Theranos), Sam Bankman-Fried (FTX) and Elon Musk (Twitter)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo discusses three prominent businesspeople whose incoherent actions hurt those who had put their faith in their ideas: Elizabeth Homes of Theranos, Sam Bankman-Fried of FTX, and Elon Musk of Twitter.

These persons share many characteristics, including a remarkable charm that has garnered them widespread adulation and the impression that they possess superhuman abilities. Yet, the revolutionary language and charisma were eventually called into question, revealing a lack of governance, control systems, and compliance.

Ricardo likens these people to the charismatic and self-assured project manager who decides to charge ahead without first doing an in-depth study of the situation, planning, establishing effective governance, or implementing stringent controls.

Behind the development of a project, there are people who invest and bet on the results of that project. Charisma and lack of governance will not deliver what is expected; it takes a lot of work, governance, planning, and control.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Using Technology Readiness Level to Evaluate New Technology Risks

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo discusses TRL, or the Technology Readiness Level, a method developed by NASA in the 1970s to ensure the reliability and safety of the technology they used in their projects.

In terms of safety, the higher the TRL number, the more developed the technology is.

All the things that come at the outset of studying a new technology—empirical research, a scientific concept, an article, an idea, etc.—are related to the first 3 stages.

In stages 4, 5, and 6, you work to develop and invest in the new technology, validate it in the lab, and develop prototypes. Risks associated with using this technology, which was once restricted to the scope of research and extremely high to use, have now become real and high.

In stages 7, 8, and 9, the prototype is shown off in a working setting. The organization owns both the necessary licenses and a fully functional and certified system. Reaching stage 9 means that the technology is fully developed and ready for widespread use.

Today, TRL is an international standard and a useful tool for integrating new technologies into projects.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Watch the video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwdx7UFHWP0&t=2s

Understanding External Factors and Trends Using PESTLE Analysis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo discusses the PESTLE technique, which is used to assess the external factors: political, economic, social, technological, legal, and environmental, that may have an impact on a project or business.

The outcome of an election, the state of the economy, the degree to which society is enriched or impoverished, the passage of new legislation, the introduction of innovative technologies, and even the perception of your project about the environment can have a significant impact on the project’s trajectory.

Ricardo demonstrates how he evaluates these scenarios, using post-its and identifying trends from the view of uncertainties.

Using this method, the team can evaluate happenings methodically and create scenarios to anticipate potential challenges they may face during the project.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

The Relevance of the Right Project Governance

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo discusses decision-making processes in the context of projects, the "governance" component of the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) acronym.

He explains that knowledge of governance, the organizational framework used to oversee projects, is crucial for effective decision-making. This structure and processes are used to make decisions about approving changes and planning the next steps based on project findings.

Due to project size and complexity, not all projects require a large, bureaucratic setup to have an adequate level of governance.

If the project is small and uses an agile approach, the project board can be smaller and more straightforward, like the SDWT (self-direct work team).

On the other hand, a mega project may and probably will require a more intricate decision-making process because what is at risk involves significant investments and usually happen in regulated operations like infrastructure, power generation, and finance.

Regardless of the type and size of the project, the board needs to have the autonomy to make the decisions it considers best for the project. If the governance body can not control the project, even its existence becomes pointless.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Why Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) Is So Dangerous for You and Your Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Why the Fear of Being Left Out (FOMO) Is So Dangerous for You and Your Projects

This week, Ricardo talks about FOMO, or "Fear of missing out," which is the anxiety we have when we don't feel included in a specific scenario, causing us to feel unmotivated and have low self-esteem.

New technologies, cryptocurrencies, the metaverse, and artificial intelligence are just examples that can make us feel out of date and like we are falling behind.

The fear of missing out (FOMO) is a normal reaction to the perception that others have some information, knowledge, or relationship that we lack.

What is not normal is the intensity of what we are facing right now. Look especially at social media.

We may learn about innovative technology or a new approach to project management as we work on the project.

The challenge is the desire we usually have to invest in everything new that comes out, and this behavior prevents us from focusing on project results.

Our judgment is impaired, and as a result, we make choices that may not be optimal.

One way out might be another acronym, JOMO, or "Joy of Missing out," which explains that letting something new slip by can be suitable for the project, however counterintuitive.

We need to focus on what needs to be done. Suppose we always try to use the best technologies and methods. In that case, we can fail to deliver the expected primary results.

In addition to destroying team morale, generating an unusual level of anxiety and triggering what we see as the "Great Resignation."

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

People do Not Want to Work from Home. People Want Flexibility!

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the flexibility people are looking for today to work from home or in the office.

Following the pandemic, the relationship between employers and workers shifted, and employees now demand more freedom in their daily work lives. Having the option to work from wherever you like can help some people strike a better balance between their professional and personal lives, which in turn can boost productivity.

To compete for top talent, many modern businesses offer greater workplace freedoms to prospective employees.

The project manager must realize what stimulates the team the most and will add more value to the project. Teams working on product development or digital transformation want autonomy, responsibility, and input into the company's larger strategic context.

Working from home does not mean that people will work less; committed people will have the same level of dedication, regardless of where they are developing their work. On the same note, and sadly, those who do not want to work will not work regardless if they stay home or wear a suit at the office.

Listen to #5minpodcast to understand better.

The Future of Project Management Using DAO (Decentralised Autonomous Organization)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week’s podcast, Ricardo discusses DAO (short for "Decentralized Autonomous Organizations")

Decisions on DAO platforms are made collectively, like in a real-world cooperative, with input from all members.

With DAO, says Ricardo, we may not need a project manager, scrum master, or product owner

to oversee our projects in the future. Everything would run smoothly thanks to the decisions made by the group working on the project as a whole, like a project board.

Likewise, governments could function using DAO without needing a congress, president, or even physical space.

The blockchain makes available all records of all votes taken on a given topic.

Although DAO helps us make decisions more quickly and efficiently, it is very challenging for them to replace human oversight of factors like employee motivation, stress levels, and team dynamics.

Listen to #5minpodcast to understand better.

Your Project Inside the Hurricane of the Attention Economy

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's podcast, Ricardo addresses the topic “Economy of Attention”. He says that a product is made to meet a market need, and the greater the demand, the higher the price of the product.

However, as large amounts of data and actions we must manage make attention an invaluable presentation. There are many things vying for our focus at any given time, including work, employees, social media, and electronics.

In the same way, in the project environment, our most pre-project need, among our deliveries is to have attention, the manager's team, the customer, the supplier.

To drive and deliver the expected results to our stakeholders, we must position ourselves in the context of this attention economy.

Furthermore, Ricardo talks of two inferences about how the attention economy affects our project.

Listen to #5minpodcast to understand better.

BANI Is Not the Evolution of VUCA!

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the relationship between the concepts of BANI and VUCA.

The acronym VUCA for "volatile," "uncertainly," "complex," and "ambiguous" has its origins in the American army during the cold war and sought to explain the constant changes and complexity of contemporary entities, which alter our perception of what is right and what is wrong.

The acronym BANI is more recent and was created by anthropologist Jamais Cascio in 2018. The term means "brittle," "anxious," "non-linear," and "incomprehensible" and has become very popular with the pandemic.

For Ricardo, despite the acronyms BANI and VUCA having different formats and many saying that BANI is an evolution of VUCA, he shows evidence that the two terms reproduce practically in the same way (despite using other names) the functioning of our society marked by instability, transformation, and inability to predict. The instability causes a feeling of uncertainty, out of control, and anxiety in people.

Listen to #5minpodcast to understand better.

Three Tips To Develop and Sustain a Perfect Squad

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo discusses using "Squads" within projects and gives tips on building and sustaining effective teams.

The modern use of the term "Squad" in project management can be traced back to a military concept in which a multidisciplinary team acts independently to complete a series of missions.

This idea of a cross-functional and autonomous team became the core support of agile models that originated in software development and has since been extended to other types of projects. Currently, you can find Squads in many different delivery methods.

Ricardo stresses the importance of teamwork, time-zone, and open lines of communication for the Squad's success.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Why Chaotic Systems Matter to My Work

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the connection between Chaotic Systems and the behavior of risks in the project.

Chaotic systems are highly disordered and unpredictable, where minor changes in initial parameters cause drastic changes in the future.

Consider the global shipping crisis. COVID-19 caused some ports worldwide to close during the pandemic, resulting in an insane search for available containers on one side of the globe while thousands of empty containers are filling ports on the other side of the planet. According to some experts, correcting this mismatch can take months, if not years.

However, not all chaotic systems are the same. Some chaotic systems just happen, and you have little control over them, such as the weather forecast for the next two or three days. These are chaotic systems of level 1.

LLevel 2 systems are the epiphany of chaos. These systems change by the simple fact that you start measuring them. A good example is the stock market. If there were a perfect algorithm that predicted a stock's price would rise tomorrow with 100% certainty, the stock price would not rise tomorrow but today due to increased demand for that stock.

Another example we all faced two years ago happened when toilet paper disappeared from the counter of stores in the early days of a pandemic. These events are called a level 2 chaotic system, and no one knows where it began. The more people measure, act or intervene, the more chaotic it becomes...

Our challenge today is that everything we do is at level 2 chaos, necessitating a different set of skills and adaptability.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Three Tips To Mitigate Inflation Risks in Your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0100

This week Ricardo discusses the impact of inflation on the project risks.

In the past, countries with weak economies were more likely to experience inflation; however, today, countries with stronger economies, like those in Europe, are experiencing relevant impacts of inflation.

The ability to complete projects may be heavily impacted by inflation, which presents a significant issue for project managers.

Depending on where the project is, it may even be required to consider if it is feasible to move forward.

Regarding this scenario, Ricardo offers three suggestions for risk mitigation that can be applied in the early stages of the project and another three suggestions to be applied in later stages.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more

The Challenges When You are Overqualified for a Job

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the difficulty faced by those overqualified for a given position.

When a company creates a position for a new team member and receives a resume with qualifications much in excess of those needed, this CV is most likely not going to be chosen.

A highly competent candidate for the job may be financially motivated and use the company as a stepping stone or may rapidly lose interest in their work, according to the employer's perspective.

Considering the high costs of training the professional, the company will not invest in a person who apparently will not stay there for a long time.

Ricardo offers three suggestions on what to do in this circumstance.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

#team, #resource-management, #overqualification

Benefits and Drawbacks of the Passion Economy

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo addresses the Passion Economy. There is a "passion economy" when you make money doing something you enjoy.

The biggest illustration of this notion is the digital influencer, who may share information, expertise, and insights about a topic they find fascinating and monetize the content through a YouTube or TikTok channel, for example.

However, the process is not as simple as most people believe. The majority of the "rockstars" of the passion economy represent a minuscule portion of the market. And transforming the passion into results takes time and a lot of effort.

As Adam Davidson's book The Passion Economy examines in depth, your efforts to create money from a passion may not always provide the anticipated results.

To understand more and relate it to your project and innovation efforts, listen to this week's #5minpodcast.

The Trap of Diderot Effect: Never Implement a Feature You Don’t Need

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo addresses the risks of the Diderot Effect.

For many, this effect is directly related to consumption bias. However, it is perfectly applied also when we add something to our project, and that something triggers a series of new features causing control to be completely lost. This effect impacts budget, deadlines, and team, among many other factors.

It's like consumption; when we buy an outfit, it sometimes emphasizes that the shoe is not so new. With that, we bought an entire garment due to the trigger of the first purchase.

Ricardo gives three tips on not falling into this Diderot effect trap.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

The Unlimited Applications of Project Management in Agribusiness

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about Project Management in Agribusiness.

He explains how we can apply project management in this segment, which is so different for many of us.

Ricardo comments that agribusiness is transforming as powerful as the technology area, using digitalization, georeferencing e technology, and project to select crops that will be used in this area.

For example, the harvest of an agricultural product can be considered a project, as it is temporary and unique due to environmental, soil, and local conditions.

And project management will identify, for example, market, environmental, and price volatility risks that may occur depending on the type of harvest.

Agribusiness project management can also be used in logistics to distribute products and grains. Ricardo gives examples of global impact in this logistics, such as the distribution of grains in Ukraine contained in the Odesa port due to the war.

Another example is Brazil itself, a significant producer of agricultural products, with a continental dimension where the logistics of getting the products to the port is a great challenge.

Ricardo also talks about the agile approaches that are used by businesses that are born around agribusiness.

Finally, Ricardo comments on a project for grain flow using the river network, which is a doctoral thesis of a friend in Portugal and a project to support the sustainable planting of olive trees for olive oil in Morocco that was carried out during the period in which he led the project area at UNOPS (United Nations)

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Remember That the Law of Diminishing Returns Also Applies to Your Project Management Efforts

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Law of Diminishing Returns applied to the effort we make to manage projects.

We often doubt how much management is worth, and we try to simplify management as much as possible to avoid bureaucracy when we spend a lot of time in meetings or filling out documents and templates without reaching any results.

Ricardo explains that according to the law of diminishing returns, the project's results will improve with the increase in a management capacity. But we must find an optimal management level that maximizes results, not paper production.

We often create a more bureaucratic control process with more effort due to a paranoia we have with risks and a perception that everything needs to be controlled. With this, we reach a point of diminishing returns, where we spend more to have less.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to find out more!

We Shouldn’t Only Think About Leadership: We Also Need to Think About Followership

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's podcast, Ricardo talks about leadership and followership and the paranoia of today's society to exclusively focus on leadership.

This episode reflects on questions like:

Is being a leader the only essential profile for a company?

How is the followership in this equation?

Don't we all have to develop skills to lead and to be led too?

Can a job be done only with leaders?

Who will perform the work within a structure or project that will be led?

What are the characteristics of followers who are the foundation of your company?

Listen to the episode, and participate in the discussion of these issues, allowing space for reflection on what is fundamental to developing effective work teams.

Never Go Straight to the Offer in a Negotiation

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's podcast, Ricardo talks about negotiation and how it is inserted into our daily lives far beyond buying and selling relationships.

He talks about negotiation steps and how we often make mistakes when skipping important phases of this process.

The initial exchange of information, the offer, the counter-offer, and the bargaining techniques are all important phases that should not be disregarded and we must always make better use of each of them.

Ricardo mainly discusses the importance of the information exchange phase, which is often the decisive phase for the final success of the negotiation.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

#negociation, #projectmanagement, #communication, #risk #governance

Understanding the Differences Between Conformity and Compliance

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the difference between compliance and conformity.

Compliance and conformity are rules that an organization must always follow. However, the purpose of each is quite different.

Often the company decides to follow a specific rule not because it has to but because it is good for the business, such as obtaining ISO certification. In this case, we are talking about conformity; that is, conformity is everything the company is committed to doing because it will be suitable for it.

Compliance, on the other hand, are rules that the company must follow to stay in business. For example, a publicly-traded company has audits and reports that need to be sent to regulatory bodies such as, in the case of Brazil, the CVM (Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission). These reports are not made because the company wants to, but because it is a legal requirement for them to be disclosed.

That is, compliance is the set of rules that exist to ensure that the organization acts in compliance with the laws and regulations in force.

Ricardo gives some examples of conformity and compliance in projects. He also cites the recent example of Elon Musk's Twitter purchase deal, where one party considers the information about fake accounts as compliance, and the other considers it as conformity already declared in the purchase memorandum.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

How Availability Bias Changes Our Perceptions of Risks

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about availability bias. He explains that when a risky event is repeatedly exposed on the news or by a group of people next to us, our perception is altered by that exposure, which often makes us lose rationality about the real probability or impact.

One of the examples is the panic seized by the delay of flights all over the world. Of course, there is a delay, but there is at the same time a perception that 100% of flights are delayed or canceled, and all bags and luggage have been lost. This assessment is not necessarily correct.

The reality is that we live in a world with abundant information and availability, and this amount of information can radically affect our perception.

Ricardo also gives some tips on how to mitigate the effects of availability bias.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Directly from the Global Project Management Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Global Project Management Forum 2022 in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is investing in a series of megaprojects called "Vision 2030" that involve all aspects of society, from housing construction and financing to the liberation and promotion of tourism, from the digital government, using artificial intelligence big data in healthcare to the administration of the NEOM megaproject, which aims to be a new model of sustainable living, work, and prosperity.

These are investments in the hundreds of billions of dollars. The event was the first in Saudi Arabia, focusing on project management at the heart of the skills required to make these mega projects a reality.

Visit NEOM.com for you to realize the dimension of a piece of this transformation.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

The Disturbing Results of Gallup State of the Global Workforce Report 2022

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Gallup - State of the Global Workspace 2022 report.

This report is the result of an interview with people around the world and shows the level of stress, motivation, and engagement of people working in companies.

According to the report, 60% of people interviewed consider themselves disconnected from work. And to make matters worse, 19% are actively disengaged. 79% of people are unhappy with their work.

A frightening number.

Ricardo also talks about the book he just released with Harold Kerzner and Al Zeitoun: Project Management Next Generation: The Pillars for Organizational Excellence.

The book has several cases from companies worldwide, showing good project management practices.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Evaluating 5 Applications of AI in Project Management based on Impact and Complexity to Implement

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the potential applications of artificial intelligence in projects and compares the different impacts and implementation complexity of each of them.

He comments that a project that is self-managed in all dimensions by Artificial Intelligence will have a tremendous impact on both the people involved in the project and the project itself. However, the complexity of deploying artificial intelligence mechanisms of this magnitude is extraordinarily high and unlikely in the short or medium-term horizon.

AI seeks to identify patterns and learn from those patterns or rules. In the example of games like chess or Go, there is a closed system, and the rules do not change throughout the game, making learning possible.

However, behavioral issues such as trading and risks involve a much more complex and unpredictable scenario, where the machine has difficulty interpreting and recognizing patterns.

Ricardo talks about five items where artificial intelligence can be used for projects and assesses the complexity and impact of each one.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn about the five applications of artificial intelligence and assess the complexity of implementing each one and its impact on projects.

Using Zoom In and Zoom Out to Master your Leadership Skills

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about "Zoom In" and "Zoom Out" in projects, that is, how different perspectives on a problem can dramatically change our ability to solve it.

Making an analogy with a photo, when we use Zoom in, we can see in more detail a small part of that photo. This Zoom In helps us understand "surgically" when in a crisis scenario. However, in some situations, Zoom In makes us lose context, leaving us overwhelmed with the level of detail.

When we use Zoom Out, we get the big picture, and we get to see the context; we get the Big Picture. However, if we use Zoom Out all the time, we miss a detail, which in many situations is important.

Ricardo suggests that you see the article by Rosabeth Kanter from Harvard Business School about the subject.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

#ProjectManagement #Leadership #crisis

My 5 Tips for a Great Daily Scrum

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Daily Scrum, the daily Scrum meeting.

Ricardo gives five tips that can increase the effectiveness of the process, including aspects related to duration, format, and even the sequence of topics to be addressed.

Spoiler: It is possible to use many Daily Scrum features in project meetings that use other approaches!

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Don’t Be Trapped by the Easy Certification Route

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo addresses the pitfalls of the "easy" route to certification. He explains that we often want to find a shortcut to achieving our goals, such as getting a professional certification. However, the certification may apply to your CV or LinkedIn profile. Now, if it is not accompanied by understanding, it is worth little and survives even less.

We have many course options that promise a 2-day training to pass certification or get your money back. With all the respect for the options of each one, this type, of course, teaches how to pass the test but does not teach the hard task of leading projects.

And what matters to the customer, to your company and to you, is not the credential after the name. It is the project delivering the value that was promised.

Ricardo makes an analogy between certification and a driving license. You can do a driving school and pass the test because you were lucky or even because you trained so much on that specific race circuit that you simply memorized the movements. Here comes the question: do you know how to drive?

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

#Project Management, #Certication, #PMP, #Scrum, career

Forensic Planning: Using Project Management to Address Claims, Disputes and Litigations

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 17 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about Forensic Planning, explaining that this is an area of Project Management widely used for claims, litigation, and lawsuits.

Often in capital projects or large projects, delays and other types of disruption happen when parties disagree on which side is responsible.

This type of work attempts to assess and support the parties in the solution and identify the root cause of the problem. For example, analyzing whether that delay could be avoided or not or whether the cost overrun can be repaired by one of the parties or not.

Ricardo explains that the traditional concept of Gantt chart or critical path analysis is being used in courtrooms, moderation panels, and measurements to address this type of dispute between stakeholders through forensic planning.

He also ends with a challenge. Why can't other types of projects benefit from this type of approach?

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

What are The Top 3 Values Project Management Brings to an Organization: The Elevator Pitch

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the three central values that project management brings to the organization that you could talk about in a brief speech in an Elevator Pitch.

The first: Project management is one of the most powerful tools to organize your workflow and prevent chaos from setting in. Regardless of the approach used, project management will define the criteria that will manage the flow of work within the organization.

The second: Ensure an alignment between the effort undertaken and the delivery of value. It is necessary to understand the objective and benefits that the project will bring to your client and your organization. Project management defines the value chain and measures the benefits.

The third: Mitigate project risks. Project management naturally helps to reduce risks, as there is a defined workflow.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

What We Can Learn from Netflix Roller Coaster

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the latest news published in the press about the streaming service Netflix, which, upon announcing the first reduction in the number of subscribers to the platform in the last ten years, suffered a devastating drop in the value of its shares.

Netflix's value dropped from more than 300 billion dollars at the end of 2020 to 89 billion after the announcement. It is a 70% drop, and to give you some perspective, this loss is four times the value of Warner Bros. (owner of HBO) and the same value as Walt Disney Co.

This shift brings us to question why such a disruptive company can have such a dramatic shock, expected only for "startups" or companies in traditional segments and at significant risk of being overshadowed.

Given this scenario, Ricardo reflects on three lessons we can learn from these events:

1. The relevance of understanding potential inflection points that change the direction of a business or market.

2. The understanding that projects and initiatives behave much more like a roller coaster than a highway, where fluctuations will happen.

3. Understand that past success is not a proxy for future success.

Often, your project can hit such a dramatic inflection point that it can cause you to change an entire segment.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to find out more.

#VUCA, #Strategy, #Risks #complexity

There is No “One Size Fits All” Solution: The Importance of Tailoring

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about customizing methods and approaches in project management.

He explains that we insist on finding a solution that solves all the problems in the project, but in reality, there is no "One size fits all." No methodology or approach is universally perfect for all scenarios, and the nature of the project and the very definition presuppose something unique.

Today we have several project management approaches and methods that create a set of principles that guide our behavior towards the project.

Ricardo makes an analogy with a toolbox, where we need to know and have different techniques to make the toolbox solve the organization's problems in a more versatile way.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

What is Round-Robin Brainstorming?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Round-Robin Brainstorming technique.

Ricardo explains that with this technique, everyone participates by analyzing, confirming, and questioning the other participants, and he makes an analogy between a football championship, where all teams play each other.

Round-Robin prevents the dominant personality from conducting the brainstorming in a direction other than the collective of the group doing the brainstorming.

Ricardo explains the 6 steps to perform this technique and comments that it looks a little like Crawford's Slip technique, but it differs in the construction of ideas, where you develop your idea based on the idea of the colleague next to you.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

The World of Inflexibility is Over

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about flexibility and inflexibility when planning something.

We often have the mindset of planning, executing, and controlling something so that it must go exactly as planned. Any variation in the plan is bad and should be avoided, this is inflexibility, and all we don't have today is predictability, showing that the world of inflexibility no longer exists.

Ricardo explains that we need to have a broader range of decision-making regarding changes, to be flexible, and teams have to seek as much autonomy as possible.

And finally, Ricardo gives three tips for you to have a team with more autonomy, more flexibility, and more conditions to adapt to this changing environment, that is, to be anti-fragile, which are:

Invest in knowledge and understand the cause-and-effect relationships.
Work with principles rather than processes.
Measure the result by the ability of people to work together and produce the expected deliverables.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Understanding the Satir Change Model

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about Satir Change Model, created by family psychologist Virginia Satir, considered the mother of modern family psychology.

The podcast has a business focus, even though it was created thinking in the family environment. The model became widely used in the business context change process.

The model tells us that, despite the final result of the change being positive, in the improvement process, there is a phase where things become worse before they improve.

Ricardo mentions the 5 phases of change: Late Current Status, Resistance, Chaos, Integration, and New Status Quo. He also considers that these five steps can represent all change processes.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast and understand better about this model, a good tool that Ricardo uses a lot in driving change.

Antifragile: Why Being Able to Gain from Disorder is Key to Succeed Nowadays? – Part 2/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo returns to the concept of Antifragile, presented by Nicholas Taleb in his book, where Taleb stated that the antifragile "is not necessarily the opposite of fragile" but "what improves with shock."

Ricardo talks about making the different types of systems antifragile, systems that can be you, your career, or your company.

He complements the concept and outlines the five steps from fragile to antifragile.

He starts by using the Barbell Bar concept, which talks about balancing weights and thus reducing fragility, and goes through the other four of the five steps proposed by Taleb: Decrease Fragility, Generate Options, Modularize, Risk Your Skin and Reflect and Learn From the Failure.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to learn more.

Antifragile: Why Being Able to Gain from Disorder is Key to Succeed Nowadays? - Part 1/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the concept of Antifragile, presented by Nicholas Taleb in his book.

To better explain it, Ricardo explains the meaning of being "fragile" and "robust," where "robust" is not necessarily the opposite of fragile. Robust refers to the ability to resist shock and is not necessarily improved by shock.

What improves with shock is Antifragile. And what you gain from stress.

The only way to thrive in such a volatile environment is to create an Antifragile mindset and attitude.

Ricardo exemplifies several Antifragile systems such as our muscles, the dandelion flower, the Hydra of Hercules, and even the coronavirus.

All these environments have something in common: They grow under stress, adapt, and learn.

Next week Ricardo will complement the concept and talk about the five steps to take the fragile to the Antifragile using the Barbell Bar concept.

Why Should I Care about the Hawthorne Effect?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Hawthorne effect. Despite the rather unusual name, the effect is associated with changing our behavior whenever someone observes us.

He gives examples in our daily lives, such as the compliments our young children receive when they stay at other people's houses or when we watch programs like Big Brother.

Ricardo also talks about the Hawthorne effect in projects. When we are being observed while performing a task or measuring a specific result or parameter of the project, the tendency is to have our performance affected by the presence of someone watching.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to find out more.

3 Key Lessons from the Fyre Festival Documentary on Netflix

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo recently watched, using his project management perspective, the documentary "Fyre - The Great Event That Never Happened," which was recommended by a friend.

Fyre was supposed to be one of the music festivals that was supposed to be one of the most exclusive globally and ended up being a complete fiasco.

The initial idea was to create an event to promote the celebrity booking application called Fyre. However, its founder lost its way during the journey and let passion prevail over reality.

Successive mistakes, combined with bad faith, inability to communicate, and chaos, created an irreversible failure scenario.

But this failure brings us some precious lessons.

Listen to this week's #5minpodcast to find out more.

#leadership, #projectmager, #risk, #realstory, #failure.

Empathy and Support During Incredibly Challenging Times: The Russian Invasion of Ukraine

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Faced with this week's events with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Ricardo had decided not to record any new episode this week.

However, today he decided to record a different episode, talking about empathy and support in uncertain times like the current ones.

In this week's episode, he talks about the importance of understanding that reality has changed and that there is no perspective on how the subsequent events will unfold.

At this moment, it becomes critical that everyone shows empathy and support for those traumatically affected by the invasion.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to know more.

Are Product Management and Project Management the Same Thing?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the similarities and differences between managing projects/programs/portfolios and managing products.

He explains that the product is the result of a project or program most of the time. However, it can also result from chance or simply an unexpected opportunity.

The life cycle of a product can involve numerous projects: from the creation of the product itself to the development of new features and adaptations that may become necessary due to externalities and external factors.

Even when the company decides to discontinue the product, it is necessary to have a decommissioning project.

Finally, a project starts with the end in mind. The product, although it also exists within a life cycle, it will exist as long as the value for the business exists.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to know more.

How to Write a Great Problem Statement

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the Problem Statement. He explains that we often receive a problem with a solution from our customers.

The given solution is not always the correct one; before thinking about how to implement the solution, we need to be clearer about what problem our project is trying to solve.

It is necessary to listen to the user and write down everything to understand the problem and question whether there are alternatives beyond the conventional.

Ricardo also gives an example of a problem that already came with a solution, but when the scope of the problem is better understood, we may have several other alternatives.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to know more.

3 Simple Ways to Improve your Experience with Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the many ways to gain experience in project management that go beyond formal education, courses and certifications. He also mentions that you don't start a career in projects managing gigantic or highly complex projects.

The main part of the podcast is in the three tips you can follow to increase your experience and make project management part of your DNA.

The first is that it is necessary to apply project management concepts in our daily lives. We should think of simple tasks and small projects in our daily lives as opportunities to practice the concepts. Whether it's planning your child's birthday, renovating your home or completing your MBA project. There are opportunities all the time to think about the possibility of setting up a Kanban, an EAP or even applying the concept of decision gates, so talked about in the FEL model.

The second tip is that you diversify your experience, applying the concepts in different areas and projects. This diverse experience allows you to learn about various aspects, approaches and challenges.

And the third tip is that you look for opportunities to volunteer in your own company's projects, dedicating extra time to this, making you help your colleagues and learn new concepts.

Listen to the episode to learn more.

Why Early Warnings are Critical and How to Implement Them

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the relevance of early warning systems. He comments that one of our biggest aims in risk management is to anticipate the knowledge and awareness of unexpected events.

Ricardo gives some examples and explains that one of the mechanisms that help us identify threats is project indicators, showing clear signs of a problem without having the pain.

The sooner we recognize these signs, the faster we can resolve them.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to find out more.

How to Present Your Project Experience in Your CV or Interview?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about how you show your experience in projects and in product development for a job interview or when you are preparing your CV or applying for a postgraduate course, for example.

He gives three tips on which aspects to consider:

The first: What type of project have you worked on, engineering, technology, digital transformation, etc.

The second: What was the magnitude of the challenge? What were the budget and the number of people impacted?

The third: What was your role in the project, who was under your leadership, what kind of activity were you doing? In the case of your role, Ricardo explains that you should never report a position that differs from the reality you had.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to know more.

The Counterintuitive Nature of Exponential Growth

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the exponential growth of problems in the project. He explains with several examples what exponential growth is, such as the behaviour of social networks when a post is shared with ten people and that each one will share with another ten people. So on, the number of views has a massive growth.

We often rely on intuition to make a future prediction, imagining linearity. Still, we live in an era of turbulent, dynamic and transformational scenarios where one small problem in your project can trigger another, and you have an avalanche of problems in the end.

Trusting your intuition is essential, but it's much better to trust the numbers you're getting on your project.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to know more.

Cadence: The Heartbeat of your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about cadence in the project.

He explains that cadence dictates the rhythm of project deliveries and gives some examples of cadence, such as the frequency of the heartbeat and the rhythm of a military parade.

Ricardo talks about the four types of cadence, which are not necessarily linked to shorter or longer intervals but rather the project's ability to make deliveries that add and produce value for the customer.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to know more.

4 Books and 3 Online Courses to Start your Year with the Right Foot

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

In the first episode of 2022, Ricardo decided to share four books and three online courses/platforms you should look at right now to start your year with the right foot.

The books have two things in common: none are about Project Management, and he wrote none of them :). They cover aspects of uncertainty, culture, mindset, and career.

Listen to the #5minpodcast to know more.

Looking back on 2021, Paving the Road for 2022

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This episode is the last #5minpodcast of 2021.

This week Ricardo shares five key lessons he learned about 2021 that are paving his way to 2022 and can also help you make a better 2022.

He also made a LinkedIn article with a few things that are keeping him awake at night. You can read it in full at https://rvarg.as/lookingback.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

James Webb Telescope Launch: A Live Masterclass of Complexity and Risk Attitude

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week's episode is super special, with Ricardo talking about the launch of the James Webb Telescope, scheduled for December 24th.

He explains that the project to build this telescope is extremely complex (we haven't found an even bigger term to describe how complex the project is). And for a project of this size, the level of competence of the professionals involved doesn't matter. Even having the best team in the world, the project is so complicated that anything can happen.

The James Webb has a technology that has never been used, such as the five very thin protective layers of insulating material to allow the telescope to operate at 100 degrees Celsius on one side and at -235 degrees Celsius on the other side. Imagine over 300 degrees in less than 50 cm on five sheets so thin they look like hair.

The launch of this telescope will be part of our history. For 30 days from the moment it is launched from French Guiana, a series of 50 unfolding processes will begin that will last practically one month until it reaches its endpoint, about 1.5 million km from Earth. The Hubble Telescope has located about 550km from Earth to give you perspective, and the new telescope is 2,700 times farther away.

It is a very high-risk project, as it is extremely sensitive equipment with 344 points of failure. If one of them doesn't work, the entire project may not deliver the result, and 25 years of development and more than 10 billion dollars could be lost.

Watch the launch on the 24th at 7:20 AM ET, 9:20 AM Brasilia time, 12:20 PM WET at https://rvarg.as/webb

Listen to the podcast to learn more about this amazing project.

No Rules Rules: The Counter-Intuitive Culture of Netflix

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the book "The Rule is No Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention", whose subject is the culture of Netflix.

Ricardo explains that he read this book recently, which is based on an interview @reed Hastings gave to @Des Dearlove from @Thinkers50.

Ricardo comments that Netflix breaks the chain of command and control and adopts a policy (or maybe no policy) where employees are free to make decisions by themselves on all sorts of topics, including how their vacation will be or how their travel expenses will be.

He also says that in the interview, Reed said that the only "rule" is to make decisions always considering Netflix's best interest.

Another exciting factor is that people are free to be truthful, even if they disagree with an idea coming from the CEO. And last but not least, Netflix values humility, helping and being helped by colleagues.

Ricardo recommends you read the book and look at the Netflix Culture page at https://jobs.netflix.com/culture.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

To Be or Not to Be Agile: That is the Question

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo explains the difference between agility and agile methods.

He says that if the project uses an agile method, it may not necessarily have agility. And on the other hand, a project that uses the predictive model may have agility.

Ricardo comments that, regardless of the method used, it is first necessary to have a critical sense of urgency, agility and adaptability in the organization.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Artificial Intelligence in Projects - Part 2/2 - Challenges

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this second episode of the series, Ricardo talks about three challenges to applying Artificial Intelligence in project management and product development in general.

The first challenge is regarding the quality of the data that will be used. Ricardo explains that in project management, a clear business rule is not respected, which makes it much more complex to have reliable data for artificial intelligence to cross-reference this data to generate relevant patterns for analysis.

The second challenge is to stipulate and predict standards for human behaviour. A simple challenge that a professional has when commuting to work one day can directly impact work and productivity.

The third challenge is the ethical aspect. How would artificial intelligence make the decision faced with an ethical dilemma?

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Artificial Intelligence in Projects - Part 1/2 - Definitions and Uses

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week and next, Ricardo talks about the uses, benefits and challenges of artificial intelligence applied to the project scenario.

He explains that artificial intelligence is a branch of computer science that seeks to develop equipment and software capable of performing tasks that are typically human, giving examples of products that use artificial intelligence to replace and facilitate our work.

Ricardo also comments that the great benefit of artificial intelligence in project management is monitoring and identifying patterns. These patterns allow the optimization of administrative tasks, preparation of realistic budget and schedule forecasts, and even suggest specific teams for each type of work.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

How to Reframe your Fears

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the fears we have during the development of a product, where situations are not totally in our control. Whether in the speed with which we have to carry out our deliveries and releases or in the concern of not delivering the value expected by our client, which leads us to the fear of failing and not being accepted as a leader in the project.

He explains that these fears are natural reactions we have. With the pandemic, there were many changes and a massive disruption in the supply chain, affecting organizations and leaders who need to deal with the changes with their teams and stakeholders.

In the end, Ricardo gives 5 tips on how you can live with these fears and accept that not everything is in our control.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Three Tips to Improve Resilience and Deliver Better Results in Turbulent Times

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about resilience and adaptability. He says that when big disasters happen, we first think about resilience, and we associate this term with resistance and more solid constructions that can withstand impacts. But there is psychological resilience and organizational resilience related to developing skills in the project team, in the organization, and ourselves.

Ricardo explains that resilience does not mean that you will go through a crisis without suffering and stress, but when you have good psychological and organizational resilience, you can recover faster and with minor damage.

And finally, Ricardo gives three tips for psychological resilience and three tips for organizational resilience.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

3 Tips on How Time Affects Our Perceptions of Value in a Volatile Environment

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about our perception of time when we try to assess values, risks, and scenarios in the more distant future. Time significantly affects our ability to judge, understand and evaluate scenarios.

He makes an analogy between the promises made at COP 21 for the years 2070 and 2100 and comments that it is impossible to project an event for the year 2100 without having an incredibly high margin of error.

Finally, Ricardo gives three tips for us to deal with projects in this distant future scenario. Listen to the podcast to know more.

What is Systems Thinking?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo explains the concept of Systems Thinking.

He compares systems thinking with traditional analysis, where the system is broken down into smaller components to assess problems, impacts, and improvements.

In Systems Thinking, the process is practically the opposite. The focus is not the components but the connection and interactions between them and their behavior over time.

Systems thinking, despite using various tools and simulations, is a holistic and often behavioral process seeking to identify connections and influences that are not seen in the usual and traditional way.

Ricardo ends the episode by discussing the balance between system overload (reinforcement) and balance (equilibrium) as key work components. He reinforces this concept with several applicability examples.

Listen to the podcast to know more.

Why We Must Pay Attention to the Great Resignation In Our Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about "The Great Resignation", a term created by Anthony Klotz, a professor at the University of Texas, A&M University.

He explains that in the first few months of this year, 4.3 million people resigned in the United States. This phenomenon is not unique to the US. It is happening worldwide.

Ricardo comments on the influence of the pandemic on this behavior and on four factors that lead people to resign.

Finally, he addresses the challenges for both the professional leaving work and the company and managers who need to create value to attract the professionals they need to deliver projects.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

The Magic of Affinity Diagrams

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo talks about affinity diagrams in this week's episode and how this technique can help you and your team organize ideas.

He explains that when structuring a process, the scope of a project, risks, and other ideas, we usually create groups and distribute information within these groups. We will think differently using the affinity diagrams; first, we will have the pictures and then group; it is like an EAP in reverse.

Ricardo describes how creating the affinity diagrams should be done and the benefits of using this technique.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

How Fragile and Volatile are Businesses: The Facebook, Whatsapp, and Instagram Outage

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0100

This week we return to the theme from a few weeks ago, how technology projects are riskier than most people imagined.

Surprised by the paralysis of Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp, we were more than left out of communication. The damage caused throughout the world by the hours out of the air on these platforms is incalculable.

What to learn from what happened? How to deal with this dependence on companies today?

Listen to this week's Podcast to know more.

Why Self-knowledge Improves Your Projects Results: 3 Golden Tips

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about self-knowledge and how it can improve the results of your projects.

He explains that when you are more aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you can adjust your project approach, assuring the project's success.

He comments that if a person knows their weak points to carry out an activity, they will mitigate the project's risk by, for example, putting another professional with more knowledge on the subject to carry out the activity in question.

Ricardo wraps up this week's episode by providing three tips for getting to know yourself better.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

IT Projects May Be Riskier than You Think

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the risks that can be associated with technology projects.

He explains that the approach to managing technology projects, where releases are delivered faster and more frequently, can allow aspects that are not thoroughly thought out and validated to produce security flaws, risks, and even use and encouragement of unexpected behavior when used.

Ricardo comments that today we have incredibly complex and critical operations that can generate huge risks concerning fraud, cybercrime, invasion of privacy, Cyberbullying, and all kinds of unexpected results.

Technology is advancing a lot and making life easier for everyone. However, as ease appears, the opportunity for wrong things to happen grows at about the same rate.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

The Legal Team is the Best Friend in Protecting Your Project and Your Organisation (Stewardship)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the legal aspects of project management. He explains that the project manager often may perceive that their work is being delayed due to the requirements of other areas, for example.

Ricardo explains that these requirements are made to protect the project and, in the end, your organization. Often in the eagerness to do things quickly and be agile, the project manager generates future turbulence in which he/she is not prepared.

The project exists as part of an organizational enterprise that continues to exist after the end of the project.

There must be instruments that can protect both the supplier and the buyer, for example. If there is a different understanding regarding payment, delivery, guarantees, obligations, protection, and insurance, the solution will only be possible through the contracts made between the parties.

Legal criteria exist to protect your organization, and it is your duty of care as a steward to protect and support the project and the company you work for.

Any Assessment is Irrelevant without a Reference

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of having clear criteria as a reference when we evaluate a project.

He explains that people's perception is different, and if we create a personal reference, it will have a different interpretation.

Ricardo shows many examples of not explicit references, and besides that, the evaluation for these criteria will generate ambiguity. He also shows examples of detailed references.

Conflict of Interest and the Impact in your Project: 5 Ethical Principles to Be a Great Steward

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo explains what conflicts of interest are. He also shows some examples where decision-making based on personal interest can harm the project, the organization, and other project stakeholders.

He also presents the 5 ethical principles (based on the Harvard Program on Negotiation) that must be considered in project decisions to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

How to Support Future Generations for a World Based in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In the last 20 or 30 years, project management has taken on a vast proportion, and a good part of the population works, even if they don't know it, in some way with projects.

So why do people see the world for projects as a threat? What are the misunderstandings?

Let's talk about how I see project management and how to support future generations to work in a different world, a world by projects.

Listen to the Podcast to learn more.

Some Considerations About Project Delivery Approach: Predictive (Waterfall), Hybrid or Adaptive (Agile)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the form of development approach you will choose, according to the type of project.

He comments that one of the Performance Domains of the new PMBOK® is the Development Approach and Lifecycle. And he explains that for some projects, it is better to choose the predictive approach, while for others, the adaptive approach is more suitable.

Listen to the Podcast to learn more.

Why Do We Often Ignore the Obvious?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo reflects on why we often overlook the obvious.

PMI principles that have often been forgotten or the Voluntary Blindness that prevents us from seeing what is in front of us. Why do we insist on preferring inertia or denial?

Listen to the Podcast to learn more.

Why "Stakeholders" is a Principle and also a Performance Domain in the PMBOK 7th edition

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo shows the differences behind the concepts of Stakeholders for the Principles, Performance Domains, and Knowledge Areas.

He explains the Stakeholder' vision for these items and the importance of each.

Listen to the Podcast to learn more.

Peter Principle of Incompetency

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about how good people can become incompetent when promoted to positions that require different skills than those that make them stand out.

Ricardo gives tips on preparing ourselves not to fall into this trap and grow in organizations with the necessary skills.

Listen to the new podcast episode to know more.

PMBOK®️ Guide 7th Edition - Performance Domains - Part 3/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this third episode of the PMBOK®️ 7th Edition series, Ricardo talks about the Performance Domains, which are the areas PMI believes you should focus on to demonstrate the behavior that the principles advocate.

Ricardo comments that the 7th edition comes as an umbrella over the 6th edition, looking for attending all types and forms of project delivery.

Ricardo explains that the eight performance domains have no sequence; they must be developed simultaneously. They address the areas you should focus on, depending on the development approach used.

Ricardo also explains that the performance domains are divided into chapters, and each chapter has three parts. The first part explains what is expected as an outcome of that area, the second part explains aspects of that area, and the third part describes how you measure the desired outcome for that area. Ricardo comments on each domain and associates it with the principles shown in the second podcast of this series.

He is also already preparing his new video about the Guide that will be available on his YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/rvvargas). Subscribe and activate notifications to have first-hand access to videos.

PMBOK®️ Guide 7th Edition - Principles and Standards - Part 2/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this second episode of the series about the new PMBOK^®️ Guide, Ricardo talks about the first part of the guide, which is the ANSI standard.

Ricardo explains that these principles are the DNA of the person who wants to manage projects and participate in a project team, regardless of your approach to managing and delivering your project.

The 12 principles embrace attitudes that support your work in the project management field, such as ethics, responsibility, respect, collaborative environment, stakeholder engagement, value delivery, tailoring, VUCA, internal and external factors to the project, and others.

Ricardo is also preparing his new video that will be available on his YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/rvvargas).

Subscribe and activate the notifications to have first-hand access to the videos.

PMBOK®️ Guide 7th Edition - Overall Structure - Part 1/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0100

This week comes with a special episode. With the release of the PMBOK®️ Guide 7th Edition by PMI, Ricardo decided to talk for the first time about the new guide in a series of 3 episodes.

This first episode is about the rationale behind the changes and the overall structure of the new guide.

Next week, Ricardo will cover the 12 principles of Project Management and, in the following week, the 8 performance domains of the new PMBOK.

Ricardo is also preparing your new video that will be available on his YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/rvvargas). Subscribe to the channel and activate the notifications to have firsthand access to the guide.

Your Example is Your Best Leadership Skill

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about the relevance of being a role model and an example to foster leadership and improve results.

Without being an example of behavior, character, ethics, and determination is impossible for you to lead a team effectively.

Listen to the Podcast to know more.

Sometimes it is Too Early to Be Late and Too Late to Be Early: Understanding ASAP and ALAP

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses the misconception related to the "As Soon as Possible" and "As Late as Possible" approaches. Many professionals believe that we should focus on ASAP and avoid procrastination at all costs.

But this is not necessarily true. Listen to the Podcast to know more.

3 Tips for Aligning Divergences in a Project in Crisis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo shares three tips that can help align disagreements and accelerate action when a project is in crisis.

Listen to the podcast to learn more.

The Paranoia of Control Can Kill Your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses the proper level of control we need to have on a project, preventing the rise of chaos or the construction of an empire out of papers and reports.
Hear more on the podcast.

3 Features of Agile that I Love

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 May 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about three aspects, features or characteristics of agile that we all should learn and apply.

Listen to the podcast to know them.

What is Your Exit Strategy?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 May 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo makes an analogy on how you can use the same approach to close a project in your own professional life when it is time for you to move on.

Sometimes we know that, for any reason you may choose, it is time for you to end a cycle to give the opportunity to start a new one. But this process is not as happy and joyful as the beginning of a project or job.

Ricardo shares the 4 things you need to be mindful of to avoid destroying what you built when it is the time of your departure. Listen to the podcast to know more.

How to Manage the Pain of the End: Understanding Project Closure

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 May 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about something nobody talks too much about. The pain of the end.

When the project releases its main products or services, it is pure joy. However, there is a less joyful moment happening at the same time: the feelings surrounding the end of the work, the loss and fears about the future.

Listen to the podcast to know how communications and a human approach can reduce the trauma of demobilization and disassembly.

The "Burnout" Portfolio

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 May 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo makes an analogy between the book "The Burnout Society" by the Korean philosopher Byung-Chul Han and our current work.

The book talks about how the pressure we put on ourselves to break the limits has produced a sick society.

Ricardo's analogy centers on our choice process. Companies want to do everything without investing in anything.

During their portfolio selection, the executives aim to make everything, but there are no resources. People want to do more with less until a point is reached of making the infinite out of nothing.

In the end, he addresses three topics: the importance of focus, our inability to do everything, and our choice process.

Why Did I Choose Working with Projects?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 04 May 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo makes a personal reflection on why he chose to work with project management. He explains how the desire to create new things and the happiness and fulfillment when you get things done were a fuel to select his profession.

The happiness for the achievement.

Listen to the episode to hear his perspectives about the profession.

Understanding the Differences between Product Owner, Scrum Master and Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo explains the fundamental differences between 3 roles in the project environment: the product owner and Scrum Master, widely used when applying Scrum and the Project Manager. All of them have critical roles in supporting their projects to deliver the results. However, each of them comes with a different set of accountabilities and responsibilities. Listen to the podcast to know more.

3 Tips to Find Our Way Out of the Labyrinth of Imperfect Information

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo reflects on how our experiences, the media, and the different voices of society affect our perception of risks.

We often increase, decrease or disregard the relevance of different threats and opportunities due to imperfect and biased information we receive every day.

Ricardo also shares three simple tips you should always keep in mind to analyze future risk scenarios in the best possible way.

How to Get to the Root of a Problem Using the 5 Whys Technique

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo explains the 5 Whys technique to help you identify the root cause of an event, a specific risk, or even support your decision-making process.

The technique, although simple, has nuances that allow you to be more effective and expand its range of uses beyond what was proposed by its creator, the founder of Toyota in the 1930s.

Ricardo shows how to use 5 Whys in measuring intangibles, problem-solving, risk response development, and also in combined applications such as the use of 5 Whys with AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process).

Accountability: We Have to Live With the Decisions We Make

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about accountability and the discomfort we face most of the time when making decisions.

Having the chance to make decisions are one of the most significant freedom examples we have. However, it comes with a lot of pain because we do not know precisely a decision is correct or not.

If we take only the professional lens, we have to make decisions constantly, bringing stress, but we have no other option. It is our duty.

And do not think that delay decision is a good option. When you delay decisions, you are deciding anyway: you just chose to do nothing.

This was your decision.

Reflections on the Impact of the Suez Canal Blockage: Reassessing Enterprise Risks

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo tries to see the incident from different perspectives. From the standpoint of Evergreen Marine (ship operator) to the other shipping companies.

From the perspective of the Egyptian government to the perspective of countries that rely heavily on global trade.

Finally, he discusses your view as someone managing a project that relies on equipment or supplies coming from the other side of the world.

The Ebb and Flow of Ideation and Its Role on Brainstorming

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo shares a concept he saw in a Design Thinking course he did recently: The Ebb and Flow of Ideation.

Dev Patnaik introduces this straightforward and effective concept in the Product Development Best Practices Report. It is centered on the concept that better ideas are interspersed with absurd ones during ideation, and a wild idea is the fuel to generate new brilliant ones.

Leveraging your Product Development Results with the Kano Model

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo introduces the Kano Model, one of the easiest and more effective ways to prioritize product and service's features based on their potential to satisfy clients. Listen to the episode to learn more about the five patterns or categories created by Noriaki Kano to classify the features and identify those you should focus on developing.

You Should Learn How to Manage by Exception

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses one of the critical principles of the PRINCE2 method: the management by exception.

Managing by exception is a key pillar to save time and the overload of communications by setting boundaries of action and escalating issues. This principle is useful in every type of project and every method.

Listen to the episode to learn more about avoiding unnecessary reporting and communication, empowering your teams to manage their work boundaries and keeping your focus on exceptions.

5 Tips to Minimize the Challenges of Virtual Meetings

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In this week's episode, Ricardo gives tips for optimizing virtual meetings. As everyone knows, this type of arrangement has become a "nightmare" for many. Endless hours in front of a small screen have become a torment for productivity and performance. There are 5 simple tips that are much more related to discipline and behavior than to any type of technology.

Who Should Make the First Move in a Negotiation: The Anchoring Bias

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week's topic goes back to negotiation and who should make the first offer. Many researchers claim that the Anchoring bias provides an edge to those who make the first offer since the human tendency supports that counter-offers tend to be proposed around the initial starting point.

But there is a way around this if you don't make the first offer...

Listen to the episode to find out more.

Why Shouldn't You Outsource What You Do not Know How to Do?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo reflects on companies' benefits and challenges with the visible increase in interest in outsourcing activities, especially concerning outsourced activities due to incapacity and lack of knowledge about work.

He ponders the damage that the lack of knowledge, mastery of technology and know-how, can generate in the project's sustainability and its benefits.

More Abstract Work Suffers More from the Dunning-Kruger Effect

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

This week Ricardo returns to discuss the Dunning-Kruger effect and how it is usually more visible in projects and initiatives with more abstract deliveries and products.

It is important to remember that the Dunning-Kruger effect occurs when the professional demonstrates confidence and a sense of competence incompatible with his job's real ability.

This time, he goes back to discussing one of the most critical aspects of cognitive bias and how it is less evident in projects with clear scope and deliveries and much more apparent when the product, service and purpose of the project are less tangible.

Understanding the Major Global Risks with the WEF Global Risk Report 2021

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The WEF just published the Global Risk Report 2021. In its 16th edition, the report addresses the significant global risks like war, natural disasters, infectious diseases, and several other events and hazards that could jeopardize companies and governments' operations. In this episode, Ricardo highlights the report's main finds and goes back to 2020 to see how the landscape changed with the COVID-19 pandemia.

Outputs and Outcomes: When Movement Does Not Necessarily Mean Progress

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Nowadays, all those leading projects and initiatives only talk about outcomes. In this week episode, Ricardo reflects on the concept that outcomes are everything while outputs are irrelevant. For him, outputs and outcomes are equally important because outputs are the only way to produce outcomes. The problem is the disconnection between the outputs we product and the outcome we want to reach. We need to understand that many times a lot of movement, does not mean a lot of progress towards your strategic intent.

The New PMP Exam and Its Relationship with the PMBOK Guide

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

With the new PMP® Exam just released by PMI, Ricardo has received several messages asking about the new exam and the relationship with the PMBOK® Guide 6th Edition and the new PMBOK® Guide 7th Edition that is close to being released.

He approaches the main differences in the exam and that until the new PMBOK® Guide is released, the part of the exam that MAY cover the guide will be based on the 6th edition as mentioned by PMI at https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards/about/current-projects

Attitude towards Failure - Reputation and Gratitude - What Matters Ep 4

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

In the fourth and last episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of reputation and the use of social media. He also discusses our attitude towards failure, empathy, humility and gratitude and how these aspects become fundamental as you progress professionally in life.

Celebrating 500 Podcast Episodes - 2020 Review and 2021 Perspectives

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week's episode celebrates the 13th anniversary of the 5 Minutes Podcast and the arrival of a significant milestone: 500 episodes.

In this special podcast, Ricardo reviews 2020 and shares his perspectives for 2021. He also shares an interview about podcasts' history and some curious facts, as he has never heard even an episode of his own podcasts.

The interview is on your YouTube channel - Link here.

An animation about the podcast's numbers was aired today and can be seen here.

Create your Roadmap to the Future - What Matters Series Episode 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the third episode of the series, Ricardo shares his method to identify which projects and initiatives he must undertake to achieve his goals. It shows how a Post-It and a flip chart can make a big difference in how you view, compare and select ideas.

Options are Your Best Career Insurance - What Matters Series Episode 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 29 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week Ricardo publishes the audio of the second episode of the What Matters Series (https://youtube.com/rvvargas) In this episode, he discusses the importance of having professional options and how you can increase these options by improving knowledge, networking and mobility. He also talks about how some discomfort and challenges can bring you the resilience and "antifragility" to succeed.

Career Success Starts with Passion - What Matters Series Episode 1

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week Ricardo publishes a special podcast with the audio of the first episode of the What Matters Series (https://youtube.com/rvvargas) In this episode, he shares how passion defines success for you; no matter what career you choose.

3 Tips to Get PMP Certified Before the End of the Year

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

This week, Ricardo will address a question he has been receiving in the past weeks: Should I sit my PMP Exam now, or should I wait until 2021? In this episode, Ricardo tries to answer this question and provide some last-minute tips for those who do not want to “procrastinate” and get the job done this year.

How to Manage Coupled Dependencies in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo talks about a type of relationship that is becoming increasingly popular: coupled dependencies. This kind of relationship increases the delivery speed. However, if not appropriately managed, this coupled dependency can increase the risks and the chances of rework. This is due to the set of assumptions teams needed to create these coupled dependencies.

Bowtie Method to Evaluate Risks

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 06 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo talks about the evaluation of risks using the Bowtie method. The method has its roots in the oil and gas industry, but it is used today in several areas to visualize the event, the threats that could trigger the risk and its consequences. After evaluating the threats and consequences, the team should work together to identify barriers that they can implement to avoid or mitigate the threat or impact. It has this name because it has a visual shape of a bowtie.

PS: The image related to this podcast is an actual bowtie on human performance hazard at the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK. Click here to see the original file.

Review Your Metrics Because They Lose Value Over Time

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo talks about metrics and discusses why we should review metrics often to make sure they are still valuable. One of the main threats of old metrics is that people get used to the engine behind it, and they know exactly how to work so that they stay on permanent “green” without truly seeing the whole picture.

Spotify Model for Engineering Culture - Part 3/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo presents the last episode about the engineering culture created by Spotify to manage and deliver projects. The Spotify model aims to shape a culture of self-organized, autonomous teams, where independence and alignment combined with a strong focus on people and motivation aim to bring agility at scale with fast decoupled releases and an incredible sense of mutual trust. For more info about the Spotify engineering culture check at https://engineering.atspotify.com/2014/03/27/spotify-engineering-culture-part-1/

Spotify Model for Engineering Culture - Part 2/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo presents part 2 of 3 about the engineering culture created by Spotify to manage and deliver projects. The Spotify model aims to shape a culture of self-organized, autonomous teams, where independence and alignment combined with a strong focus on people and motivation aim to bring agility at scale with fast decoupled releases and an incredible sense of mutual trust. For more info about the Spotify engineering culture check at https://engineering.atspotify.com/2014/03/27/spotify-engineering-culture-part-1/

Spotify Model for Engineering Culture - Part 1/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo kicks off a series of 3 episodes about the engineering culture created by Spotify to manage and deliver projects. The Spotify model aims to shape a culture of self-organized, autonomous teams, where independence and alignment combined with a strong focus on people and motivation aim to bring agility at scale with fast decoupled releases and an incredible sense of mutual trust. Part 1 of 3. For more info about the Spotify engineering culture check at https://engineering.atspotify.com/2014/03/27/spotify-engineering-culture-part-1/

The Project is Complex Enough: Simplify Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo addresses the problem of creating complex management systems to manage complex projects. This kind of mistake is very common. As things become more complex, you add more layers of controls, reporting, etc. That is where bureaucracy is born. This is when your project or initiative goes to the Intensive Care Unit… It becomes crucial to understand that simple and effective management is the best way to respond to complex challenges.

Using the 7R’s to Plan and Deliver Change

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo shows how to use the 7R process to plan and drive change. The 7R’s process was primarily focused on IT initiatives, mainly using ITIL Change Management Process. However, every single change initiative can benefit from it, regardless of area or sector. The 7R’s are (Raiser, Reason, Return, Risk, Responsible, Resources, and Relationships).

Why is it so Hard to Make Smart People Work Together?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on five aspects that could explain why some intellectually gifted professionals have such a hard time working in teams. He discusses aspects related to confidence, education, ego, EQ, and IQ, among others, and their impact on a “smart” person’s desire and effectiveness to work together.

Why We Should Care about Psychological Safety

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the connection between our desire for adaptability, creativity, experimentation and innovation with common human feelings like fear and safety. Providing a psychologically safe environment is becoming a critical success factor in surviving and thriving in the current scenario.

Let’s be Mindful: What really is a Distinct Mindset?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo comments on a recent LinkedIn post comparing “Project Management Thinking” with “Scrum Master Thinking”. The post clearly presents one side as a controller, authoritarian, centralizer, etc. and the other as a team player and an enabler. On a rare reply to posts, Ricardo mentioned that this is not the right comparison. This is a comparison between competent and incompetent professionals. There was an implicit desire to connect the method with a competence profile. Competence and leadership go above and beyond the tool or technique you use. Take a look at several capital projects failing despite utilizing the state of art project management plan. Note that 70% of all Digital transformation fail… Pretty much all of them using Agile methods. If the method were the solution, the COVID-19 crisis would not be a leadership crisis like we see today.

Understanding Scope Statement, Statement of Work and Requirements

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains the fundamental difference between the scope you define for the project, the procurement documents you may use to source products and services, and the requirements you identify to set the boundaries of the work you need to do. It is essential to highlight that Ricardo does not restrict these documents to waterfall project management. They are useful for any approach you may use, and they can be presented in extremely different ways with different names.

It is Possible to Innovate and Create Value Without Destroying What is Currently in Place

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on our innovation and creative process. Recently he reviewed some concepts related to the “Blue Ocean Strategy” created by W. Chan Kim and Renée Mauborgne from INSEAD, and one aspect raised his interest: nondestructive creation/innovation.

This podcast is his reflection on whether it is possible to innovate and create/deliver projects by expanding the market through new products and services and not necessarily by killing old products.

The MIT Sloan article Ricardo references can be read at https://sloanreview.mit.edu/article/nondisruptive-creation-rethinking-innovation-and-growth/

Agility and Agile are Not Necessarily the Same Thing

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the organizational and individual behaviour that shapes the concept of agility: rapid decision making, flat structure, decision close to the execution, adaptation to change. He also discusses the Agile methods or approaches that intends to help organizations embed the concept of agility inside their organizations. However, the problem goes above and beyond a technique. If you do not incorporate the Agile mindset and behaviour in the whole organization, you will only have a speedy process in a very incompetent organization. This is why people are now talking about Business Agility.

There is no Template for Life

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo demonstrates his concerns about the blind use of templates everywhere. Despite being a reliable source of inspiration and ideas, the templates can make you think that your management work is just filling forms while, in reality, you should be thinking, deciding and acting.

Stop Worrying About Things You Cannot Control

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on our desire for control and how the lack of control can create all sorts of psychological threats which could culminate in poor results for the project, for the organization and for you. Ricardo also talks about mechanisms of acceptance, reaction, adaptation and learning that you should put in place to be effective and deliver positive results in an environment where you do not have control.

Post Mortem Analysis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo introduces the Post Mortem Analysis, one of the less used and most relevant collective learning activities that project and program teams can do at the end of their project, program or initiative.

Movement is Not Necessarily Progress

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo tries to define what making progress really is. Many times even brilliant people get trapped thinking that movement = action = progress. Movement for the sake of proving you are doing something is pointless, consumes energy and resources and will not take you and your organization anywhere.

Regaining Control: Leading Projects and Delivering Results in Turbulent Times

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the free ebook he just released. The book was written alongside Vince Molinaro, one of the top names in leadership research. It discusses how leadership became paramount to delivering actual results in these turbulent times. The free ebook can be downloaded at https://rvarg.as/regainingcontrol

Work in Progress (WIP): Your Worst Enemy When Trying to Get Things Done

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the nightmare of trying to get things done and while managing a lot of works in progress that consume money and effort and do not deliver any value to the organization or project.

Unimaginable Examples on How the Current Crisis Accelerated Business and Digital Transformation

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 May 2020 00:00:00 +0100

This week Ricardo talks about some unimaginable examples of how the current crisis accelerated the business and digital transformation dramatically.

Is It the End of Employment as We Know It?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 May 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on how the current disruption may affect employment, as we recognize it today.

3 Critical Skills to Be Successful in Current Times

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 May 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about three skills he believes are critical to be successful in these current times.

Planning the Return to the Office during COVID-19 Times

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo discusses how you can benefit from planning a potential return to the office during the COVID-19 pandemic. With conditions improving in several countries, and people going back to work, it becomes imperative that we address 3 different fronts in our approach: Leadership, Operational/Tactical, and Business/Liquidity/Sales. Ricardo presents some examples of actions you can implement to have a safer, less turbulent, and more effective return to your projects and initiatives.

Managing Risks with ROAM

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this week’s episode, Ricardo introduces the concept of ROAM Risk (Resolved, Owned, Accepted, Mitigated / Minimized). The process of traversing (ROAMing) risks is a quick way to categorize and act on the relevant risks. This process is widely adopted in agile models such as SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), mainly during the planning of increments or PI Planning.

How to Become Optimist if you are Surrounded by Pessimism

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this week's episode, Ricardo talks about being optimistic in a pessimistic work environment. He addresses that one of the leading causes of pessimism is our inability to understand that what we are not able to control much, and this uncertainty is often counterintuitive. This inability to control everything usually generates an ever more distorted and pessimistic view of reality.

Organizational and Personal Resilience: The Ability to Cope with Change

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the concept of organizational and personal resilience. In this sense, the rapid recovery capacity becomes a critical factor for companies, governments, and professionals. The issue becomes even more critical when faced with the uncertainty of an unprecedented crisis that we are having with the coronavirus. The infographic referred to this episode is available for download here.

Covid-19: Assessment and Action Plan

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains the assessment he developed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak in your project. He shares a 20 statements assessment that helps the evaluation of the potential exposure of your project to the implications of the COVID-19. He also shares actions we should put in place to protect the team and the reduce the damage in the project work. The video and the assessments are under the Creative Commons licence and can be shared and used freely. You can watch the video and download the assessment at http://rvarg.as/covid19

Kill that Project: Why it is so hard to decide and act when things go wrong- Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In the second episode of the series, Ricardo discusses the 5-step approach he takes when he needs to decide and act to eliminate a project that is bound to fail.

Kill that Project: Why it is so hard to decide and act when things go wrong - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses four aspects that make the work of deciding and acting to cancel the project a real nightmare. It shows how fear, ego, and inertia play an extremely negative role in decision-making.

The impacts of Organization and Social Structures on Stakeholder Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0100

When leading transformation projects and massive changes within an organization structure, you need to be mindful about the changes that will happen on the social structure that is entwined with it and that is based on people's personal and cognitive values, not on formal roles.

Cognitive Bias: The Dunning Kruger Effect and Impostor Syndrome - Part 3 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In the third and final episode of the cognitive bias series, Ricardo discusses two types of opposed behaviours: the Dunning Kruger effect and the Impostor Syndrome. Both are related to the actual competence x competence that we think we have. At Dunning Kruger, we find ourselves more competent than we are. In impostor syndrome, we have a hard time admitting the real competence we have. Both generate a loss of connection with reality that hinders and alters our decision making and perception of reality.

Cognitive Bias: The Birthday Paradox - Part 2 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In the second episode of a 3-episode series, Ricardo provides the example of the birthday paradox, a simple probability exercise that demonstrated that the perceived probability of matching birthdays in a group tends to be much lower than what it is in reality.

Cognitive Bias: Understanding the Impact of Irrationality in our Decisions - Part 1 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In the first episode of a 3-episode series, Ricardo discusses the main concepts of cognitive bias and why we often suffer from poor decisions that are made according to irrational criteria, disregarding knowledge and analytical thinking to make decisions.

Using the ADKAR Method in Change Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains the ADKAR method, developed by Jeff Hiatt. The model suggests a 5-step process, centered on the human change that, in consequence, becomes able to change organizations and society. ADKAR and the acronym of the stages of Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability and Reinforcement.

What we can learn from honesty with the Caltech Honor Code

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 12 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses a surprising tradition of one of the most respected educational institutions in the world, the Caltech (Californian Institute of Technology). At Caltech, students usually take their exams home, in a clear demonstration of the level of confidence and responsibility given to students by themselves, their professors, and the institution.

Ricardo also makes some reflections about what we can learn from this example to apply to how we conduct and report our work, and to what extent each of us is committed to truth and honesty in assessing deadlines, budgets, risks, and even results of our projects. A point to be reflected by all.

Understanding the Futures Wheel Tool

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 21 May 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo presents a simple visual tool to explore and understand future scenarios. The Futures Wheel is a form of a mind map that associates causes and consequences of events or decisions, allowing you to evaluate future scenarios from the present and evaluate the best options to take.

Is the Project Manager Responsible for All the Work in the Project?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the responsibility of the work project in coordinating the multidisciplinary work of the project. He also discusses the issue related to the role "Project Manager" and in the effectiveness of the title in transforming ideas into results.

Why is the Fear of Change So Relevant?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about one of the biggest obstacles to any transformation initiative: the fear of change. Fear is one of the fundamental principles of survival itself. However, when fear blocks the ability to progress, it becomes one of the worst enemies of projects and natural evolution.

Welcome to 2019: Technology, Volatility and other trends around the corner of our lives

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 18 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

In the first episode of the year, Ricardo approaches the main trends he sees for 2019. This time he talks about his impressions about exponential technologies such as artificial intelligence, energy, transportation, genetics and their implications on our lives, our work as a manager of projects and in our society.

5 Tips to plan and execute projects in chaotic environments: Understanding the concept of Antifragility

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo addresses the current challenge of planning and executing projects in chaotic environments. He uses some of the concepts presented by Nassim Taleb in the book Antifragile to give you five tips to use in your projects today: developing options, proactivity and paranoia, flexibility, having your skin in the game, and getting energy out of failures.

People Manifesto: Revisiting our Concepts of Leadership, Collaboration, Culture and Self Interest

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the work done by the Brightline Initiative and its partners to address one of the greatest assets for organizational transformation: the people. Ricardo addresses the 4 essential points of the manifesto that raise questions around universal concepts of leadership, collaboration, culture, and interest. To download the manifesto, visit https://www.brightline.org/people-manifesto/

Generalization x Detailing: The good, the bad and the ugly

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 17 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of more detailed planning versus more generic and agile planning. It also presents the 3 criteria that it usually uses to define how well it generalizes and how detailed it is.

What is VUCA and Why it is so Relevant in Today's Work Environment

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains what VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) is and what its implications for the current environment. He reinforces the concept he posted in a recent article on LinkedIn that most organizations are not structured for this environment, and that's one reason why new organizations born with this perception of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity end up taking advantage in the innovation, business and project environment.

Regardless of Everything: Self-Esteem and Self-Respect Determine your Success

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 21 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0100

About a year ago, Ricardo was approached by a young project manager whose appearance did not reveal his age. Physically he seemed much younger than his real age (28 years). A few days later he received an email from this young man talking about the challenges he had for appearing so young. A year later Ricardo decided to record this episode to respond to the email and also to reflect the importance of self-esteem and self-respect in a world that is now dominated by bullying.

You Must Get Your Most Talented Employees out of their Cocoons

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses his recently published article on human behavior in the face of change and how safety nets need to be replaced by ropes to allow advancement. He discusses the paradox we live in today where change is the natural condition of organizational survival and, at the same time, one of the things we most fear as individuals. The original article is available at www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-must-g…ns-viana-vargas/

Understanding Positive Psychology in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 19 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about a concept of psychology that seeks to address professional (and life) challenges by reinforcing the positive aspects of the challenges rather than the negatives: Positive Psychology.

Video mentioned: Positive Psychology / Author mentioned: Tal Ben-Shahar

Urgency and Trend: Two Additional Dimensions in Risk Assessment

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 30 May 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about two additional dimensions in risk assessment, going beyond traditional probability and impact. He gives examples of how the assessment of the urgency and the tendency of a risk can increase the quality of the risk mapping.

I'm in Panic: My Project's End is Near

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 20 May 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the drama that many project managers feel when the end of the project approaches: the fear of the future and the consequences of unemployment. Unlike in previous episodes where he spoke to the project managers, Ricardo now gives a direct message to executives and sponsors about talent management and how to turn project management into an organizational career.

Reflections on TED2018 in Vancouver

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 11 May 2018 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo shares his impressions on TED2018, an event held in April this year Vancouver, Canada. He talks about what struck him in each talk presented during the four-day event.

What is Design for X (DfX)?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains a very important concept on product design called Design for X (DfX). Fundamentally, design can be driven by several different objectives and by giving priority to one element (X) we can simplify, improve control and refine the product development process. Largely used in engineering and product development, the term "X" can mean different aspects of the product like Cost, Safety, Disposal, Usability, Manufacturing, among several others.

Why Ethics Matter?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo returns to talk about the concept of ethics among the project environment and recommends the work of the Project Management Institute (available at www.pmi.org/about/ethics) and the Institute for Global Ethics (www.globalethics.org).

The best way to read the PMBOK® Guide

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 31 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains how to read the PMBOK® Guide 6th edition in a more productive way, so you can better understand the project management knowledge areas and their processes.

Many people believe that the Guide should be read as a traditional book, from the first to the last chapter, but by listening to this episode you will discover that this is not the best way.

If you want to succeed with your projects you need to embrace diversity

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 17 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo goes back one more time to the diversity topic. After all the news around sexual harassment and all sorts of people’s discrimination because of race, sex, sexual orientation and religion, Ricardo comes back to explain one more time how diversity contributes to creativity, to unlock new ideas and help the project to succeed. On the top of this discussion, he reinforces that the acceptance of diversity does not mean that you will change your beliefs, but instead, you will see others opinions as a valuable set of insights to develop a better product or service and ultimately, serve better the society.

Programs, Projects, and Work Packages: A practical example

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how you can decompose a program into the respective projects and their components. He uses the example of a Course or Degree being divided into disciplines and classes. In the end, Ricardo addresses a fundamental question: Is a class a routine or a work package? Listen to the episode to know the answer.

3+1 Tips to Prepare yourself for 2018

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo starts 2018 sharing some tips on how to prepare yourself for the year that is coming. He approaches the need to stay tuned with the technology advancements, as also the attitude and behavior related to the decision making, the amplification of your knowledge base, and finally, the management of our fears when facing the unknown.

The New PMBOK® Guide 6th Edition – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about the 6th edition of the PMBOK® Guide and more specifically addresses the changes in the knowledge areas. Some areas lost processes, others gained new ones. In addition, two areas have been renamed.

The New PMBOK® Guide 6th Edition – Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 11 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, 1 of 2, Ricardo talks about the sixth edition of the PMBOK® Guide, which is the most popular reference on project management.

Ricardo comments on what's changed since the last version published 4 years ago. He also presents his video that shows the development of the new processes flow, that you can download on his website (ricardo-vargas.com).

You can also download a canvas and use it to repeat the process shown in the video and make the processes flow at home, at work or in your classroom for a better understanding of the Guide.

Think about how to connect your strategy design with your ability to deliver – or pay the price

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 04 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the relevance of understanding what underlines the implementation of a strategy. Creating a transformation strategy for an organization is an incredibly hard task, but the challenge is not finished after the strategy is on paper. You need to get things done, you need to deliver that strategy design, and that's where most organizations fail. Read the recent article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/think-how-connect-your-strategy-design-ability-pay-viana-vargas/

Directly from TEDGLOBAL 2017 in Arusha – Tanzania

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo presents the highlights of the TED Global 2017 conference in Arusha, Tanzania. He comments on some of the presentations whose content included everything from discussions about art and religion to aspects of artificial intelligence in reducing the cost of diagnosing cancer in poor communities.

In the end, he approaches the importance of comprehensive and varied knowledge that, together with the diversity of ideas, cultures, and training, creates a rich and open environment for change and evolution.

Understanding the Impact of Different Currencies in your Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the challenges faced in projects when there are resources whose costs are in foreign currencies. You will understand the role of hedging, to protect the project against exchange rate fluctuations.

Decision Making Using the OODA Loop

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 01 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the concept of the OODA loop. The phrase refers to the decision cycle of Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act, developed by military strategist and the United States Air Force Colonel John Boyd. Boyd applied the concept to the combat operations process, often at the strategic level.

The OODA loop is also used in many types of business where the decision needs to be taken quickly and in advance, as in the case of projects.

Does it Really Matter Where You Document the Assumptions and Constraints?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 11 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo starts speaking if the assumptions and constraints should be documented in the Scope Statement or the Project Charter. Then, he reflects about the real relevance of knowing in what “piece of paper” this information will be inserted and reinforce that relevant information is what drives the project to success. Ricardo used in this podcast the word Restriction as a synonym of Constraints (a PMBOK® term).

All you need to Know to become an Expert in the “New” Methodology “GO HORSE” :)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the Go Horse Process, a “new” paradigm in project management methodologies. :)

Understanding the Fear of the New (Neophobia)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about neophobia, or the fear of the new, a natural feeling that afflicts project managers, even those with great experience.

He gives tips on how to deal with the problem: face the new with curiosity, as something to explore; know that this feeling is not exclusive, everyone feels it to a greater or lesser degree; know yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and deal with them.

How to Bring Your Project Back on Track

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo gives 5 tips on how we can get a troublesome project back on track:

Seek support from the sponsor;
Evaluate the scope;
Deliver a minimum viable product (MVP);
Rebuild the credibility and motivation of the team;
Re-negotiate deadlines and costs with the sponsor and the client.

Does the Age Matter for a Project Manager?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo returns to the subject of the last episode and explains what it is to actually have relevant experience as a project manager, as opposed to simply having years of service.

What Makes a “Great” Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the skills of great project managers: having a track record, a history of challenges, failures, and successes throughout his/her career and having a great ability to communicate. He ends up answering the controversial question that always arises: is it a mandatory condition for the project success that the manager holds the technical knowledge, the expertise, about the product to be developed?

The 2017 PMI Pulse of the Profession® Report

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo comments on the Pulse of Profession® 2017, an annual report published by the Project Management Institute (PMI). About 4,000 professionals worldwide were interviewed and one of the key indicators reported is that financial waste on unsuccessful projects has dropped by around 20%; Until last yet, it was about USD 122 million lost for every billion invested. This year, the value dropped to 97 million. Check out other highlights listening to the podcast.

Download the report: http://www.pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse/pulse-of-the-profession-2017

Retrospective 2016

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 11 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo, in his traditional annual retrospective of the project management scenario, makes a reflection on how to think about the new year: plan but most importantly, do; seeking to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity.

Zaatari: The Desert that Became Home

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks directly from the Zaatari refugee camp located in Jordan, where he is participating in the recordings of the documentary: "Zaatari: The Desert that Became Home" (in a free translation). Zaatari is the largest camp of Syrian War refugees, and, in just four years, it became the third city in the country. Learn more about the documentary.

Operation Management x Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains the differences between project and production/operations management, giving characteristics and examples of both areas.

What is the difference between managing a risk and managing an issue?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 23 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains something that many people still confuse, are risks and problems the same things? He also gives tips on how to manage problems, small or large ones, effectively.

Project Charter by Project Phase

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 09 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains when it's a good idea to split a project into phases/stages. He also pointed out that nothing prevents us from using different methodologies to manage each of these stages, if that contributes to project success, of course.

The Role of Engineering in the Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 28 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains the differences between the role of an engineer and of a project manager. He tries to answer once and for all the doubts that many people have to understand these two roles in a project environment.

Statistics: A Key Tool for Project Success

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 12 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about why statistics is of great importance to the project manager and recommends a free online course at Udacity: “Intro to Statistics” by Sebastian Thrun.

Understand the Role of Cognitive Bias in Communication

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the most common cognitive biases that may be present in our daily communications, and how can we learn to handle them in negotiations, meetings and presentations. Learn about other biases in this infographic published on Business Insider: http://rvarg.as/bias

Why You Must Be Proud of What You Do?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes that one of the project's main success factors is the project manager's behavior and his sense of purpose, the motivation that drives him/her toward a satisfying future.

DICE Framework

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the DICE Framework, developed by Boston Consulting Group members to evaluate the chances of success of your project or of your chance management initiative. The factors on the acronym DICE: D – Duration, I – Integrity, C – Commitment and E – Effort receive a score from 1 to 4 and after a simple calculation, the result will help you compare if your project is more likely to be successful or to fail.

Why should I care about Entropy? Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo gives three important tips on how to plan for entropy: knowing when to allow fluctuations in the project tasks; recognize that problems will happen and be prepared; learn how to control the process of disorder.

Why should I care about Entropy? Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 07 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains what is entropy and how it’s related to project management. Next week, he’ll show how we can act in the midst of disorder within a project environment. Watch the video by Prof. Brian Cox: http://rvarg.as/fc

What are the Environmental Factors and the Organizational Process Assets of the PMBOK® Guide?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about two terms that appear very often throughout the PMBOK® Guide and usually generate a lot of questions from those who are starting in project management.

What are Capital Projects?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains what the differences between capital projects, also known as Capex (Capital expenditure) projects, and traditional projects, which are focused on a business operation, also known with Opex (Operational expenditure) projects.

Do you Report Sustainability Aspects of Your Project? – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about the "Global Reporting Initiative" and how one can report sustainability aspects in his/her projects and why this is relevant to the organization and to the society.

Do you Report Sustainability Aspects of Your Project? – Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 03 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the "Global Reporting Initiative", an association that develops standards that help organizations of various sectors to identify and report what they do to build a more sustainable world, which goes beyond the environmental aspect.

All you need to know about the Business Case – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this second episode, Ricardo continues to explain the steps for creating a solid business case and how to 'sell it' within the organization.

All you need to know about the Business Case – Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo begins to detail the Business Case. He explains why it is important and how to use it.

The Civil and Criminal Liability of a Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo asks: can the project manager be subject to criminal or civil liability for something that went wrong on the project?

What is the Real Value of a Professional Certification?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance that a professional certification can represent in your resumé, but he makes it clear, being certified is not the same of having real experience.

Trust Tree

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo through the trust tree metaphor shows what the project manager needs to sow and cultivate trust on his work and on the project success, among the project’s team and stakeholders.

Networking, the right way

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo gives tips to improve the way we do networking.

World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains that the risks report produced by the World Economic Forum is a source of rich information about global risks and can help a lot in during a project risk management. Download the report at http://reports.weforum.org/global-risks-2016/

How to Convince without Power?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo commented on the types of power and how each one of them can be used in our professional and personal relationships.

LogFrame – A logical framework

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the Logical Framework (LogFrame), interesting tool created by USAID, a United States government agency focused on humanitarian projects. More at https://usaidlearninglab.org/learning-guide/logical-framework

Retrospective 2015

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 14 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo does a quick retrospective in the project management world. He says we must understand that volatility is part of the game, and we should learn how to work with and around it.

Applying Neural Networks and Analogous Estimating to Determine the Project Budget

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about how neural networks and the analogous estimating can help when determining the project budget, especially when you have access to reliable historical information.

Differences between Replanning and Reprogramming a Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about a article by Dorothy Tiffany, entitled 'Replanning the Performance Measurement Baseline', which addresses the differences between replanning or reprogramming a project that presents problems. The slides are available at http://rvarg.as/ej

Psychological Contract: The contract you do not need to sign

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 08 Sep 2015 12:25:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about a kind of invisible contract that governs people's relations within organizations and that can have a significant impact on the project's success or failure.

International Career in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo lists 5 crucial points for those who want to develop an international career in project management.

Heat Maps

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about one of the most effective forms for displaying graphical information, the Heat Map. He explains how you can use this tool to improve your project’s communication when creating reports such as the risk map and the stakeholders analysis.

7 Principles of Stakeholder Engagement

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about seven principles of stakeholder engagement that will help you better understand the dynamics of that relationship and how to conduct more easily your project to success.

Differentiating Mission and Vision

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sat, 04 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains the difference between the mission and the vision of an organization or a project.

Modeling and Optimizing Schedules with Line of Balance and Start-Finish Relationships

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo explains the benefits of using the Line of Balance with Start-to-Finish relationships, especially on projects with repetitive tasks. This podcast is based on the latest article published on his site. Read the article at http://www.ricardo-vargas.com/articles/modelling-and-optimizing-schedules-with-line-of-balance-and-start-finish-relationship/

Why is Change Management Important? Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 May 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about Change Management. He explains the change curve by giving examples that help illustrate the stages people go when they face change and what is the role of the project manager in the process.

Why is Change Management Important? Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 20 May 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo shares, inspired by a certification course he's attending this week, several interesting points about Change Management. He emphasizes that people hate change and show how the project manager should address the different impacts of the change on his or her projects.

Non-stakeholder Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about how to manage those who are NOT interested in the project. He explains that this is not managing those who oppose, but those who often do not see how the project affects them positively. Ricardo give tips on how we can make these people support the project.

The Strategic Execution Framework (SEF)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 25 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo comments on the Strategic Execution Framework® (SEF) directly from Stanford University. He highlights the simplicity and clarity of this framework created by IPS Learning and the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD). Get to know more about the SEF at http://ipslearning.us/content/strategic-execution-framework

What we can learn with the Abilene paradox

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ricardo talks about a concept that is related to the management of conflicts, the Abilene paradox. Created by Jerry B. Harvey, the paradox is present in certain group decisions and can pose a risk to the project.

Cost Estimating – Part 3 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 08 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

On this last episode of the series on cost estimation, Ricardo talks about the proportionality factor, parametric modelling and neural networks.

Cost Estimating – Part 2 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Mar 2015 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about cost estimates, explaining how to use the capacity factor to calculate costs when there is economy of scale.

Cost Estimating – Part 1 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, the first in a series of three podcasts on costing, Ricardo talks about the types of analysis that we can do during the project cost estimation.

Do you know what is a Communication Filter or Noise?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 27 Jan 2015 00:00:00 +0000

On this episode, Ricardo talks about the attention we must have with how we communicate because the characteristics of personality, culture and values of the receiver can dramatically change the meaning of the original message.

Retrospective 2014

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 31 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo makes his retrospective of 2014. Two of the points highlighted by Ricardo, among others, are the growing popularity of project management and the availability of various types of software to help the project manager, from the amateur to the professional.

Conflict Management and the Project Life Cycle

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about managing conflicts. Are conflicts always bad? Listen to the answer of this question and know the different types of conflict that can arise during a project.

Building Highly Effective Teams – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about Highly Effective Teams, the subject of his new book. He comments on the trust between members, effective decision-making, conflict management, and how to recognize the work and create opportunities for the team and for each member.

Building Highly Effective Teams – Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 09 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo gives tips on how to transform a group of people in a highly effective team, a subject he addresses in his new book, in partnership with the author Michael Nir. Stay tuned for continuation of this podcast next week.

Project Director, Manager, Coordinator or Leader: Who am I?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo raises one question and makes assumptions about why some organizations sometimes provide different titles for whom is responsible for the project management.

The Danger of Multitasking in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the danger of performing multiple tasks without understanding the implications. He explains that we must always consider the residual time between tasks and the real time (or Takt Time) of each task. The Takt Time concept, according to the www.businessdictionary.com, is an adjustable time unit used in lean production to synchronize the rate of production with the rate of demand. Computed by dividing available production by the number of items to be produced, takt time provides a precise rhythm to run an entire process sequence that maximizes efficiency whereas minimizing wastes. Although popularized by the Japanese, takt time is a German term which refers to rhythm or beat of music.

Directly from the PMI Global Congress North America 2014 in Phoenix - USA

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 29 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo comments on the PMI Global Congress North America, held in October 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. He highlights the more informal approach of the event and the inspirational talk by former basketball player, Earvin "Magic" Johnson. He also gives an overview of the main topics presented by project managers from all over the World.

The Responsibility Assignment Matrix – RACI

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 22 Oct 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the responsibility assignment matrix – RACI, a handy information tool in Human Resources, Communications and Stakeholders management. This matrix associate tasks and the people/functions responsible for them using the categories: Responsible (R), Accountable (A), Consulted (C) and Informed (I).

Dealing with a Weak Sponsor/Sponsorship

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about when a project has sponsorship issues. He explains how to proceed in two scenarios: when there is a sponsor with little interest in the project or when the sponsor does not have enough power to fulfill his role.

Understanding the relation between the Scope size and the associated Risks

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the relationship between the risks and the project scope. Not just the clarity of the scope, but also its amplitude, contribute to the amount of risk that must be managed.

Understanding the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA), a very good graphical tool used in executive reports. Today, he explains how to analyze the graphic you built last week, understanding the evolution trends of your project.

Understanding the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA), a very good graphical tool used in executive reports. He shows how to make it step-by-step using pencil, paper and a ruler. Don’t forget to see the presentation related to this podcast.

Identifying, Training and Living Together with the Pet Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about a type of project that is often special to certain people but does not show real benefits and offer significant value. He gives tips on how to handle this kind of pet project in a portfolio selection.

How to keep the Stakeholders informed about the Project Deliverables: The Secret of the Milestones

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 27 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo gives tips on how to create your WBS to better communicate key project deliverables to the project stakeholders.

Understanding the Early Closure of a Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about what characterizes an early closure of a project. He clarifies that it is not the same as abandoning the project. He mentions possible causes and explains that there's an entire closing process to follow after making the decision.

How to Keep your Motivation as a Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of self-motivation. He explains that in addition to worry about keeping his/her team motivated the project manager must think about her own motivation and make decisions for the sake of the project and his/her career.

Understanding the Change Components and the Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about projects as change agents. How can a project help us to improve the way to run our business or to change the business components in the face of a new competitor?

FIDIC Contracts: Scope, Risks and Procurement Processes

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the types of contracts of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). These contracts are widely used in engineering projects and published as books. Ricardo explains that the contracts are well prepared, bringing best practices that can be applied to various types of projects. Visit the site of the federation at http://fidic.org/

Understanding the Effort Driven Task in a Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the effort driven tasks. He explains their advantages and how we can use them in our project management.

Career in Project Management - Part 5 of 5: Ethics, Relationship and Final Messages

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this last episode of the series of 5 podcasts on career, Ricardo closes the 10 dimensions of career in project management subject, now addressing the ethics and relationship dimensions. He also gives his final messages about this series.

Career in Project Management - Part 4 of 5: Flexibility and Self Knowledge

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 25 May 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this fourth episode of the series of 5 podcasts on career, Ricardo continues talking about the 10 dimensions of career in project management, now addressing the flexibility and self knowledge dimensions. He says that we need to be flexible to increase the options for career growth. Additionally, we must know our flaws, as well as our strengths, to know how to get around them.

Career in Project Management - Part 3 of 5: Persistence and Dynamism

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 May 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this third episode of the series of 5 podcasts on career, Ricardo continues talking about the 10 dimensions of a career in project management, now addressing the persistence and dynamism dimensions. He says that these two dimensions are crucial to success in any career stage in which you find yourself.

Career in Project Management - Part 2 of 5: Focus and Planning

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 May 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this second episode of the podcasts series on career, Ricardo continues talking about the 10 dimensions of career in project management, now addressing the focus and planning dimensions. He explains how to focus and how to plan realistically your career.

Career in Project Management - Part 1 of 5: Opening, Experience and Study

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 May 2014 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo begins a special series of five episodes on a career in project management. In this series, he will address the perspectives of those who are at the beginning, going through a transition, or are looking to expand their horizons. See also the related presentation.

Where should I register the assumptions and restrictions?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 16:02:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo explains that, unlike what many people think, the assumptions and restrictions (or constraints) often need to be registered not only in one but in several documents throughout the progression of the project planning.

How to train your sponsor

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo addresses one of the biggest challenges in the project environment, how can we educate the sponsor to make a decision based on facts, not just feeling. He also gives tips on how we can escape the dangers in this process.

Management of Very Small Projects: 2 Practical Management Approaches

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about two approaches in the management of very small projects. The first approach deals with the management of projects in a cluster. The second seeks to simplify the processes of project management, reducing management complexity.

Do you really know the meaning of the different tasks relationships? - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about the types of relationships between the activities in the schedule. Today he tackles the Finish-to-Finish and the Start-to-Finish types. In the end, he leaves a great tip.

Do you really know the meaning of the different tasks relationships? - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this first podcast of two, Ricardo talks about the types of relationships between the activities in the schedule. It's a simple concept but a lot of people do not fully understand when putting it into practice. This week, Ricardo explains when to use the Finish-to-Start and Start-to-Start links. Next week, he will talk about the remaining two types, the End-to-End, and Start-to-Finish.

Measuring the Physical Progress of the Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

How to measure how far you are to finish a task where creativity is relevant and inspiration can accelerate or decelerate the progress? In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how we can best measure the real physical progress of the project and explains the application of the concept of anchoring and the WBS decomposition.

Lines of Balance - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this second part of the podcast about Lines of Balance, Ricardo talks more about how this concept can be used in the project's planning and control phases. This time, Ricardo gives an example about the application of lines of balance in an election vote counting process. Do not forget to listen to the first part of this podcast.

Lines of Balance - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Jan 2014 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo begins to explain what Line of Balance are and how can they be used. He gives an example of how to plan repetitive tasks in order to achieve optimal resources allocation and also know how the project's speed and progress evolve. Next week, he will bring an example related to elections.

Perspectives for 2014

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, the last one of 2013, Ricardo talks about his perspectives for next year, in the world of project management. He highlights that the project manager's technical ability is becoming something already established and the professional should seek to differentiate herself to improve her ability to propose new ideas, new approaches, to risk and innovate in the projects.

Retrospective 2013

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 24 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo makes his retrospective of 2013. Again, a year with mixed feelings. A good year for some, a tough one for others. One of the points highlighted by Ricardo was the dangerous excess of expectation, from companies, governments and professionals, about what really project management can bring as a result, when well executed. In the next podcast, he will talk about the perspectives for 2014.

Who will do the technical work of the project? Is it the Project Manager?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo talks about a question that is one of the most frequent in the project area: Must the project manager have technical knowledge regarding the project product? An engineering project, for example, must necessarily be managed by an engineer?

There is No Good Deal with Those Who are Not Good: The Lack of Good Faith in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about a complex situation where a stakeholder, on the client-side, refuses to accept deliveries, seeking to impute contractual penalties to the company managing the project. Ricardo shows two actions, one preventive and one corrective, that can be taken.

Cultural Differences: Why Awareness and Respect are Vital for the Project Success

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the cultural differences within a project environment. He gives valuable tips on how the project manager must address the differences within his team, the sponsors and the stakeholders and can thus create an effective communication process, based on respect and cultural integrity of all parties.

Directly from the PMO Symposium 2013 in San Diego - USA

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, directly from the PMO Symposium 2013 in San Diego, Ricardo makes a brief summary of his perceptions about the main themes of the event, and comments the keynotes by Robert Kaplan (one of the creators of the Balanced Score Card - BSC) who spoke about the strategic position of the PMO, and Daniel Pink, on influence. He also comments on the winning of PMO of the Year Award.

Dealing with Friction related to the Functional Hierarchy and the Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difficulties that the project manager goes through when dealing with an organization with low maturity in project management. He shows how the project manager can cope with the problems arising from this scenario.

Directly from PMI Global Congress 2013 North America in New Orleans

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the PMI Global Congress 2013 which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. He makes a brief summary of his perceptions of the key topics of the event, such as, how the project manager can practice and improve his, or her, leadership and influence skills. Ricardo also talks about the importance of participating in the PMI Global Congress, especially for the great opportunities for learning and networking.

Understanding that Processes and Projects are not the same thing

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the differences between processes and projects. There is still much confusion in people's minds about the characteristics and purposes of one or the other. Ricardo seeks to remedy this confusion by bringing a few examples that illustrate each case.

3 Factors that make an Information Technology Project different from the other Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo about the main differences in management technology projects as compared to other projects.

Ego, Vanity and Jealousy: The Project Manager's Drama

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Oct 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about ego, vanity and jealousy in the project environment. He gives tips on how we can deal with these personal characteristics that may directly or indirectly affect the project.

Inside Triple-E: The World's Largest Ship

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about his visit to the world's largest ship, the Danish Triple-E, anchored in the Copenhagen harbour this month. The ship was manufactured in South Korea and had several technological solutions of a sustainable design. The "E" stands for "Economic of Scale", "Energy Efficiency" and "Environmental Performance". Learn more about the ship at www.worldslargestship.com

The saving of the Costa Concordia

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks, from the project management perspective, about the impressive salvage operation of the Italian liner Costa Concordia which crashed into rocks and sank on January 13, 2012.

Understanding the Project Closeout

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the process of project closure. He explains the various reasons why it is important to make the closing correctly and lists the documents required for this phase of the project.

Workaround: The 2 Sides of the Same Coin

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo throws the question: is improvisation during a project always something negative? He cites scenarios where improvisation can be good and how we can take advantage of that.

The New Features of Microsoft Project 2013

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the release of his new book, "Microsoft Project 2013: Standard, Professional e Pro para Office 365", co-written with Allan Rocha, Microsoft Valuable Professional (MVP). The book addresses the new features presented in this new version of the software and maintains the characteristics of the series of books about Project initiated by Ricardo in the book "Gerenciamento de Projetos com o Microsoft Project 98". Ricardo also talks about another novelty, the "Pangea PM" application, created by the authors, which integrates with Project 2013 and brings many learning benefits.

Superman, Darth Vader or Poor Man? Who is Really the Project Manager?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo gives his opinion about a topic discussed on social networks all the time: who is the project manager? Ricardo addresses three possibilities, would the project manager be a superman, an evil being or a poor man?

Understanding the Rolling Wave Planning

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the concept of Rolling Wave Planning, which deals with the progressive elaboration of the project scope. He presents the pros and cons of this technique, giving answers to questions such as: "How do I get the detail work that will happen in the 2nd week of the 14th month in my project?"

Why is it so Complex to be Simple and Effective during the Project Selection?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, at the traditional time of the year when companies are planning their projects for the next year or years, Ricardo talks about the three factors that complicate how we should approach selecting projects in a portfolio.

Directly from the PMI EF Disaster Recovery Workshop in Alexandria - USA

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks directly from Alexandria, USA, about the PMI Educational Foundation Disaster Recovery Workshop. The workshop brought together experts from around the world to discuss the application of project management in disaster and reconstructions events.

How to do Stakeholder Analysis in Practice - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Jun 2013 13:03:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo ends the explanation of how to do the Stakeholder Analysis in practice.
If you have not heard the first part, listen to it here: http://www.ricardo-vargas.com/podcasts/how-to-do-stakeholder-analysis-in-practice-part-1-of-2 /

How to do Stakeholder Analysis in Practice - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:34:00 +0100

In this special podcast, Ricardo teaches, in practice, how to do a Stakeholder Analysis. To follow the step-by-step shown by Ricardo, you will need this material: 3 large sheets of paper (i.e. flip chart size), tape, several post-it's and pens (or markers), two to three different colors for pens and post-it's. And of course, your team to participate in the brainstorming. Follow next week the final part of this podcast!

3 Success Factors in the Procurement Process

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:18:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the dangers of underestimate the complexity of the procurement management. He gives three tips on how we can increase the chance of success in our projects. They are:
1 - Seek knowledge about what will be purchased;
2 - Analyze the total cost of acquisition, not just the price;
3 - Associate payment events to deliveries on your project.

Understanding the Risk Attitude

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about people's different attitudes and profiles against the risks. He explains these attitudes and profiles by analyzing a chart in the book "Understanding And Managing Risk Attitude", by David Hillson. See Ricardo's brief review of the book here: https://www.ricardo-vargas.com/books/recommendations/75/ View the chart discussed in the podcast: https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/managing-risk-attitude-using-emotional-literacy-8156

Do not think that the software is your Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 May 2013 20:34:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo is incisive on commenting the relevance and importance of the correct use of project management software. He makes it clear that the fundamentals of project management can not be forgotten because they are much more important than the mastery of any existing software.

Why are we so afraid of failure?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:10:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo proposes to us a reflection: why, in both our professional and personal lives, the fear of failure bothers us so much? He says that many societies value the success and penalize failure at the same intensity, and leaves the question: does this logic is the best one?

Why is it So Hard to Define Clear Criteria for Selecting Projects?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo lists the three main reasons why it is so difficult to establish criteria for selecting projects in a Portfolio Management. They are: the lack of clarity in the strategic objectives, the difficulty in measuring intangibles and the management of possible conflicts created by individual interests.

Why it is worth using the 3-point estimates to determine the project duration?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:54:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the advantage of making three-point estimates. He gives tips on how we can obtain more effectively estimates from team members and how we can quickly get important information about the project.

The new Scope, Time and Cost Planning Processes of the PMBOK® Guide 5th Edition

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo concludes the series of five podcasts on the PMBOK® Guide 5th Edition. He talks about the reasons behind the creation of processes "5.1", "6.1" and "7.1", Plan Scope Management, Plan Schedule Management and Plan Cost Management, respectively. He comments on how best to use these processes, taking into account the project complexity.

Stakeholder Management - PMBOK 5th Edition - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:39:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about the chapter 13 of the PMBOK® 5th Edition, Stakeholder Management. In this second podcast, Ricardo explains how to execute and control the Stakeholder Management Plan.

Stakeholder Management - PMBOK 5th Edition - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:35:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the chapter 13 of the PMBOK® 5th Edition, Stakeholder Management. Ricardo comments on the characteristics of the four processes that have been grouped together in this new knowledge area. In the next podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about how to execute and control the Stakeholder Management Plan.

Main Differences between the 4th and the 5th Edition of the PMBOK® Guide

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the main differences between the fourth and the fifth edition of the PMBOK ® Guide. He introduces the 10th knowledge area, Stakeholders, created for the fifth edition, and comments on the news in every other knowledge area, that together have a total of 47 processes, three more than in the fourth edition of the Guide.

The New PMBOK® Guide 5th Edition

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the fifth edition of the PMBOK® Guide, which is the most popular reference on project management. Ricardo comments on the new features of this new version of the standard and presents his new video, showing the development of the new processes flow, that you can download on the site. There is also to download a canvas that you can use to repeat the process shown in the video and make the processes flow at home, at work or in your classroom for a better understanding of the Guide.

Handling Similar Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how to manage similar projects with many features in common. He suggests the creation of information components and templates, like Lego bricks, which together will speed up the process of producing, for instance, of the scope and project budget documents, according to customer request.

Software Development Projects: Are There Too Many Tribal Chiefs to Few Indians?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 14:11:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo comments an article that criticizes the current model of project management in software development companies. The article says that several companies are allocating more project managers than developers in their teams, generating lack of effectiveness among other problems. Link for the cited article (Brazilian Portuguese): http://rvarg.as/5l

Understanding the GTD: Weekly Review, Software and Tips - Part 3 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this last episode of the series of three podcasts about GTD - Getting Things Done, Ricardo talks about his process of reviewing and planning the week. Including on his tips, some software that may help you.

Understanding the GTD: Processing, Projects / Contexts and Execution - Part 2 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo presents the second episode of the series of three podcasts on Getting Things Done (GTD). He explains what we do with the ideas, appointments etc. that we collect daily. He gives tips on how to organize tasks into projects and contexts and explains each. Listen to the first episode: http://www.ricardo-vargas.com/podcasts/understanding-the-gtd-part-1-of-3/

Understanding the GTD: Introduction, Collection and Processing - Part 1 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo starts the series of 3 podcasts about the time management method called Getting Things Done, created by David Allen. In this first episode, Ricardo explains what is GTD and comments on how he uses it to organize and get all his work done.

The Importance of Proactivity in Negotiations

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 20:21:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo explains the importance of understanding the difference between passive and proactive behavior in negotiations. He cites the books "Getting Past No" and "Getting To Yes" by William Ury.

Career Transition in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo gives tips for those who are wanting to change careers toward Project Management. He talks a bit about his own career and shows how we must be willing to break new ground, expanding our career options.

The Power of Truth in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Feb 2013 21:48:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the power of truth. He stresses that the project manager should speak the truth even if the project status is critical.

There are something to be learned with the Tragedy in Santa Maria

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 11:32:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the tragedy at the nightclub Kiss in Santa Maria, Brazil. From the viewpoint of project and risk management, Ricardo raises points and makes us think, so that accidents like this never happen again.

The WBS Dictionary

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 13:23:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Dictionary. He explains that this document may be called the work packages instruction manual and gives tips on how to plan well your dictionary.

Understanding the Difference Between Cost and Price

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:07:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between cost and price. Many people are confused and Ricardo explains what's behind each one, differentiating them.

A Different Podcast: Harry Potter Studios in London

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 14:36:00 +0000

In this first podcast of 2013, Ricardo comments, from the project management perspective, his surprising visit to the Harry Potter Studios in London. How a brilliant idea, through a outstanding execution, has become one of the most successful projects in the world. See the pictures: http://rvarg.as/harrypotter

Perspectives 2013

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about his perspectives for 2013. He said several issues, among them: the continued instability in the external and internal scenarios, strong pressure for results measurement, increasing globalization and why is important to know new countries and their social and economic scenarios.

Retrospective 2012

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 12:54:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo makes a retrospective of 2012. A year with mixed feelings. Unlike other years, where skill and expertise were highlighted, Ricardo comments on the noticeable lack of great leaders. In the next podcast, he will speak about the perspectives for 2013.

Managing Expectations

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 02:45:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about managing stakeholders' expectations. What is the importance of properly managing expectations? What is the relationship of them with the project's scope and risk management?

Understanding the Coaching dimensions

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 10:03:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo shares some ideas on coaching and comments about the coaching four dimensions or stages. He starts showing that coaching should be based on building trust in relationships within and outside the organization and not in the hierarchy itself.

Getting to know the World of Megaprojects: Communications and Teams - Part 3 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo concludes the series on megaprojects, talking about communication, teams and some success factors. He comments especially the importance of forming the core team of the project as soon as possible and to be careful on planning the outsourcing of some roles.

Getting to know the World of Megaprojects: The FEL Process - Part 2 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo continues the series of three podcasts about the world of megaprojects. In this episode, he talks more about the concept of FEL (Front End Loading) and its great importance. In the next and final episode, Ricardo talk about teams, communications and how to engage the community in megaprojects.

Getting to know the World of Megaprojects: The Big Challenges - Part 1 of 3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo starts a series of podcasts about the world of mega projects. What makes a project a megaproject? Ricardo talks about the characteristics, risks, and impacts of the failure or success of a megaproject. He also begins to introduce the concept of FEL (Front-end Loading), which will be discussed in the next podcasts.

Understanding the 3 Factors to improve the Project Team sizing

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Nov 2012 19:48:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how to make a better project team sizing according to three factors: the complexity and geographic dispersion of the work to be done and the team's maturity.

The Success is a Danger

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 06:28:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo throws the question: When success becomes a danger? When the project starts to work too well, success can go to your head? He talks about the consequences and give insights on how to prevent this from happening.

Trying to Understand the Tragedy of Sandy Hurricane

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the effects of Hurricane Sandy, that caused tremendous destruction on the east coast of the United States, from the point of view of Risk Management.

Directly from the PMI Global Congress 2012 - North America in Vancouver - Canada

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the PMI Global Congress which took place in Vancouver, Canada. He makes a brief summary of his perceptions of the key topics of the event, such as Portfolio Management, which is the new challenge of the coming years. He also points the discussions on the Role of Women in Project Management, Risk Management from the point of view of business. Finally, Ricardo talks about the importance of participating in the PMI Global Congress, especially for the great opportunities for learning and networking.

Success Factors in Project Control

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 20:11:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo addresses the factors that matter when you're controlling a project. He describes the top 3 factors that every Project Manager should address to effectively control the project.

Project Feasibility Study x Project Plan and Execution: Understanding the Frontiers

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo explains that an Analysis of Feasibility of a Project should be seen as a project by itself, with all the characteristics of a project, having a Project Charter, a schedule, a WBS etc. The analysis may demonstrate that the project under study is not feasible, but that does not mean that the feasibility study was a failure. Understand the reason.

Developing your Business Model as Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 21:42:00 +0100

In this special podcast, Ricardo talks about the book "Business Model You" and the Business Model Canvas. Both inspired him to create the Project Manager's Business Model that he comments in this podcast. There is also be a special video on the site, where Ricardo gives examples of career planning for a GP.

Project Management as a Life Skill

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Sep 2012 07:19:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo invites us to think in the Project Management concepts as skills for the personal and professional lives of any person, not just project managers. Much of what is discussed in project management and many of its tools may be useful in various professions such as lawyers, teachers, writers, etc.

Project Manager as the New CEO

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Aug 2012 20:54:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about a discussion launched by PMI: The Project Manager may become the next CEO? What is the role of a CEO? Ricardo explains how the project manager could be prepared to take this position in a corporation.

Danubio Becker Borba - A Great Legacy to Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 07:53:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo pays homage to his friend and teacher Danúbio Becker Borba, who died recently. Prof. Danúbio was an example of a dedicated teacher and one of the volunteers founders of the chapter PMI São Paulo. He had special participation in designing the PMDome workshop and pioneered the use of the techniques of games for education in project management.

The Gray Area between Projects and Processes

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 10:03:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the "gray area" where mingle conceptually projects and processes. He cites some examples to explain what distinguishes a project of a routine process.

Understanding the Delphi Technique

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks a little bit about the Delphi technique and it's use beyond project risk identification. He gives tips on how to use it correctly, and also talks about the advantages and disadvantages of this technique.

When Much sometimes is Too Much

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:28:00 +0100

In this podcast, listen Ricardo's opinion on the level of detail of the project scope. How much detail we have to pursue? What is a good size for a work package?

Using Generic Resources in the Resource Allocation

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 12:38:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the challenges of resource allocation and explains a technique based on the allocation of generic skills (or positions) needed for the project.

Project Manager and the PMO: Understanding the Issue of the Authority

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 11:33:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo shares his understanding about the organization's hierarchy and the project manager. He also explains the differences between the role of the project manager and the role of the project office.

5 Ideas to Mitigate the Scope Changes in Your Project - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about how can we minimize scope changes in a project. He suggests another three other control measures: the formalization, the phasing of the project and the rolling wave planning.

5 Ideas to Mitigate the Scope Changes in Your Project - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:01:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how can we minimize scope changes in a project. He explains that we need to have a connection between the functional scope, client-oriented, and the technical scope, that is team-oriented. And that we also should make a plan as detailed as possible. Next week, listen to the continuation of this podcast, where Ricardo will suggest three other control measures: the formalization, the phasing of the project and the rolling wave planning.

Directly from the Gartner PPM & IT Governance Summit 2012 in London

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo, directly from London, talks about the Gartner PPM & IT Governance Summit 2012, meeting to address Portfolio Management and IT Governance. He talks about the main topics discussed at the Summit, especially the strategic value and benefits of selecting the projects aligned with the company's strategy. About the Summit - Europe's premier gathering of program and portfolio management executives charged with improving how organizations select, implement and manage IT projects and investments. More information: http://www.gartner.com/technology/summits/emea/program-management/about.jsp

5 Tips For Selling Project Management in your Company

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 12:28:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo gives us 5 tips on how to sell the idea of project management to people outside the area, i.e., how we can do the right marketing for people with different perceptions of those from projects managers.

Calculating the Return on Investment of the PMO - Part 2/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about his study to create a mathematical model to calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) of a Project Management Office (PMO). Remember to first download the reference material, the Processes Flow and the Report, in the website's downloads area.

Calculating the Return on Investment of the PMO - Part 1/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about his study to create a mathematical model to calculate the Return on Investment (ROI) of a Project Management Office (PMO). How to calculate the result of all projects, even those from areas like Human Resources and Marketing? Ricardo explains how it can be done.

The Four Stages of Learning and Their Applicability in the Understanding of Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 May 2012 07:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about learning techniques and their applicability in the understanding of projects. He explains what are the four stages of learning and how they are divided into two areas: Competence and Conscience.

Why we Need to Differentiate Assumptions and Constraints

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:03:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo explains why we should separate Assumptions from Constraints in the project management and do not consider them as similar. You'll learn why the approach strategies should be distinct.

Directly from PMI Global Congress EMEA 2012 in Marseille - France

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talked directly from Marseille, France, during the PMI Global Congress that brought together participants from 37 countries.

"Done is Better than Perfect": What you an learn with this quote

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo explains that the project manager should seek to simplify the way he/she leads the projects. In the quest for perfection, many people often create methodologies which are too complex to be used and end up not being used at all. He mentions a methodology he once created, pinpointing ways that enable the simplification of the procedures necessary to manage projects.

What is Program Management?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 00:10:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about program management. He explains that the main objective of the program management it to group projects to obtain a benefit that would not be possible if treated singly. Ricardo also talks that the projects contained in a program have the same interest tactical, operational, and the same synergy.

Make or Buy Decision

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 22:34:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the choice of producing a work or service internally or purchase thru a supplier. He shows five items that are important when making the decision and also explains that there are other important criteria for choosing to make or buy than the costs involved.

10 Reasons for Project Failure - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100

In this second podcast in the series, Ricardo talks about five more causes for the failure of a project. He commented about the importance of communication, project planning, change management, leadership and resources for the project.

10 Reasons for Project Failure - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:30:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the 10 main causes of project failure. Just knowing what can go wrong in our project, helps us to avoid it. Five causes are discussed this week and the other five, next week. Ricardo also comments briefly on the PMI Pulse 2012, recently published by PMI.

What is the Difference Between WBS Item, Work Package, Tasks and WBS Dictionary?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:10:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks in detail about the components of the WBS. He gives several examples and tips, and explains that the WBS is a fundamental tool for the project and will ensure that the project will deliver the service or product that is being done in the least amount of work possible.

4 Different Indexes to Forecast the Project Final Cost Using the Earned Value Analysis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the indices of earned value in the project. He explains that the great secret of earned value is to evaluate current performance to project the future. Ricardo also explains how to analyze the rate of time or cost when it is less than, equal to or greater than one.

Replanning x Rescheduling a Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 16:59:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas discusses the main differences between replanning and rescheduling a project. Although both have as their objective to apply the decisions of the change control process, the approach and scope of changes in each case are significantly different.

Demystifying the Portfolio Management – Part 3/3: A comparison and Decision

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this third and final podcast of the series, Ricardo talks about the comparison to the project selection and choice. He gives two examples of comparison one simpler - the weighted score matrix, and other more complex - AHP - Analytic Hierarchy Process. Ricardo explains how to prepare each of the two examples. See the article about AHP mentioned in this podcast at: http://www.ricardo-vargas.com/pt/articles/analytic-hierarchy-process/

Demystifying the Portfolio Management – Part 2/3: The Criteria

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this second podcast of the series, Ricardo talks about the selection criteria in portfolio management. He explains that in addition to financial criteria, there are others who may be considered and, even if it is intangible, there are ways to make them tangible. Ricardo gives several tips on how to transform these criteria into tangible and also talks about the balance of the criteria chosen.

Demystifying the Portfolio Management – Part 1/3: The Strategy's Side

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this first podcast of the series, Ricardo talks about strategic and portfolio management. He explains that if the manager does not know what is the strategy of the organization, it's a waste of time to create comparative to select projects. Ricardo makes an analogy between stones of different sizes and the choice of the sieve for selecting these stones, in other words, you must set the criteria based on the strategy to select projects that meet these criteria.

Understand the Difference between Residual and Secondary Risks

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between the secondary risk and residual risk. He explains that the secondary risk is generated as a side effect the implementation of a response. Residual risk is one that remains, even after implementing responses. Ricardo gives several examples for these two types of risks.

4 Mechanisms for Forecast the Project Schedule and Cost

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the methods of forecasting project schedule and cost. He comments that there are four methods of predicting future project performance: time series methods, causal/econometrics methods, judgmental methods and other methods. Ricardo explains and gives examples of each method.

Do You Know the International Risk Governance Council (IRGC)?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:43:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the framework created by the IRGC and explains the five steps in this framework. He explains that this model clarifies the various perspectives of risk and it is similar to the risk management knowledge area of PMBOK.

Mandatory Relationships x Discretionary Relationships

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about mandatory dependencies and discretionary dependencies between the activities of the project. He explains that a mandatory dependency is one that needs to be physically respected and discretionary is one that is made to generate a greater benefit for the project, whether in management or in the results. Ricardo also shows several examples of these two relations of dependence.

5 Steps to Prepare the Project Closeout Document

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:58:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project closeout document, he explains that this document is a mark that records the completion of the work and certifies the project closeout. He also explains that the project closeout document is divided into 5 parts and shows what is the contents of these parts.

Using Project Management to Plan your Year - Part 2/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this second podcast of the series, Ricardo talks about portfolio management of personal projects. He explains that it is necessary to map and select which projects will be undertaken, which will be later, a which will not be made and which requiring a study before deciding. Ricardo says that projects should be selected according to the goals we have set and gives tips on how these objectives can be defined and how they are selected.

Using Project Management to Plan Your Year - Part 1/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000

In this first podcast of 2, Ricardo gives some tips on how to manage personal projects that take place during the year. He exemplifies with the planning he did for his personal projects for 2011 and 2012. Ricardo explains that the first thing he did was his strategic map and throughout the year, was taking notes of all kinds of projects that have appeared. In the end of 2011, Ricardo did the planning for 2012 selecting the projects he noted and using a scale of benefit X effort/cost.

Perspectives 2012

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:55:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the perspectives for 2012, continuing the subject of the last podcast (Retrospective 2011). He speaks of the continuing challenges in this new year and the opportunities that are born of them. He suggests two very important issues you should study this new year. Also, Ricardo leaves his New Year message, created especially for those who have experienced great difficulties in their work this year.

Retrospective 2011

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:06:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the events of 2011 from the point of view of project management. He said that 2011 was a year when there was a huge demand in Brazil for projects that are happening at the moment and at the same time a very large uncertainty in the world. It has invested heavily in projects around the world in a period of crisis and there is a violent demand for project management, but a great difficulty in the use of best practices in project management.

Who's Afraid of Failure Can't Manage Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:10:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the fear of failure. He explains that within the project environment we are not in a comfort zone and easy things doesn't need to be managed. Ricardo also said that failure is always part of the process and is also part of the DNA of the project, but who has a fear of failure can not manage projects. Inside the possibility of failure is that we project managers earn our life.

When is the best moment to implement Project Management Software

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the support tools for project management and the best time to install them. He explains that much software on the market is excellent, but installing a project management tool without a defined methodological process can be a big mistake because the tool must be adapted to the work process.

When is the best time to do the Project Kick-off Meeting?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the time that the project kick-off meeting should be performed. He explains that as the size of the project, the kick-off meeting does not necessarily have to be just one but many. Ricardo shows that we can have a kick-off meeting early in the project where the WBS is still wider, and we can have another kick-off meeting once the plan is ready.

Management Stages x Technical Stages

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo differentiates technical stages from management stages. He explains that usually we divide our projects in technical stages to prepare the project schedule where we can drive more than one stage simultaneously, whereas, according to Prince2®, the project is divided into stages that can not be conducted simultaneously, where the manager and the board of the project decide at the end of each stage if the project will continue or not, as the results achieved so far.

Rethinking the concept of Multitasking and Simultaneous Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about executing multiple projects simultaneously and using the same resources, i.e. multitasking. He explains that we often think that sharing resources across multiple projects can generate the perception that work is evolving, but this can cause delays and loss of quality in work. Ricardo suggests that it is better to concentrate efforts on one project at a time than to do it all at once.

Differentiating Workaround, Contingency and Fallback Plans in the Risk Acceptance

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about workaround, contingency and fallback plans - risk's responses. He explains each type of response and gives examples of use of these responses.

The Networking Value in National PM Events (VI Brazilian Congress of Project Management)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the VI Brazilian Congress of Project Management, he explains that this is the most important event in Brazil because is promoted for all the chapters in Brazil. Ricardo says that the one of the global directors of PMI - Ricardo Triana will attend the event beyond the astronaut Marcos Pontes and other major conferences.

Directly from Dallas - TX at PMI Global Congress 2011 North America

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 16:51:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks directly from Dallas where the Global Congress of PMI is heppening. He talks of the Leadership Meeting, the persons who received awards and Brazilians who are attending the event. He also comments on the lectures and speakers who will make presentations, including on the presentation that he will hold tomorrow.

Crisis Management: The Denial Problem

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:10:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about crisis management. He explains that the first reaction in crisis management is the denial and that this is the worst option. Ricardo also explains that the crisis is caused by a "trigger" that is triggered by some event that will generate a chain reaction and can cause an uncontrolled situation in the project.

Steve Jobs: Genious? Innovator? Project Manager?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about Steve Jobs, he says that after reading many biographies, articles and news about Steve Jobs, there were many doubts about the DNA that generated so much success for Apple - it was the genius, innovation or the ability to manage projects from Steve Jobs? He notes that the way Apple manages its business is totally different from what is taught in administration books where collaboration and customer are essential for the growth of the organization.

How many projects a Project Manager can manage at the same time?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the number of projects that one person can manage simultaneously. He says that there is no specific number but explains that the project manager's focus is the most important. Ricardo also says that huge projects do not justify a project manager sharing the work with other projects. Still, in small projects that have some similarities, the project manager could manage multiple projects simultaneously.

The Power of Positive Feedback

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the strength of a positive feedback. He says that we have a culture of giving negative feedback and that we usually do not remember to praise when a good work is done. Ricardo explains that just an email or a comment about the good work is usually enough to motivate anybody, thus leading her/him to make less mistakes in the execution of his/her work. He also explains that a positive feedback must always be honest.

My sponsor has changed. And now?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:26:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the actions that the project manager should have when the sponsor of the project changes. He explains that although the sponsor is the great supporter of the project, this is a natural fact, he also gives 4 tips on how the project manager should act when it happens.

How to Write a Good Project Objective: The SMART Technique

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:04:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the project objective, he explains that many people think that only the name is enough to understand the project, but the objective is important to write and explain "what is" the project, within time and estimated costs. Ricardo also says that the objective should be a sentence that explains exactly what you want to do. The objective is not a justification, but is related to the work to be done, unlike the justification that is "why" the project will be done.

When the Boss doesn't Accept the Project Manager Opinion

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 15:17:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the relationship between the project manager and his boss in the organization. He explains that different opinions are part of the work and when the project manager suggests a direction to a superior, he must have grounding through data and facts, so hardly he will be challenged.

Working in International Projects: Understanding the Cultural Aspects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about working in projects of different cultures. He explains that to work in an international project is necessary to know the way of life, how people in the country were educated, how the minds of these people work and respect each culture. Ricardo also talks that even in Brazil, to develop a project in the South is different to developing a project in the North, as there is a difference in culture and values.

Understanding the Criterion, the Conditions and the Thresholds of a Quality Requirements

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 00:10:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the criteria for quality requirements, he explains that the criterion is the object on which the quality requirement is being measured. Ricardo also talks about why the conditions to meet a quality criteria have a thresholds which is how long this condition meets the criteria and when it does not meet.

Project Quality Requirements

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 13:27:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project quality requirements, he explains that sometimes the quality requirements are set when the project is near the end, and sometimes the project manager does not involve the customer early in the project and the requirements are made in the light of their understanding. Ricardo also explains that the quality requirements need to be tangible and relevant.

A Tribute to Professor Carlos Salles

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 13:29:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about professor Salles who unfortunately left us a few days ago. He says that Salles was an extremely correct person, who was specialist in Project Management and much beloved by his students and colleagues. Ricardo also talks about the importance of the proximity between the PMI and the PM community in Brazil that Salles was ahead.

Project Indicators X Project Management Indicators

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between the project indicators and indicators of project management. He explains that the project indicators measure the expected benefits and these usually appear after the project ended, but the indicators of project management are related to control during project execution, where planned deliveries are compared with performed deliveries.

Certification MCTS in Project 2010

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the advantages that the Microsoft Certified Technical (Technology) Specialist certification for Project 2010 bring forth to the project manager's career when combined with other certifications such as CAPM or PMP from PMI. He explains that a professional who has both qualifications has more chances of success in the field for he knows how to apply the technical theory using a PM tool.

WBS and the Deliverables Orientation: How to Implement the Same Tasks in Several Departments

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how to create a WBS. He explains that even though there are no specific rules to create a WBS, the most important thing is to allow the ones who will execute the work to fully understand what needs to be done. Ricardo also explains that the WBS does not provide any chronological sequence, but instead must guarantee that all the work to be produced is effectively broken down up to the point where the activities can be assigned to those who will execute them.

What is the Level of Detail in the Information Provided to Project Applying for the Portfolio?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo explains when it's necessary to detail or not a project during the prioritization process within the portfolio management. He also talks about some types of information needed to detect which are the most viable projects for an organization.

How to Evaluate a Job Offer in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:11:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about job opportunities in project management, he explains that when a professional seeks an opportunity, he has to carefully consider the remuneration, the company itself and his career as a project manager in that company.

The cost of Project Management and the PMO

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:43:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how appropriate the amounts allocated to the project management activities in the project. He explains that there is no an international standard to define the values, but there are good practices. Ricardo also explains that the percentage for the costs of project management is variable in relation to the total project cost, will be less on projects that cost more and more expensive in lower-cost projects.

Identifying the Project Vital Signs

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo makes a comparison between monitoring of the project and monitoring of a patient in an Intensive Care at the hospital. He explains that the Project Manager should monitor since the beginning, the project vital signs and based on these signals, identify deviations and take preventive actions for the project remains viable.

Tribute to Eliyahu Goldratt

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo makes a tribute to the Israeli physicist Eliyahu Goldratt. He passed away last Saturday, June 11th, 2001 at 64 years of age. Goldratt was one of the most charismatic and revolutionary thinkers of organizational work. He created the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and the Critical Chain Project Management and his studies and researches are the working standards of modern organizations worldwide.

The risk of pricing a project without Scope

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:10:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between cost and price of the project and gives some tips to put the price on the project. He explains that it is often important to divide the project into two - the first to define the scope and the second based on the scope, to detail the other design needs.

Why Time Management is Irrelevant in a Project?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 May 2011 00:10:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about time management in projects, he explains that many people are tied to time management and comments that the delay acts as a thermometer, but it may not necessarily be a problem in time management and it can result in poor management of scope, human resources or other problems that the project manager may not identify.

Directly from the Silicon Valley in California - USA

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about his visit to the Silicon Valley and explains the importance of using project management as a success factor in the companies he visited. He also talks about the need for a good basis for study, innovation and competence of people that are working in these companies.

The Importance of Volunteer work in the Project Manager Experience

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of volunteering for those starting a career in project management and want to gain experience. He talks of his experience as a volunteer and about how much he learned.

Where do I document the project objective?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:05:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project objectives and in which document it should be written. He explains that the Project Charter is the document where the project is born and the Scope Statement is a response to the Project Charter and is where the work being done is more detailed.

Understanding the Stakeholder Analysis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the stakeholder analysis and the types of interest they may have in the project. He explains that stakeholders will have a positive interest or negative interest in the project. Under this approach, he talks of levels of interest, showing who the people are more interested in and how the manager should involve them in the project.

Is it worth it to be a Project Manager? Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 00:05:00 +0100

In this second podcast of the series, Ricardo talks of five links that we need to pursue in our careers to be worthwhile a project manager. This tips that as he explains, are valuable not only for a professional of project management, but for any area.

Is it worth it to be a Project Manager? Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:07:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo reflects on the profession of project management and talks about three links that the project manager needs to build during his career to make the profession worthwhile for him to society and to the company. He comments that the project manager needs to prepare like any other profession and that the path to becoming a great project manager is not simple.

Project Manager Authority

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the authority of the Project Manager. He explains that it is very common in projects where the company has a functional or weak matrix structure, project managers with little authority. Ricardo gives some tips on how to increase the authority in projects

The schedule and Parkinson's Law

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo explains the concept of "Parkinson's Law" on projects and how to prepare a feasible schedule to avoid the law. He gives tips on how to develop work packages to be are easier to measure.

Procurement Management and Claims

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 22:59:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the relationship between suppliers and customers, the process of procurement management and claims. He explains that often the claim generates a discomfort between the parties and that the best way to avoid this problem is to plan the project in the best possible way, defining in detail the scope and trying to document all the changes during the project.

What is Possible to Learn in Risk Management from the Tragedy in Japan

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 23:45:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the earthquake and tsunami occurred in Japan with regards to project risk management. He explains that any given risk has a probability greater than zero and less than 100%. Ricardo mentions that this earthquake was above any risk evaluation that had been established so far, and cites the atomic power plant in Fukushima as an example, which had very high and strong walls but have been nonetheless destroyed by the tsunami.

PMI Agile Certification

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 00:10:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the new certification - PMI Agile Certification. He explains that Agile is a work philosophy based on strong collaboration of people. Ricardo also says that PMI has a set of best practices for managing projects, and the most important is choose the best to manage each project.

Crisis Management: 5 Good Thinks Came out as Decisions to Remove People from Libya

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the removal of foreign professionals who were in Libya when the political crisis happened. He explained that this was a crisis situation, where changes and variations in the environment are not supported and you have to take any action that is unusual. Ricardo says that this work of removal was extremely successful and gives five tips for managing crises in projects.

Negotiating with the Sponsor

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 00:10:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about how the negotiation between the project manager and sponsor, which is often difficult and requires a different dynamic than usual. He explains that this negotiation is not competitive but collaborative, as both the project manager and the sponsor are working to project success.

How to Prepare Executive Status Reports - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:10:00 +0000

In this second podcast of the series, Ricardo gives some tips on how to prepare an excellent status report. He explains that the great secret of the report is the ability to condense informations into a small and precise report, which usually can be 6 to 10 pages, trying to present visual data, colors, larger letters and graphics with performance information.

How to Prepare Executive Status Reports - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 00:10:00 +0000

In this first podcast of a series of two, Ricardo talks about how an executive status report must be submitted, showing condensed information relevant to the sponsor and key project stakeholders. He explains that visual information is of great importance and that the report needs to have a pattern, without necessarily being presented in only a page.

Defining Project Success – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this second podcast of the series, Ricardo talks about the success in projects from the perspective of the sponsor or the executive. He explains that the project must be aligned with the company's strategic planning, generate strategic benefits, financial results and that these benefits should be defined at the initiation of the project.

Defining Project Success - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo discusses the importance of characterizing the successful execution of a project by the regularity and precision of results and not by overcoming the plan. The project plan should be implemented and not necessarily overcome. The worries with deadlines and challenging costs should be part of initial planning and not part of the project execution. Part 1 of 2.

How Different People See the Risk in Different Ways

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:15:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo explains that the degree of risk exposure is the composition of the impact and severity of risk and that the definition of degree as high, medium or low involves the experience, culture, fears and emotions of those who are evaluating. He gives some tips on how to assess risk in an impartial manner.

The Percent Complete Problem

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the most common mistakes people make when calculating the percentage of completion of a phase or activity group in the schedule. He explains that when calculating this percentage, we need to consider the total duration of phase or group and the worked hours.

Tribute to Gregory Balestrero that Leaves PMI After 8 Years of Leadership

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas pays tribute to Greg Balestrero, President and CEO of PMI. He highlights Greg's dedication and commitment to PMI during his 8 years as the institution's main executive, leading the world's most important organization dedicated to project management. Ricardo also emphasizes the transition of the Institute's new executive leader, Mark Langley, who takes over as President and CEO in 2011.

Perspectives for 2011

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the opportunities for project management that will happen in 2011. He explains that in Brazil will be many opportunities in the areas of infrastructure, engineering, energy, oil and mining. Ricardo also reinforces that there is a shortage of skilled project managers in Brazil and that the highly qualified foreign competitors are coming in search of opportunities here.

Retrospective 2010

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the main events of 2010 and the opportunities for project management. He explains that 2010 was a year marked by instability with the electoral process in Brazil and at the U.S. Congress and the fluctuation in world financial markets. Ricardo also talks about the growth of social networks, Wikileaks and the value of information.

Importance of Monitoring and Controlling Risks

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo discusses the importance of monitoring and controlling the risks. He says that the risks are "alive" and that monitoring is the only guarantee that the response will be really effective.

Feedback in Communications Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the importance of feedback during project communications. He approaches the "screen" concept regarding personality and perception and that understanding the cultural and social differences can influence the project results directly.

200th Podcast - Soccerex in Rio de Janeiro

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the Soccerex - the largest convention and business of football in the world, which was held in Rio de Janeiro between 20-24 November. He was invited to attend the event and had the opportunity to talk about some key issues for planning the 2014 soccer cup. Ricardo reminded that the works for the World Cup will be competing with the pre-salt, construction of hydroelectric, PAC and they will miss the entire human resources to meet this demand. Ricardo also said that the works for the crown in 2014 will not only reform in stages, is much more extensive since it involves infrastructure, transmission, data link training to taxi drivers in the English language.

The Seizure of the Alemao Complex in Rio de Janeiro under the Project Management Perspective

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo discusses the project and crisis management to seize the Alemão (German) Complex in Rio de Janeiro-Brazil, one of the most violent slums, dominated by drug dealers and gangs. He discusses the coordination of actions, speed and strategy in the successful management of the crisis.

Paul McCartney Concert in Sao Paulo and Project Management for Mega Events.

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the production of mega-events from the viewpoint of project management and uses Paul McCartney's concert that he attended last Sunday.
He shows the complexity of performing a concert with 65,000 people watching and the activities needed to realize the show.
Ricardo made the first version (draft) of a WBS for mega-events that is available at the downloads page.

CAPM Certification Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 00:28:00 +0000

In this second podcast of series CAPM, Ricardo talks about the test and certification process. He explains that the test has 150 questions and the CAPM credential is valid for five years, Ricardo also talks of the most knowledge areas charged in the test.

CAPM Certification Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:28:00 +0000

In this first podcast of the series, Ricardo talks about the importance of CAPM certification (Certified Associate in Project Management) and for whom it is directed. He explains that this certification is intended to complement the skills of the project team, but can help sponsors better understand the universe of projects. Ricardo also talks of the main functions of the professional certified in CAPM.

Directly from the 5th Brazilian Project Management Congress

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo discuss the highlights of the 5th Brazilian Project Management Congress that happened in Brasilia-DF - Brazil on October 27th to 29th (#5cbgp)

Directly from PMI Global Congress 2010 – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this second series about the PMI Global Congress, Ricardo talks about the presentations that have happened and major focus. He explains that the congress brought 2,800 people from 64 countries and Brazil was the fourth country with the largest representation in the congress, behind only the United States, Canada and Japan. At the event happened 80 presentations and one of the most talked about was the concept of agile methodologies, and other topics such as virtual teams and negotiation. Ricardo presented a technical paper about selection criteria of projects using AHP and in the next day a team from Petrobras presented a case study about selecting projects. See the paper at: http://www.ricardo-vargas.com/articles/analytic-hierarchy-process/

Rescue of Mining Workers in Chile: A Project Management Show

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 01:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the rescue of 33 mining workers in Chile from the view of project management. He comments that the expectation in realizing the rescue was very bad and the planning of the actions and setting priorities was essential for a successful rescue.
In the next week, Ricardo will publish the second part of the podcast about the Global Congress

Directly from PMI Global Congress 2010 – Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the presentation made by Bill Clinton at the Global Congress held in Washington between 9th and 12th October. He explains that Bill Clinton watched a television for the first time when he was 10 years old and before television, he most liked to do was talk. Ricardo talks that Bill Clinton told who is the three people that he most admires and he also adressed the problems faced by poor countries, especially African countries and the major challenges found in Haiti where 17% of the workforce was died in the earthquake.

How to Prepare your Project Manager Resumé – Part 2/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this second podcast of the Resumé series, Ricardo talks about how to present the experience in the resumé. He explains that often the job does not explain much. You need a separate space informing activities and projects that participated, focusing on project management. He also shows the importance of spending accurate information and good and bad experiments.

How to Prepare your Project Manager Resumé - Part 1/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this series of two podcasts Ricardo gives some tips about how to prepare correctly a resumé for the project management area. He explains how to insert your professional background, courses and experience. He describes in detail how to put your credentials (PMP, PgMP, CAPM, etc) in order to maximize your curriculum in a selection process. Part 1 of 2 podcasts.

How to Do Everything Wrong in a Project: The New Brazilian Power Socket

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the compulsory change in the power socket to the new standard. He aims to analyze what he believes are the main failures in the project with respect to the reasons for the change, including the increase in competitiveness for the Brazilian industry, and the decision process based contrary of what we call global marketplace.

Project Management in Services

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about projects in services. He explains that many people associate projects
to major constructions and tangible products, but a training program or an improvement in the organization are also projects. He remembers that the project is to be temporary and unique and the service sector benefits greatly by using the best practices in Project Management.

Conflicts and Project Phases

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the conflicts during the project life cycle. He explains that when the conflict happens in the initial phases of project, the project manager should encourage to discuss the differences and clarify the understanding of the goals, but when the conflict happens in the stages of implementation, monitoring and control means that the project is being poorly managed.

PMI Career Framework

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about PMI Career Framework, which is an initiative to provide organizations and professionals with the necessary support for job descriptions in project, program and portfolio management, at no cost. He explains that this PMI service has mapped the professional positions and corresponding skills related to project, program and portfolio management by taking advantage of a research that was conducted with over 5,000 professionals from around the world.

What is the real meaning of the word project?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the definition of the word "project". He says that the word "project" has two meanings. The first is related to the endeavor needed to produce a unique product or service, as presented in the PMBOK® Guide. The second concerns the word "project" with the discipline of knowledge related to projects, programs and portfolios, such as the letter "P" from PMI and IPMA and the word "project" from the Project Management MBA courses.

Resource Leveling

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the resource leveling and when it should be done. He explains that this is a complex task that requires a cost-benefit analysis and decision making, and do this task only through software is not the best decision.

Working With Multiple Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the fractionation of a project into smaller slices. He explains that if the project is large you can divide it into phases when there is no dependency between them. He shows the advantages and disadvantages of managing multiple projects and cases in which this technique can be used.

The Cost of Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo explains where the costs related to project management should be registered. He points that, according to surveys, the costs of project management range from 0.5% to 2% of the project total costs, and that, even though many people consider 1% to be expensive, when any error arises from the lack of an adequate management, the correcting costs are much higher than just 1%.

When Redefine the Project Baseline

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the concept of project baseline and discusses in which conditions is acceptable to redefine the baseline.

Free Slack and Total Slack in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the difference between total slack and free slack in projects. He explains clearly how to identify the free slack and total slack, through a practical example.

Born or Not to Born with Soft Skills? This is the Question

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the soft skills of leadership. He gives tips to capitalize on these skills and explains the difference between being born with these skills or acquiring them with training.

Change Management and Culture: The 2010 FIFA Worldcup Rules and Referees

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 00:10:00 +0100

Ricardo presents in this podcast his reflexions about the polemic generated by the referees in the FIFA Worldcup matches and the FIFA resistance in provide this changes. He also discuss the cultural aspects of change and compare this resistance with the resistance we face in most of the projects in the organizations.

How to Plan a Very Urgent Project?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:06:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the key information that must be produced by the project manager when receives a very urgent project and need understand the purpose, scope, budget, schedule and constraints of the project in a very short period. He explains that making a quick planning and not very detailed is not ideal and can not be a normal situation in the company.

Contingency Reserves x Management Reserves

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:21:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the difference between the Contingency Reserve and the Management Reserves. He explains that both work with a financial protection for the project and that the management reserve is about the perception of the risks of the company.

Why I need to understand the concept and know how to calculate the project critical path?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project critical path and explains that the use of software to calculate the critical path, causes the manager to forget the basics and concepts of project management. Ricardo also explains that the critical path consists of the activities that directly determine the duration of the project and these activities are not necessarily more expensive or riskier in the project.

Strategy and the Delta Model – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this second podcast about the corporate strategy course that Ricardo took at MIT, he talks about the lock-in position with the customer, i.e., to create a unique channel with your customers by offering customized and complete solutions. Ricardo explains that in order to address the customers expectations in a different manner, it is necessary to think in a designed way and also to create a unique channel with your customer.

Strategy and Delta Model - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 May 2010 18:56:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the course of Corporate Strategy that he took at MIT. In the course the focus was the strategic model called Delta Model, where the customer relationship is the cornerstone of any strategy. The course was conducted by Prof. Arnoldo Hax, one of the world's experts in strategy.

Tribute to Rita Mulcahy

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo pays a tribute to Rita Mulcahy, who passed away on May 15th. He says he had the opportunity to meet her back in 1998 in California, when he attended to a presentation she was giving. At that very moment he realized that Rita was a different person. Ricardo mentions that he participates in many project management discussion groups from several countries, and by the messages posted on these groups, it is easy to see that people from everywhere have her book as the reference when it comes to preparing for the PMP certification.

Make or Not Make Concessions: The Project Manager's Dilemma

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:49:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the concessions that the project manager often does. He explains that the concession usually is harmful to the project, because when the project manager makes a concession, he ceases to follow the plans, and shows that he is not serious about the plan. Ricardo also explained that once
made the concession, it becomes very difficult to not do more.

Virtual Teams

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 May 2010 01:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the management of virtual teams in projects. He explains that this is a big trend in the business world and shows the benefits of leading a virtual team, as well as the major challenges that must be dealt with like cultural, communications and geographic issues.
Ricardo shows that technology is a major enabler for the project manager in this task and that the leadership style of the project manager while managing a virtual team is quite different from leading a face-to-face team.

Lean Six Sigma Brazilian Congress

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the Lean Six Sigma Brazilian Congress that will take place on May, 12- 13th in Sao Paulo. He has been invited to talk about how project management can make a difference in Brazil.
He explains that the congress will address several issues related to efficiency in corporate management in Brazilian companies so as to compete in international markets.
Ricardo also emphasizes that the congress will cover topics such as ecology, social responsibility, sustainability, world economy and innovation - a theme he discussed a lot when he studied “Management and Development of Complex Products” at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology).

Procrastination

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:25:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about procrastination in projects, ie the act of delaying something in the project. He explains the reasons why people take this attitude also called of "student syndrome".

Directly from Albert Einstein Hospital: Snapping the Limits of Project Management Application

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks directly from Albert Einstein Hospital, his first project management work in health care. He reflects the dimension that project management is taking place in non-typical areas for projects.

I am an New Manager of an Old Project: The Implications of Changing the Project Manager During the Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about what happens when the project manager is changed midway through the project, he explains that is important to keep the core team to ensure understanding of the project and gives some tips for the new project manager.

Project Management in Financial Institutions

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management in financial institutions, where the product is money itself. He also talks about the importance of technology to facilitate the client's work and provide accurate and quick financial transactions.

Directly from MIT – Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0100

In this second podcast of the MIT series, Ricardo talks about the development and management of successful strategies of product development. He talks of innovation and the difference between the ability of companies to create value and capture value.

Directly from MIT - Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the course on Management of Development Complex Product that he is doing in Cambridge at MIT. He explains that complex products can be aviation products, electronics, hardware and others. Ricardo also talks about the types of complexity involving the product and a mathematical model to help plan these products that is the Design Structure Matrix - DSM.

The relationship between the client, project management and contractors

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:58:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of good relations between those who purchase the project, who manages and third parties involved in the project. He explains that the trust and respect must be made since early project, so that each party knows their role and their responsibilities.

Automotive recall from the perspective of Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the problems of recall in the automotive industry which occurred in February and how project management can help in situations like this. He explains that there is an increasing pressure on time and lower costs, leading companies to a greater exposure to risk.

Project Selection Criteria - Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In the second installment of a two-part series, Ricardo talks about other criteria that should be considered while selecting projects. He explains that the weight of each criterion depends on the company's scenario, and that the selection of projects for the portfolio must be made using multiple criteria.

Project Selection Criteria - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo discuss the main criteria used in the project selection to the portfolio. In this part 1/2, he approaches the relevance of using also non-financial metrics as criteria, like strategic fit, urgency and risk.

The utilization of standards, frameworks and methodologies for Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the knowledge of the various standards, frameworks, and methodologies that project managers should have. He explains that the project manager must have the ability to understand a problem and solve it using various solutions for project management, making a mix, and if necessary, creating your own model.

Integrated Change Control System

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the importance of project change management. He assert that the relevant is not to avoid the change, but manage it in a proper and assertive way, aiming the global benefit for the project.

Directly from Paris: The Secret of Project Management for Luxury Goods

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Directly from Paris, France, Ricardo talks in this podcast about the most important characteristics of project management for the development of luxury goods, where criteria like speed and cost reduction are revisited and re-contextualized to reach a market that is driven by other assumptions. He focus on the image construction and exclusivity as essential peculiarity of the functional scope (requirement) of this kind of product. A brand new dimension of the very popular triple restriction (PCT - Performance - Cost - Time).

Tragedy in Haiti: It is Time to Think in PM for Post Disaster Recovery

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the disaster that happened in Haiti on January 12, 2010, making a reflection about the facts using the Project Management perspective and how coordinated activities promoted by PM practices can bring agility to the recovery. He also approaches the PMI Methodology for Post Disaster Reconstruction, provided by PMI Educational Foundation, available at http://www.pmi.org/pmief/humanitarian/PDRM.asp.

Earned Value Management System - Critical Success Factors

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo discuss the critical success factors of the use of earned value in projects. He presents the main areas where everybody must pay attention while using the technique and also approaches the relevance of the proper understanding of the concepts behind the numbers and how important is the project planning in order to use the EVMS.

Meetings Management – The Nightmare of the Project Manager – Part 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Part 2 of 2 of the podcast where Ricardo talks about one of the biggest nightmares of the project manager: the meetings. Many times bad planned and with very low effectiveness this podcast tries to show techniques and practices for meeting management, aiming to plan properly, and increase the project success rate.

Meetings Management - The Nightmare of the Project Manager - Part 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks about one of the biggest nightmares of the project manager: the meetings. Many times bad planned and with very low effectiveness this podcast tries to show techniques and practices for meeting management, aiming to plan properly, and increase the project success rate. Part 1 of 2 podcasts.

Perspectives for 2010

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo makes a journey to the future, talking about the main perspectives for the incoming year. Optimism and opportunities are the keywords for the project managers searching for new challenges. This is the last podcast of 2009.

Retrospective of 2009

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo makes a retrospective of project management in the world in 2009. He presented the 5 highlights of the year in project, including Portfolio Management, Crisis Management and the government participation and bailout to projects.

Directly from the Organizational Success & Excellence Event in Amman - Jordan

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo presents the highlights of the conference realized last week in Amman, Jordan. The event discussed the association between leadership, governance, execution, and strategy. Ricardo led the discussions about execution and projects.

The Project Manager is Not the Project Secretary

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo discusses the real role of the project manager as a decision maker. He afirms that the project manager doesn't have the function of only generate elegant reports and preparing meetings. His/her role goes above and beyond this. The PM role is to take the right decision to lead the project to success.

Extend Risk Management to Also Include the Opportunities

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo presents the concept of opportunities management as part of the risk management process. He also talks about the most important strategies to respond to the "positive" risks in a project environment.

PMBOK Guide 4th Edition Process Flow

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo presents the PMBOK Guide (c) 4th Edition process flow. In the flow, the 42 processes of PMBOK are organized based on the natural project flow and not by the knowledge area. The final artwork of the flow is available for free download at www.ricardo-vargas.com (download area).

Brazil in the Cover of The Economist Magazine and what this Relates to Proper Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo makes comments about the cover of the British magazine The Economist on 14 of November, 2009. The magazine presented the opportunities in Brazil and how the country is dealing with the growth. It will be a unique opportunity for superior practice of Project Management and certainly the biggest challenge for the future.

Directly from the Projects to Point Conference in Cairo - Egypt

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks directly from the Projects 2 Point Conference that happened from October 3rd to October 5th, 2009 in Cairo, Egypt. In the podcast he discusses the highlights of the conference, like agile, project management in oil and gas. Beyond this, Ricardo analyze the perspectives for Egypt and also Africa and Middle East as certainly the next area in the planet to register record growth in the incoming years. Great place for project management growth.

Directly from The Economist Innovation Award and Summit in London

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo presents the highlights of the award promoted by the British magazine The Economist for the most important innovations of the year. Ratan Tata for the low-cost car "Tata Nano" and Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder, are among the recipients. Topics of how project management is critical for innovation implementation were among the discussed items in a 2-day meeting with more than 120 people from all over the world.

Standards and ISO21500: Why Standards are Important for the Project Results Part 2/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this second podcast about standards and ISO, Ricardo provides updated information about the ISO TC236 (Technical Committee 236) that is developing the ISO 21500, which is fully dedicated to project management.

Standards and ISO21500: Why Standards are Important for the Project Results Part 1/2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo presents and highlights the importance of the standards which aims to facilitate the project communication process. It is the first of a two podcasts series about the subject where, besides talking about standards, Ricardo provides updated information about the ISO TC236 (Technical Commitee 236) that is developing the ISO 21500, which is fully dedicated to project management.

Directly from the PMI Global Congress 2009 NA in Orlando USA

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the highlights of the PMI Global Congress North America that is happening this October in Orlando - FL - USA. The congress had 2,500 attendees from 52 countries. Topics like sustainability and the 40 years of PMI were the highlights of the congress and the PMI Awards, which was celebrated with NASA the 40 years of PMI, and the 40 years of the first landing on the moon by Apollo 11.

Directly from the Professional Development Day in New York

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo presents the highlights of the Professional Development Day promoted by PMI New York City Chapter. He discusses topics like agile project management, talent management, value of project management and human aspects related to projects.

Differentiating the Functions of the Project Manager and the Project Management Office

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:19:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the misunderstanding that many professionals make about the roles of the project manager and the PMO. Many professionals assert incorrectly that the management of the project is a PMO role. He also explains the differences between the 2 roles using an analogy with a car in a road with a driver and a instrument panel.

Directly from the Microsoft Project Conference 2009 in Phoenix - USA

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo presents the highlights of the Microsoft Project Conference held in Phoenix-USA. The thrill of the conference was the first public exhibition of Project 2010. See also the pictures of the new project screen in the Pictures area.

7 Soft Skills for the Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks again about the relevance of the soft skills for the project manager. He presents in this podcast 7 indispensable abilities to a successful Project Manager.

Use of CPI and TCPI in the Earned Value Management (EVMS)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo discuss the importance of TCPI (To Complete Performance Index) to evaluate the possibility of cost recovery in the project. The TCPI is the complement of CPI (Cost Performance Index) and allows the evaluation of the future financial conversion rate for the project in order to accomplish the final project budget. It is one of the most important indexes to evaluate the possibility of project financial recovery using Earned Value Management System (EVMS).

Procurement Processes Changes in the PMBOK Guide 4th Edition

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the changes related to the Procurement processes, where some of the 6 processes described in the third edition of the PMBOK Guide were melted, resulting in 4 process at the PMBOK 4th Edition. This new structure gave more clarity and fluidity for the readers, summing up all the procurement process with the verbs "Plan", "Conduct", "Administer" and "Close". Other important aspect is the replacement of the term "contract" by the term "procurement", giving more extend to the concepts, allowing that the processes cover the administration and closure of the the acquisitions without a "required" contract.

Five Big Trends in Project Management - PM Network Report

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo discusses the III Annual PM Network Trend Report, published in June, 2009. He presents the main trends in projects induced by the global crisis and how companies and professionals can benefit themselves from this scenario. The PM Network magazine is distributed to PMI members and they can access the file at member's area of PMI website.

Importance of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to the Project Cost Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo discuss the relevance of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) to the Project Cost Management, specifically during the budget estimating. The podcast also discuss the influence of the WBS quality to the budget quality and the difference between cost and price in a project.

Seal, Madonna and U2 Concert - A Project Management Concert

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo describes his experience at the Madonna, U2 and Seal concerts. Much more than a musical concert, what he saw was an impeccable project management show.

Changes Regarding Preliminary Scope Statement and Collect Requirements at PMBOK 4th Edition

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the changes related to the Integration and Scope Management at the PMBOK Guide 4th edition. He discusses the removal of the process related to the preliminary scope statement and the insertion of the process to collect requirements as the first process of scope management. Moreover, Ricardo analyses the reasons, the implications and the benefits of the change.

2014 FIFA Soccer WorldCup in Brazil

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Podcast that Ricardo return back to the project management needs to the 2014 Soccer WorldCup in Brazil. The podcast was recorded in order to complement the interview that he gave to the brazilian magazine Amanhã (tomorrow). If you are interested in access the full interview at http://issuu.com/ricardo.vargas/docs/interview-amanha-newspaper. Interview in Brazilian Portuguese.

PMI Pulse Survey

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Know the Project Management market behavior and the main trends at the PMI Pulse Survey.

Project Versus Routine

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Podcast that Ricardo presents and discuss in 5 minutes the main concepts and differences of projects and routine, talking in a practical way the limits that discriminate the routine work and project work.

Directly from the Economist Talent Management Conference in London 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the highlights of the conference promoted by the British magazine The Economist in London that he attended last week. At the event companies like Google, Thomson Reuters, British American Tobacco, Mark & Spencer and others shared the main challenges to search for talent and develop human resources. Great project management insights. Part 2 of 2.

Directly from the Economist Talent Management Conference in London 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the highlights of the conference promoted by the british magazine The Economist in London that he attended last week. At the event companies like Google, Thomson Reuters, British American Tobacco, Mark & Spencer and others shared the main challenges to search for talent and develop human resources. Great project management insights. Part 1 of 2.

The Cost of Quality

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the concept of quality vs. the costs included to deliver the quality. He shows that the costs related to the creation of attributes that aren't perceived by the client are a direct waste of capital. On the other side, the costs related to the production of real value that is perceived by the client are considered an investment in the project quality.

Using the Quadratic Average (Mean) in the Qualitative Risk Analysis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the qualitative risks analysis, sharing a model to qualify better the project risks using an qualitative analysis with numeric quantitative results by using the quadratic average calculation, allowing a simple and efficient approach for risk management.

Are All Project Managers the Same to All Projects?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the main characteristics of project managers and discuss if this characteristics should be the same to all kind of projects and if should exist some kind of technical specialization in the subject or not in order to execute the proper project planning and control.

Agile Project Management and Scrum 2 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This week Ricardo continues the talk about agile project management and Scrum. In this podcast, Ricardo shows his perceptions about the use of agile and how this can be used in conjunction with PMBOK Guide and other aprroaches to a successful Project Mangement practice. Second podcast about the subject.

Agile Project Management and Scrum 1 of 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This week Ricardo introduces one of the most requested themes for podcasts, talking about agile project management and Scrum. First of a series of 2 podcasts about the subject. He had initial contact with Agile and Scrum and tried in this podcast to talk a little more about how Agile and Scrum work. It is important to emphasize that Ricardo is not a specialist in this subject. This podcast aims to introduce to non-specialists in Agile and Scrum the main concepts involved in the technique. He also makes a small error in the podcast when he affirms that Scrum is a term from American Football. The correct definition of Scrum is from the Rugby game.

Directly from the PMI Global Congress EMEA 2009 in Amsterdam

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 May 2009 18:40:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas presents the highlights of the PMI Global Congress EMEA 2009 in Amsterdam - Netherlands. Topics like the Chaos Theory, politics and finance in project, creativity and Agile are the most discussed topics in a congress with 600 attendees from 48 countries.

Directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University - Part 3/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 May 2009 13:45:00 +0100

In ths podcast, Ricardo Vargas presents the third podcast from a series of three podcasts recorded directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University in Cambridge - MA, where he attended the courses of Negotiations for Senior Executives and Dealing with Difficult People.

Directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University - Part 2/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 May 2009 04:20:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas presents the second podcast from a series of three podcasts recorded directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University in Cambridge - MA, where he attended the courses of Negotiations for Senior Executives and Dealing with Difficult People.

Directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University - Part 1/3

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas presents the first podcast from a series of three podcasts recorded directly from the Program of Negotiations of Harvard University in Cambridge - MA, where he attended the courses of Negotiations for Senior Executives and Dealing with Difficult People.

Murphy Law and the Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 04:42:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the effects of pessimism and the Murphys Law inside the projects.

Assumptions and Constraints in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:47:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas differentiate the concept of assumption from the concept of constraint in a project, associating the risks intrinsic to the proper choice of a set of assumptions for the project.

Program Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:50:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas address some theme requests about the concept of program management, as also the differences between project program and portfolio.

PMI MG Chapter - 10 Years of a Personal History

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo makes a special honor to the PMI-MG chapter for completing 10 years. H proudly remembers when in 1998-1999 the PMI-MG was founded. He also talks about the difficulties in getting 25 members to create the chapter and mentions the development of the unofficial translation of the PMBOK which was executed by PMI-MG. He congratulates all members of PMI-MG and other Brazilian chapters.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Intangibility of Results and the Value of Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the difficulty of proving the value of project management. He explains that oftentimes the benefits acquired by project management are not tangible and that not everything can be mathematically measured, so the companies should create productivity drivers to measure the success of the projects.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The Social Impact of Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the impact of projects in society and their associated risks. He explains that in addition to the technological and financial aspects, companies must identify the main stakeholders and verify the positive and negative impacts that the project will bring to the involved society. Ricardo warns that the company has the responsibility of addressing the impacts that the project might generate and also be very careful not to do the government's role.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Crisis in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about crises in projects. He explains that when the executive team see many projects being cancelled in other companies due to a crisis, they panic and cancel their projects too, using criteria that may harm the company in the future. Ricardo also mentions that a crisis in the project is a challenge that the project manager needs to find the best way to minimize its bad effects.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The new PMBOK Guide - 4th Edition

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 04:55:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the new edition of the PMBOK guide. He also talks about the main changes in the guide and explains that the PMBOK is aligned with the other PMI standards and using the same terminology. The publication's navigation is easy, fluent and direct.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Lessons Learned

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo explains what are lessons learned and the benefits that we can reap by documenting all relevant project information. He also shows how to document the lessons learned and the resources that can be used in the documentation.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Security Information in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about confidential projects that demand a security information and the projects where the dissemination of information makes a çompetitive differential for the Project Manager.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from the PMI Global Congress Asia Pacif 2009 in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas presents the main area of focus presented at the PMI Global Congress that has taken place in Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia. Topics as innovation, creativity, portfolio management and the value of project management are the most discussed subjects at the congress that join 400 people from 32 different countries.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Baseline

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the project baselines and explains why every project must have a baseline to be used as a control reference. He also shows how the baselines should be created.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The Major Problems of the Project Manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the main problems faced by the project manager. He mentionss that many of these problems are related to human resources.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Kick-off Meeting

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of the kick-off meeting of the project, who should be invited, what the content should be and also the recommended duration for this meeting.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Risk Database

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of documenting the project risks in a structured way the risks in order to generate a risk database. He also explains what information should be documented in the database.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

RBS - Risk Breakdown Structure

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Ricardo explains what is a RBS, how it can help to identify project risks and how it should be created.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Perspectives for 2009

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo explains that the year of 2009 will be a challenge for all projects managers because of the limited resources they will be facing. He also mentions that the organizations will be more cautious while selecting their projects because they won't be able to execute everything they wanted. This means that projects managers shall play a fundamental role in their companies.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The Hundredth Podcast and Retrospective 2008

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this hundredth podcast, Ricardo makes a retrospective of the year and explains that 2008 was an excellent year for project management in Brazil. He says that Brazil gained greater importance in the world and that many Brazilians got certified or sought a postgraduate course in project management.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from Dubai

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo presents his perceptions about one of the cities with biggest rate of growth worldwide, where a infinitude of giant projects are now undertake in order to transform Dubai into the touristic and economic.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Social and Professional Responsibility

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of creating the business in a correct manner, that is, how to generate prosperity with responsibility. He also says that project management is one of the best ways to bring prosperity to the world and that during a negotiation you have to foster a relationship where both suppliers and buyers can win.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Product Management x Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo tries to differentiate the concept of project management and product management (management of the product generated by the project. Despite the same origin, the approach strategies of these 2 management practices are significantly different.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Change Control Board (CCB)

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo explains what is, how works and how relevant is the project change control board (CCB), the most important team inside each project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Rolling Wave Planning

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, the Ricardo talks about Rolling Wave Planning. He explained that the planning is more detail in the near term and detail in high level in the far term. Ricardo notes that this procedure is indicated when the project has a long duration (more than 1 year), where the horizon and estimate of cost and time is poor.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from Kingston - Jamaica - International Project Management Day 2008

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks directly from Kingston - Jamaica the main topics of the International Project Management Day, an event with the participation of the Minister of Energy, Mr. Clive Mullings. At the event, were discussed themes as globalization, sustainable growth and best practices.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The Global Financial Crisis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the global financial crisis. He explains that this crisis can be an opportunity for the Brazilians. Ricardo also talks that we need to be optimistic, because even with this crisis, companies need to continue their projects and the Brazilian is accustomed to working in an unstable environment.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Stockholm Syndrome

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this prodcast, Ricardo talks about the Stockholm Syndrome when it comes to projects. Ricardo shows that sometimes the project manager fails to report relevant events in order to not harm the relationship with the customer. This protective relationship to the customer can be bad for the project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from the PMI Global Congress 2008 in Denver - CO - USA

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the main topics that are now being presented at the North America Congress promoted by PMI. Keynote speaker General Collin Powell addressed the importance of project management and leadership skills for all leaders. The congress also presented several topics related to social and professional responsibility.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Maturity Models - Part II

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo continues talking about the maturity in projects. He explains in detail the 8 items that he thinks that should be considered when measuring the maturity level of project management in a given company.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Maturity Models

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project management maturity models and their different kinds. He explains that companies with higher maturity in project management have better processes and higher success rates in their projects, whereas companies with less maturity have higher failure rates in their projects.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Change Management in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the displacement of positions caused by changes and the importance of communication while managing changes in projects. Ricardo also points out that every change is easier to assimilate when the information is reasonable, justifiable and not imposed, thus generating more credibility to the project.

Key Performance Index

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the KPI - Key Performance Indexes. KPIs are indexes that give the project a numeric result. He explains that these indexes can show the status of the schedule, cost, scope, quality and other issues. Exhibiting information in a graphical way, the project manager can have a fast and effective way of communicating information.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Megaprojects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about megaproject management. He defines what a megaproject is and how the profile of a project manager should be to manage such a project. He presents some megaprojects examples, like the ones from Dubai and Sonangol in Angola. Ricardo also talks about the importance of looking for the best professionals to be part of a megaproject team.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Half Sponsor, half manager

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, from a suggestion of Alexandre Giordani, Ricardo Vargas talks about the sponsor that wants to manage the project. He explains that each person has a role in the project and that the sponsors role is to give support to the manager and to be a great guardian of the project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Knowledge Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the importance of knowledge management in the field of project management. Starting from the knowledge obtained from previous projects, the project manager can optimize his/her project and avoid risk situations that happened in other projects. Ricardo also shows the importance of disseminating the knowledge and documenting the project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from the 2nd Annual UT Dallas Project Management Symposium

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about his perceptions and the main themes presented at the symposium promoted by the University of Texas in Dallas. At the congress, considered by Vargas as one of the most technical congresses in the field, were discussed topics as the project kick off meetings, how to effectively implement PMOs, Stockholm syndrome, among many other subjects presented.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Human Resource Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about Human Resource Management and explains that often the project manager has a more technical background with no experience in human resource management. He talks about the importance of maintaining the motivation of the stakeholders and that the project manager must learn to practise active listening to understand the stakeholder's needs better.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from PMI Global Congress Latin America 2008 in São Paulo

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

this podcast Ricardo presents the main topics discussed during the PMI Global Congress that is taking place this week in Sao Paulo. Topics as sustainability, earned value analysis, critical chain, project sponsorship and value proposition are the highlights now. This congress has been considered by PMI the largest PMI Congress outside PMI North America.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Payment

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about wages in project management, adding that this is a controversial issue. He also explains the best ways to identify a junior and a senior manager, along with their average wages in Brazil.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Stakeholders

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about stakeholder management and who the project stakeholders are and the type of influence they exert on the project. He also talks about the importance of mapping the stakeholders and managing their expectations. He also explains what should be made to identify the most influential stakeholders in the project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

MBA and PMP

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the differences between the PMP certification and a Post-graduate degree in Project Management. He explains that a PMP certification can never replace an MBA and vice versa because they are different credentials that complement each other.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Organizational structure

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the models of organizational structures and their influence in the project. He explains that each model has its strengths and weaknesses and that in some companies, there are more than one organizational structure.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

WBS

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and explains that it is a visual graphic representation of the project. He also mentions how it should be split up to reaching a work package. He explains the best way to decompose it so that it doesn't get too much or too little detailed.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

CAPM

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the CAPM certification, the requirements for getting it, its importance and differential it brings to a professional curriculum. He also mentions that companies already recognize this certification and that many of them are demanding it as the basic knowledge of best practices for managing projects.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Decision Making

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about the complexity of decision making and the importance of the right time to do it. Often, the project manager doesn't have enough time to find a problem and needs a quick response not to cripple the project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management of Highly Unpredictable Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about projects that have a quality of being too unpredictable. Many times these projects behave like a box of surprises - knowledge is acquired as the project evolves. He shows better ways of managing this type of project so as to obtain a better predictability of its current trends.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management of Information Technology

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management in Information Technology. He talks about the speed of the changes that are natural to IT, the several available technologies for project management and also the importance of the human side in a project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Courses in Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the courses in the field of Project Management and how to choose a course, as well as the importance of the student's dedication to assure a good learning capability. He also talks about the importance of applying the project management principles and explains that, even though the course can make a great difference, applying the learned principles is what will establish the acquired knowledge.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in Marketing

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management applied to Marketing and how to balance the schedule, budget, WBS and organize a marketing project. He also presents some examples of projects in Marketing.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Balancing life and work in projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of separating work from the private life. Considering the current rush, many times this separation is difficult due to the pressure of the schedules, the due deliveries and the strong competition imposed by the market. The project manager must pay attention to his life and health because it is necessary to balance work and social life in the face of these pressures.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from PMI Global Congress EMEA 2008 in Malta

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo presents the main topics discussed during the PMI Global Congress that is taking place this week in Malta. Topics as sustainability, project sponsorship and value proposition are the highlights now.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in the Academic Sector

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about project management in the academic sector (schools and universities). He also talks about the courses on project management that these institutions offer and the importance to have a Project Management Office to support the projects in the fields of research, medicine, entrepreneurism, etc.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

IPMA - International Project Management Association

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo explains who the International Project Management Association or IPMA is. He talks about the IPMA roles and how it operates in Brazi, as well as the available certifications and the certification process.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in the Third Sector

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the project management in the third sector (NGOs - non government organizations and nonprofit organizations). He mentions examples like the UN, the PMI's Educational Foundation program and other initiatives from various countries in the areas of sanitation and infrastructure. Ricardo also talks about the importance of the project management in these organizations for the transparency generated by these projects and how it attracts more people to join in.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Mindmaps

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about mind maps - a powerful visual technique that is of great aid to project management. He explains the mindmap principles and how to use them. Mindmaps can also be a great tool for communication in projects.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Softwares for Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the software that supports project managers and what it takes to be a good tool. He also talks about the importance of having committed companies behind the good tools, so as to assure the continuity of this software.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

PMP Part 3 - the Day of the Exam

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0100

This third and last podcast about the PMP certification. Ricardo gives tips about the day of the exam, what to take with you, how you should approach the exam and how the questions look like.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

PMP Part 2 - The content of the exam

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this second podcast about the PMP certification, Ricardo talks about the exam, the number of questions, how they are distributed in the exam, and also points what you should be concerned about before taking the exam.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

PMP Part 1 - Eligibility

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo presents the first podcast of a series of 3 about the PMP certification. He explains the requirements of professional experience and number of hours to obtain the eligibility from PMI to take the exam.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Documentation in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of documentation in projects, the problems that stem from a badly produced documentation and the use of technology to expedite the documentation process.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from PMI Global Congress Asia Pacific 2008 in Sydney

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo presents the main highlights of the PMI global congress that is happening this week in Sydney-Australia. Names referred to in this podcast are Robyn Meredith, Lavanya Narayanan e Malarvizhi, Carol Dekkers, Sandeep Mathur, Denise Decarlo e Andrea Caccamise.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Beginning of a Project Management Career

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the beginning of a project management career and what we should do to prepare ourselves for it. He also briefly talks about the importance of training and having a project management certification, as well as the need to learn other languages and improve our networking abilities.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Microsoft Office Project 2007

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about Microsoft Office Project 2007 and the release of his ninth book - Microsoft Office Project 2007 Standard & Professional. He also talks about the new features, usability and the learning path to Microsoft Office Project 2007.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly of Morocco - Project Management Opportunities in Africa and the Middle East

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

This podcast has been produced in Morocco and Ricardo talks about the project management opportunities in Africa and the Middle East. He also talks about how the foreign companies are investing in these countries and the future perspectives that lie ahead.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The Sponsor as a Fundamental Element in the Project

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the sponsor and his/her influence on the project, as well as the importance of his/her involvement as a defender and facilitator for the success of the project.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in the Public Sector's

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks about project management in the public sector, discusses its characteristics and peculiarities, and also briefly talks about the Government Extension of the PMBoK.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Feedback Process

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo approaches one of the most important mechanisms of communications in projects: feedback. He talksthe importance of the process and the basic concepts of Johari Window.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Monte Carlo Simulation

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo approaches the main concepts of the Monte Carlo Simulation, the most famous mathematical simulation applied to calculate the probability of cost and schedule objectives.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in Day By Day

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In the first podcast of 2008, Ricardo Vargas approaches again the project management use in our day by day activities. He introduces the importance of the cultural challenges faced by project managers and how to deal with this in our day by day.
This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Perspectives for 2008

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, the last of 2007, Ricardo Vargas presents what he sees as the main trends for the next year, incluiding challenges and opportunities for the next year. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

2007 Retrospective

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo presents a retrospective of 2007 of Project Management, focusing on the main challenges and results of the year. The next week podcast, last of this year, will aproaches the future, presenting the perspectives for 2008. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Early Finish

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Many times during the crisis management, the last alternative to the organization is to abort the project. However the cancelling process could be significantly traumatic to the organization. In this podcast Ricardo talks about strategies to early finish the project aiming to minimize the damage aggravated by the crisis. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Critical Chain Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks about the most controversial and contentious concepts related to time management in projects: the critical chain. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Developing the Risk Responses

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo approaches the most diverse responses that could be given to project risks, aiming to reduce the total level of exposition of the project, as also improve the chances of new opportunities. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The Importance of Negotiations Skills for the Project Manager - Part II

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo continues talking about the importance of negotiations skills for the project manager. The fist part of this podcast was published in March, 19th and is also available to download. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

The Importance of Negotiations Skills for the Project Manager - Part I

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Learn with Ricardo Vargas in this podcast the importance of the negotiations skills for the project manager and how to become a powerful negotiator. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Risk Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo approaches the 6 risk management processes of the PMBOK Guide and it's characteristics. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

PMI Global Congress Latin America 2007 in Cancun - Mexico

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo Vargas presents the highlights of the PMI Global Congress Latin America directly from Cancun in Mexico. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Power and Politics in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast Ricardo talks about one of the most important and less discussed themes related to the project manager: the power. Seen by many as something. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

PERT Analysis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo introduces the main concepts of PERT Analysis, mechanism of calculation that uses the optimist, most probable and pessimistic duration in order to determine the expected duration of the task, allowing that the statistical concepts of standard deviation and variance be determined and then, the numerical probability of project duration accomplishment be calculated. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Time Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo approaches the most classical knowledge area in project management, the project time management. He talks about the importance of understand project time management as part of an integrated management, with very low value if considered isolated. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in Small Companies

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo answers many requests for this theme and talks about project management in small companies. He presents the main differences between a large size project and a small project, where many times the sponsor, the project manager and the client are the same person. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Directly from PMI Global Congress North America 2007 in Atlanta

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In ths podcast Ricardo introduces the main highlights of the most important project management congress worldwide. With about 4,000 atendees from various regions of the world, the PMI Global Congress North America is a unique opportunity to see the main trends in the field. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Recovery Strategies for Troubled Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo approaches the possible recovery strategies of troubled projects, its risks and benefits. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Team Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo characterize the project teams and how to dimension them. He discuss the importance of diversity and common objectives during the team building, as the main stages faced by teams, according with Tuckman principles. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Ethics: Egoism x Altruism

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo continues the podcast of August 20th about ethics and professional responsibility, approaching the egoism and altruism concepts. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Quality Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas approaches the project quality management concept. He presents the importance of quality in projects, discuss about product x project quality, as also the interface with other knowledge areas and the wrong understanding about. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Communications Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of communication in projects and their direct interference with the success or failure of the project. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Balanced Scorecard and Porfolio Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas presents the relationship between Balanced Scorecard and Portfolio Management, discussing about the sinergy between the 2 solutions, where the concepts of strategic office and project office are associated to improve the effectiveness of the projects inside the organization. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo make comments about the new PMI Code of Ethics and the importance of an ethical attitude and it's influence in the project environment. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Qualitative Risk Analysis

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the qualitative risk analysis in projects.

Crisis Management in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 +0100

After the air accident happened in Brazil thereabout 15 days ago, Ricardo Vargas talks about crisis management concept, use and process. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in Brazil - Part II

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo vargas continues de discussion about the use and trends of Project Management in Brazil. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in Brazil

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the status and profile of Project Management in Brazil, it's characteristics and challenges. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Procurement Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo talks about procurement management and third parts in projects, including contract types and risks relatedto them. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Easy, Practical and Direct

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about his perception of how to properly manage projects. He believes that only simple solutions, direct and practical work. Most complex solutions serve only as a theoretical framework and simple solutions often solve the problem. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese.

Risk Identification in Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo Vargas talks in this Podcast the main tools and techniques to better identify the project risks. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Earned Value Project Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas talks about the main concepts involved in the earned value analysis. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Recovery

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo Vargas continues the discussion about troubled projects recovery, presenting the viability analysis of th project recovery. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Direct from Luanda / Angola: Project Prioritization

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo Vargas presents this podcast directly from Luanda, Angola, during his works with the oil company Sonangol to make the criteria definition for project prioritization. He talks about globalization and the importance of effort prioritization. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

How to Read the PMBOK Guide

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

In this podcast Ricardo explain the most effective way to read the PMBOK Guide, endorsed by him since 2001 when he presented a technical paper at the PMI Annual Conference and Symposium in Nashiville. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in the Movies - Part 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:00:00 +0100

This week, Ricardo Vargas continues the discussion about his experience of teach and learn project management using movies. See in the next 5 minutes more details about project management use in the movies. Verify other viewpoints of Ricardo Vargas and new conclusions about the examples presented in the movies. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management in the Movie

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

See in this podcast the testimony of Ricardo Vargas about the movies related to the project management application. In this podcast he associate parts of movies with day by day activities, highlighting the failures and mistakes occurred and makes his conclusions. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Troubled Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo Vargas talks in this podcast about the troubled projects, its identifications and management. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

PMI EMEA Congress 2007 in Budapest

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 +0100

From Budapest, at the PMI Global Congress EMEA 2007, Ricardo Vargas presents a panoramic view of the congress and the main topics approached. In this podcast, he discusses technical papers about the profession as a commodity, technical aspects, and reward policy for PM. The articles referred to by Ricardo during this podcast are: How to Reward Project Managers? by Berislav Crkvenac, Ethics considerations for the Project manager in Professional Services by Jeffrey H Schewriner, Project Manager as a generalist by Jack Ferraro, and Understanding Risk Exposure Using Multiple Hierarquies by David Hilson. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management Office (PMO) - Part 2

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo Vargas continues the 2 weeks ago Podcast about project management office. He presents the PMO Implementation and main challenges. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Discussion groups about Project management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

This podcast is dedicated to the discussion groups about project management. Ricardo Vargas talks about the great variety of benefits that a discussion group provide to the professionals in the field. As an example, he talks about the E-Plan-BR, considered today the largest web based group about project management in Brazil.

What is a Project Management Office (PMO)?

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo Vargas talks in this podcast about the concept and functions of a project management office. Ricardo also explains why PMOÆs should be implemented and which kind of PMO is right for your organization. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Main Scope Mistakes

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Following the previous podcasts, Ricardo Vargas talks about the importance of a well defined scope to the project success and the most common mistakes related to project scope management. He uses day-by-day examples to clarify the subject. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Networking for the Project Manager - Linkedin

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo Vargas talks in this podcast about the Professional networking website Linkedin.com and how this can bring opportunities for the Project manager. He presents his own success case, including the Professional opportunities that appear while business people visited his profile. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Management Worldwide

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0100

Ricardo Vargas talks In this podcast about project management growth worldwide. He shows his perceptions based on his participation at the PMI Global Congress Asia Pacific, that happened in Hong Kong last January. Ricardo expects a huge growth for the profession and sees Brazil going in the same direction. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

PMDome Workshop

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Learn with Ricardo Vargas how he and his partners developed the PMDome Workshop, a training model recognized worldwide by PMI in 2005 as the best training tool in the market. Ricardo recorded this podcast only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Portfolio Management - New Trends!

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 00:00:00 +0000

In this podcast, Ricardo Vargas talks about portfolio management, its main characteristics and importance for the organizations when aligned to project management. He deals with the main differences between project management office and portfolio management. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Scope Management

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Learn with Ricardo Vargas about one of the most important project management areas. The scope management usually doesnÆt receive the requested attention coming from the main stakeholders. Learn also the different kind of scope. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Certification Dilemma

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Learn with Ricardo Vargas the certification value, objectives, difficulties and market recognition in project management. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Manager Roles and Responsibilities

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo Vargas presents in this podcast the main roles and responsibilities of the project manager. He also talks about the project manager professional profile to deal with different project scenarios. Content in Brazilian portuguese.

Live from PMI Global Congress Asia

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo Vargas talks directly from Hong Hong the main technical subjects presented during the PMI Global Congress Asia Pacific 2007. Podcast recorded out of the studio. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.

Project Challenges

Ricardo Viana Vargas — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 00:00:00 +0000

Ricardo Vargas talks in this podcast about the challenges inside the project environment, its complexities and how to overcome them. This podcast was recorded only in Brazilian Portuguese. The link below is for the Brazilian Portuguese version.