Recently in Primavera Category

Not exactly the best thing to end a week on, but I had the pleasure of attending the first of a series of working groups looking into coming to a common approach to the application of EVM within the business.

The common theme seemed to be that it's both a technical application of a methodology, as well as a cultural change. I hate using sound bites, but Hearts and Minds sprung to mind, no pun intended. For the projects which have implemented varying levels of EVM, it's been more of a struggle convincing people it's providing a benefit, and not simply another bat for management to hit them with.

It's going to be interesting learning how the business currently does it, how the different cultures and languages help and hinder, and how Primavera fits in with all of it. Not a light task, getting 3, and eventually 4, nations to agree on something we all currently struggle to agree on as individual nations. And we've not even brought in the customer angle!

Anyway, I'm off to Our Mutual Friend for a couple of pints, eager to investigate the earned value metrics of real ale and sour cream & horseradish crisps

On my Primavera What's New 6.0 - Training for the next 5 days. It's part of the Authorised Internal Trainer (IAT) agreement, attending the course and getting updated on the latest developments in Primavera software. It's much easier going than the release 5 training update back in 2005, mainly due to using the BETA since April. What's good, is seeing the fixes and enhancements I've logged in this release. I know, it's unlikely they're all down to me, but it's cool to see something I found, such as a bug, no longer there, shows they're listening

Just realising, having bumped into a number of people I last saw back in 2005, just how long I've been supporting and training Primavera at work. In fact, it'll be over 4 years this year since that Boot Camp in San Fransisco. Hmmm, time for a change perhaps

I've also got internet access, and a good hour for lunch. So updates to the blog will be flowing all this week

Off to meet up with Gareth and Andrew afterwards for a beer. They're down in London for a meeting too, so it seems ruide not to go and have a pint in one of the many good hostleries down here

First time in ages. Was down there back in April, but this is the first time I've been down to run a Primavera training course in a long time.

Trying out the new Premier Travel Inn right next to work. Should be an experience, as there's no bar, no restuarant, in fact all there appears to be is rooms with beds and showers. Big advantage is, once I've popped in to configure everything for tomorrow, I can fall out of work and straight into the hotel, rather than fight my way through Bristol rush hour into the city centre. Of course, if it's a crap hotel, I'll be back to the rush hour drive next time, guranteed

Just got back from the Primavera UK User Conference. Didn't present this year, so it was a lot more relaxing than last year's, not worrying about my slides, the words, or what questions I'd be asked.

Interesting as always, with insights into the technology and where Primavera plan to take it. 2007 will be a big year for us, with plans already under way to look at the web-based side, myPrimavera, and how we can use it to encourage more of the "MS Project is best" brigade to move across to a proper project planning and scheduling application. I must admit, after seeing the snippets, I'm itching to get my beta copy next year and start having a play. Hmmm, I guess that's kinda sad?

Another trip North to sort out how we plan on using Primavera in production planning. And, no doubt, an excuse to try another curry house, and malt whiskey from the hotel bar

Forgot to mention last time that we used the M6 Toll. Amazing. Hardly any traffic, and we sailed up and back down in next to no time. Worth the money, even tho we weren't paying. I'd be happy paying myself to be honest. It made what's normally a hellish journey fighting through the traffic round Birmingham, quite pleasant

What was surprising, though, was the lack of traffic on the road, and yet how busy the services were. And, unlike some of the M6 services (Jonathan knows what I mean), these ain't anything to write home about.

The rehearsal performance of my Primavera presentation yesterday afternoon, in front of a select group of peers and bosses, went well. A few pointers on delivery, to be expected, and a couple of ammendments on content. But all in all, an impressive 35 minutes, apparently

So, now it's countdown to Thursday and standing up in front of the bigger audience. Will let you know how it went on Friday, I suspect I'll be down the pub Thursday night celebrating, or calming my nerves

[UPDATE] The snippet from the Primavera site:

Down in Bristol for more Primavera training. The room, and it's PC's have just been installed, albet only 4-5 weeks late. To say it's cutting it fine would be an understatement. But not as bad as another course run by my bosses, bosses, boss, where the painters were literally walking out as they walked in They're obviously not using Primavera P3e/c, otherwise they'd be on time, to budget, and not having all these problems, cough

So, I left work at 6pm, finally, with the necessary PC's configured and working, at least. Chairs, walls, and all the other essentials in place, so all going well we should have 6 eager students first thing tomorrow morning. Traffic thankfully was none existant, so a quick trip down here.

And now? Well, I'm off down the pub, The Old Duke, for some beer and Jazz, mmmmm, NICE

Started my updated training for the next release of Primavera, release 5.0. It's part of the Authorised Internal Trainer agreement, attending the course and getting updated on the latest developments in Primavera software.

I'm actually here because the food is outstanding O'Briens Irish Sandwich Bar is where it's supplied from, and the variety is fantastic.

Must remember, I'm here to learn, not grow

So, the last bank holiday for this year has all but gone. Another corker, with Geoff's retirement parties, lots of beer, a quick lunch out with Becky from the Landmark course, and Nige briefly appearing tonight to drop off Laura from her 2 week shopping spree in Hull. Lets just say she needs to get some seriously bigger wardrobes now

A few beers and a curry tonight to see the weekend off, and then back to work for 4 days before Nige's 31st.

Got the first internal Primavera training course to teach for this session, so will be prepping tomorrow. Hopefully there'll be a full house, eager to learn

Had our inaugral Project Management Control Board (PMCB) today, the forum in which we discuss the various IT tools the company uses for Project Management, including my responsibility, Primavera.

Not the most exciting of meetings, but I had a presentation to do. And it was great. Haven't enjoyed myself that much in quite a while. Confidence overflowing, maybe a little TOO eager and cheery for some. But what's important is that little voice and fear of not looking good wasn't there.

Can't wait 'til the next one, I wonder if I'll be asked to present? Hmm, actually, I should insist