Platform for remote tracking progress and working from home

Platform for remote tracking progress and working from home

Platform for remote tracking progress and working from home

Another article related to remote work management and homework management. However, today’s article does not focus on working mode and trends but will focus on tools to support and optimize remote management. Thereby, you can also improve and update effective management solutions that correspond to the needs and sectors of your business. UpDiagram is proud to be the right tool and solution for businesses from startups to SMEs. For large businesses, we have a Partnership program that helps bring outstanding value to management with maximum preferential costs, but still ensures to provide full customization features according to enterprises’ requirements.

 

Platform for remote tracking progress and working from home

Practical need and how to operate remote management

 

Each business in different fields will need different management methods and requirements. So, there can’t be a perfect formula to remotely manage tasks effectively for all. However, there are still core points that leaders need to grasp and adhere to help smooth management:

 

– Quantity and quality of members: Understanding the number of members in your team and the working ability of each member will help leaders easily assign the right people. Thereby saving time and ensuring work progress.

 

– Workload: Understanding work is an important factor to help project managers easily join teams and split work out. When operating the project, it is also easy for the manager to make decisions on additional personnel when needed.

 

– Due dates and estimated progress: Similarly, deadlines affect service performance and quality. Therefore, knowing the time and having the solution when needed is also very important.

 

– Monitor and update the status of work and personnel: During the operation, the work progress will not be able to follow the plan as well as the problem related to personnel. Therefore, updating the status of daily work helps to connect everyone and update the project status for the whole team.

 

– Collaboration, communication, and problem-solving: These are almost mandatory activities for any project. You will not be able to work effectively but always keep quiet with the members. At the same time, must always adapt quickly and have backup solutions when unexpected situations occur.

 

With the above criteria, project leaders can completely rely on the criteria to perform management work. However, whether working online or offline, remote project management software fully meets and supports businesses for management.

Read more: Top 5 effective project management platforms

 

Grid view of Updiagram displayed on laptop

All-in-one Grid view for Enterprises

 

Why do we need a remote management application?

 

Basically, management in the 4.0 era depends on quite a lot on the Internet and other supporting tools. Not only that, the epidemic caused business models to shift to work-from-home mode. Therefore, adapting to market changes is imperative. Even before the epidemic occurred, management work still required remote management skills because all work information activities were updated on the system and only updated orally through weekly meetings.

 

​​Therefore, remote management is a trend that any business should apply, adapt and transform it into one of the mandatory processes.

 

With remote project management application tools, users are provided with specialized functions that make updating and managing work extremely efficient. In particular:

 

– Easily decentralize and capture working status information of each member.

– Always maintain progress and monitor work status.

– Ensure priority and deadlines

– Evaluate the team’s ability and performance

– Control management costs and personnel allocation

– Training skills and self-discipline for the team

 

UpDiagram – project management and remote work application foro Agile and Scrum models

 

Grid view of Updiagram displayed on laptops and smart phones

Ultimate Grid view

 

With a project management platform, UpDiagram provides the best overview of the company’s personnel and workforce.

 

– A company will be able to add and update the status of all employees on one system.

– At the same time, leaders can assign permissions and roles of each member, helping to manage different tasks and departments.

– In addition, tracking which members are working on different projects makes it easy for leaders to allocate staff quickly.

Besides human resource management, project tracking is an indispensable element.

– With an intuitive view, users can cover the total number of projects in operation or in the contract negotiation stage. From there, it will accelerate the progress of projects and find potential new projects.

– Each project has a function to notify specific progress and deadlines.

– Easily monitor the personnel situation for each project

– Actively interact and communicate with each member on each job.

 

The functions are developed on an online platform, so the management is completely suitable for remote operation and application.

 

More specifically, UpDiagram always has Partnership programs with businesses to bring the best values ​​and benefits when using UpDiagram. Partners will receive the following benefits:

 

– There is no fee to join UpDiagram’s Partnership

– No need to care about pricing plans. In other words, partners use existing functions free of charge

– Get support offers, 24/7 customer care, training and industry-specific solutions.

– Experience the latest products and services from UpDiagram.

– Participate in contributing and requesting specific functions for the partner’s own business.

– Experience and use the functions required by the business.

 

UpDiagram is not only a tool but also a practical solution to simplify management processes while ensuring maximum work performance. The application is completely suitable for remote management for businesses from Startups, SMEs or even multinational companies because of the flexibility and continuous improvement of UpDiagram’s system and development team.

Read more: Enjoy the Benefits of Partnering with UpDiagram

 

Contact us to get special offers and join UpDiagram’s Partner program.

Effective construction project management knowing these things

Effective construction project management

In the face of the growing urbanization trend, more and more attention is paid to the construction of civil and industrial works for socio-economic development, Construction demand increases at the same time as a large number of construction projects are born. The problem that arises with contractors, construction managers is, how to have a more effective construction project management? The following article will answer that question based on the most general view.

 Effective construction project management knowing these things

Photo by Artem Labunsky on Unsplash

1. Outline the master plan for each project

 

Create a master plan for each construction investment project. This plan will focus on describing the main tasks, general tasks, individual tasks, and the importance of each task. At the same time, this plan will require you to specify the participants and participants such as the investor, the contractor, the builder, the main contractor, the sub-contractor, the design consultant, the project management consulting projects, supervision consultants… Most importantly is the investor, they have the role and responsibility to hire other participants. Try to learn about human resource management patterns, if there are many people involved in your construction project management. This will be a solid foundation from which you can build more concrete next steps.

See more HR tips at Human resource management has never been easier with these.

 Enhancing the effectiveness of construction project management

Photo by Jeff Sheldon on Unsplash

2. Financial overview and assessment

 

Every project is maintained and developed by finance, the more the construction project management needs financial clarity. The management of demon money as well as budget the project’s always on top. There are many tools to manage such as UpDiagram, Excel,… and these tools are completely free.

See more: Why do you need a project budget and how do you manage it?

 

In a project with limited investment capital, creating a suitable financial plan is extremely necessary. For this plan, you also have to go from general to specific, from large items to smaller and more specific items. However, keep in mind that during the financial planning process for a project, an excess must always be calculated, in case the actual cost exceeds the original estimate.

 

3. Detailed planning and managing each specific task

 

Once you have an overview of the plan and finances, the next thing is to go into details and manage each task, such as material management. Investment, labor management, risk management… If it’s just professional construction projects that need high expertise, it’s inevitable to apply a tool to support it. Use a variety of management templates appropriate to avoid wasting time composing such as risk management, furniture management,…

 

4. Updating information between project stakeholders

 

The descriptions above show that a construction investment project will not only involve the customer and the builder, but it also includes many different parties involved in the project. Therefore, to understand the changes in information, requirements, personnel, arising problems,… most about the overall situation of the project, it is sincere advice that you should actively communicate with the project managers stakeholders for reference, and at the same time regularly visit and observe at the construction site to have an objective, realistic and correct view of what is happening.

 

5. Management of construction investment projects with UpDiagram

 

Among many different project management tools such as Excel, Trello, Amis,… UpDiagram has become a friend worth assigning management tasks to give the reason comes from the fact UpDiagram is completely free but has outstanding functions.

 

1/ Diverse work views (kanban, grid, mindmap, calendar) help users have a variety of viewing angles for the project.

2 / Remove the project from other tools easily, even tools like Trello, Assembla, JiraExcel,…to communication tools such as Slack, Rocket, Zalo,…

3/ The ability to notify many different needs, depending on the workload, and will never be afraid of being late for work if using the calculator.

See more ways to effectively use UpDiagram at: How to use UpDiagram?

 

UpDiagram is a fairly new application, but it has enough conditions to apply to construction management. For enterprises that manage construction projects, UpDiagram desired a tectonic cooperative relationship. Specifically, construction businesses can register for the Partnership program at no cost joining, partners will be able to use the functions completely free of charge and can freely propose their requirements, for new features to meet their business management needs. Through do help me optimize my working efficiency and management process.

 

A good project manager will know the do’s and don’ts of the project, the use of modern technology in management is always a priority. Because the tools will create efficiency and promote the development of the project to new heights.

 

For expert advice, leave an email with UpDiagram, or reach out to our dedicated support team at support@updiagram.com. We will be with you every step of the way.

How to cut costs for "new born" businesses

How to cut costs for “new born” businesses

With startups or SMEs, building a revenue plan is not as difficult as determining the structure, norms, and standards of category, appropriate cost items to ensure profitability. In other words, how to cut the basic cost for “newborn” businesses?
 How to cut costs for "new born" businesses

Photo by Shridhar Gupta on Unsplash

 

Wherever you are on your startup journey, cutting costs is not always a priority, and it will not be too difficult to control the financial life of your business. The most important thing is your right direction in choosing the most prioritized things, to cut costs for your business. However, the first direction will be very difficult to choose, here are some cost-cutting suggestions that you should check out.

 

1. Hand-made gifts at events will be a good choice

For a newly established business. will need a lot of relationships with other big companies, many employee engagement events, etc.  Then gifts are what will need to be focused on. But if you spend a large amount of money on gifts and employee rewards, it is not good for the company’s financial problems.

 

 Opt for handcrafted gifts at events for maximum impact

Photo by Nina Mercado on Unsplash

 

So the simplest solution is to use hand-made gifts. The business owner can both save the cost of buying gifts and show his sincerity to the partner company and employees pellets. Simple hand-made gifts such as notebooks, photo frames, etc, are both economical and express the sincere intentions of the person who made them. Use hand-made, because it has your stamp, which can never be bought in stores. This means your gift will not turn out to be a useless thing in other people’s houses. It would be much better if the gift was accompanied by your handwritten messages.

 

2. Take advantage of existing customers

Know how to take full advantage of the benefits with existing collaborators, maybe the fees in the benefits will not be much. But it will also support some of the costs of the business. Taking advantage of customers also helps businesses save time. Because when talking specifically with customers, the work will be smooth and not spend much time with it.

See more time-saving tips at 5 time-saving tips

 

3. Buy reasonable office equipment

Cutting business costs is considered effective when startups know the items to buy so that the company can start and operate efficiently. The list of devices that should be prioritized includes computer equipment, office supplies, furniture, other business software…

 

Because of the nature of start-up / SME companies, the top criteria for choosing equipment is: technological equipment does not need to be too sophisticated, monumental, or too functional, and needs to be fully utilized. The maximum effort of purchased equipment. To minimize investment costs, we should choose according to the needs and nature of the work.

 

On the other hand, being frugal is a good thing, but that doesn’t mean focusing on cost and forgetting about quality. Businesses will operate effectively when neat, comfortable, and fully equipped. With basic equipment to serve the job well such as printers, desktops, monitors, or laptops, etc. Try using these tools. Property management template to cut costs when building an office.

 

4. Reviewing the cost of premises

One of the quite complicated problems for newly established companies as well as SMEs is to consider carefully when renting a place to build a company. The core of the business is profit, if the cash to pay is too much, it is not recommended right now. Because “just start a business” so businesses need to offer many options for public positions. Different companies, maybe a little far away but save quite a bit of money, or a virtual office if the work doesn’t need an office. The current trend of digital work and work from home has not shown any signs of cooling down, this may be a good choice.

 

See more about digital working trends. The digital working environment is gradually replacing the traditional working environment

 

5. Using reasonable tools to cut costs

A modern company will choose the right tools to support as well. like cutting costs. By comparison, when it takes up to 1000 sheets of paper just to take notes and manage a project, just a tool like UpDiagram can be easily stored. Create an unlimited number of projects, with specific functions for management: work view, custom fields (images, text, lists, check box,…)  Decentralization, assignment of tasks and management membership. Email and In-app notifications for project activities, data entry, and integration from  Trello, Jira,  Slack, Rocket,…

 

In addition, with UpDiagram you also get support for templates project management. Partnership programs, monthly featured promotions,… free reuse fee and when you want to develop Pro and Business packages. It is extremely cheap, see more UpDiagram pricing! UpDiagram also supports free demo booking.

 

There are many ways to cut costs for both start-ups and SMEs. But the basic directions above are the beginnings of both planning and financial management for businesses. The most important thing that should be prioritized is to use a 4.0 management tool like UpDiagram to cut costs most scientifically.

How to manage real estate project effectively

How to manage real estate project effectively

For every industry management skills are required. However, each field will have different requirements for management solutions to meet each need and handle the difficulties that each different industry will face. The Real Estate industry is no exception. In other words, it requires very particular management skills. Specifically, managers need to:

 How to manage real estate project effectively

 

Always capture project status information from anywhere or at any time. Unlike other project models, real estate owns projects of great value but distributed in many different areas. Therefore, always updating the status continuously helps managers capture good information and allocate resources or solutions more effectively.

 

– Manage staff performance. The sales staff will be the main resource to help promote the development and efficiency of the project. However, leaders need to understand the capacity and sales to be able to provide training and recruitment solutions to meet demand and supply.

 

– Synchronization and Connection. Since projects are in many different regions, often the team of each project is specialized. Even, each project will have different parameters and prices. Therefore, the need to update information is constantly changing for the sales department. In terms of management or business leaders, there is also a need to know the status of the project and the current price of each different project.

 

Although specific needs have been pointed out for good management of a corporate project and real estate projects, difficulties and barriers are inevitable throughout the process of working and managing. Especially, during the pandemic, the traditional working environment is hindering the potential development momentum of real estate businesses.

 

Difficulty in real estate project management

With the above-mentioned needs, the question is what is the difficulty for real estate management businesses?

 

1. The first difficulty is the complexity of phase. For many businesses, operating a real estate company has two main stages, the construction phase and the trading floor stage. Excluding businesses that only focus on buying and reselling projects, many businesses have a long-term perspective and strong capital sources, so they should invest in long-term projects when doing their own construction and business. So the main difficulty here is that each project will be in a different phase. Even projects may be in the construction phase but still, be listed on the exchange. Let’s imagine we have 50 projects, grasping the status of the project will be very difficult.

 

2. In addition, the work progress is also a hindrance. No matter how well the leaders and managers plan, the delay of deadline is inevitable. Capturing information continuously for many different projects every day is not simple if only managed according to the traditional offline model.

 

3. Besides, the large amount of personnel makes management difficult. As you known, a business will often have a lot of projects and require different amounts of staff from construction workers to sales staff. If you do not manage well, you will not evaluate and complete the work as planned.

 

4. That leads to a number of other obstacles such as unexpected costs incurred when not meeting the schedule and the quality of human resources who are not able to work in groups. It takes more time and money to train new employees.

 

5. At the same time, the communication and exchange of information is only one-way. That is, only superiors convey information but do not provide complete paperwork. Or even not updating pricing status or strategy quickly will also be a major contributor to revenue decline.

 

Digital solution – UpDiagram, solve real estate project management problems

 

UpDiagram is a versatile project management application for many different fields and industries. In particular, the construction and real estate industry is one of the key industries where UpDiagram can provide specialized solutions for the real estate industry. From there, businesses can quickly switch from a traditional management model to a digital management model, helping to automate the process from employees to leaders.

 

When using UpDiagram, you will receive benefits that the system brings to the management:

 

   1. Manage and update work progress and status

 

– Provides user-friendly interfaces and workviews formats. Specifically, the Grid view provides a visual view of the overall picture but is still very detailed about the progress of the work or the status of the work.

– When there are progress updates or corrections on tasks, management levels receive notifications from the system immediately.

– Easily communicate directly with project members or contribute ideas through the comment function.

   2. Connect members in the project

 

– In addition to the comment function, UpDiagram supports the integration of different chat tools such as Zalo, Slack, Rocket chat, Microsoft team, etc., so that leaders can actively exchange information and update status. fastest project to all members.

 

   3. Tasks assignment and decentralization

 

– Conveniently add and delegate roles and permissions for members in different projects. A member working on one or more different projects, they can also be tracked through the People function. Thereby, we actively manage the team will be more effective.

– Assign tasks to specific members. When a member get a job assignment, the system will automatically notify to help members identify and plan work more proactively.

– When the work is done, the employee can switch the status and the support system reports the work status to the manager in just one action.

 

   4. Multi-project management

 

– Support businesses to manage all projects on 1 platform of their own Workspace. Thereby, businesses can both manage departments, manage human resources and manage details of each project.

– Businesses can create an unlimited number of projects. With the real estate or construction industry, businesses will need to run and manage many different projects at the same time for a long time. Supporting an intuitive view and synchronizing multiple projects at the same time helps businesses save time and improve efficiency.

– Even businesses can use UpDiagram for project purposes in business fields other than real estate or construction.

– Import data from existing projects from many different platforms such as Trello, Jira, Assembla or Excel are supported.

 

   5. Contribute and claim custom functions for your own Business

 

– Currently, Enterprises participating in Partner Program with UpDiagram can use Pro packages for free.

– In addition, Enterprises can contribute ideas and suppose your request the development of functions to serve the needs of each business.

– Thereby, enterprises can actively create suitable and customized functions at a very low cost but still ensure work efficiency.

 

   6. Unlimited functions

 

– To maximize the functionality and convenience for users, UpDiagram allows integration with many different tools with diverse purposes. As a result, businesses can use it for many purposes on a single application.

 

Currently, UpDiagram has very preferential programs with service packages of $0 and application development benefits at the request of businesses. If any businesses are looking for applications and want to experience free functions, please contact us immediately for advice.

Basic skills when managing construction materials

Basic skills when managing construction materials

With the increasing construction needs of society, the market for materials is also growing. No one can predict in advance whether the number of materials they have prepared for the project will be enough or not, maybe it will be redundant or lacking, and then it is up to the management of those materials. So the construction manager needs to have a method and direction to manage construction materials, to avoid loss, insufficient quantity, or bad quality. Requires the manager to have good material control skills, here are a few tips specifically for managing construction materials.

 Basic skills when managing construction materials

Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash

1. Skills to grasp the material market

 

Market concerns managing construction materials is aware of the price to be material. Over time, the price may not be the same as before. Not only the price, but the manager also has to understand the quality of each material store, each material manufacturer.

 

Understanding the market helps construction managers understand the source of materials in the future, if the estimated cost is not stable, they should choose a reasonable time to import materials into the warehouse. In addition, choosing a quality supply store is also an important criterion. For material managers, purchasing is very important, it shows that they have a strategic, open-minded view. Good construction will require good materials. Consider losing the purchase of materials.

 

2. Skill sorting materials science and Safety

 

Manager will surely be the most extreme in the days of import supplies of warehouse, sorting, storage, plan for upcoming projects,… Managing construction materials must also take into account the protection of the environment and national legislation. The manager is responsible for understanding and must classify and handle to ensure standards and technical regulations of building materials as well as used in construction works; In case they are not capable of self-classification and handling, several management tools with 4.0 technology can be used to support the management process.

 

With a large number of materials, and if you want to have a science in management, you should probably follow the basic principles of management – warehousing. Those principles include: Follow the instructions and procedures of the warehouse. Ensure that the storage area is clean, tidy, and well ventilated. Do not place in areas prone to moisture, prone to rainwater splash. The inventory must meet the sufficient quantity. Excess materials need to be arranged in a separate area for management. If the warehouse is large, it is necessary to arrange a chart of the warehouse. Tag each item on each shelf for each product type to mark.

Read more about inventory management at Control your Stock with this Inventory Management Template

 

3. Skills in using the results of building materials

 

Use of building materials Skill in the coordination and use of building materials is one of the most important skills for a construction materials manager. It allows materials to be circulated and used at the right time, place, and building. Good thing, when everything is ready and put to use, there is no need to waste time searching for where the supplies are. It is important that we can apply some time-saving tips with the use of materials skills to improve managing construction materials efficiency.

 

Improving skills also helps the manager to control the number of materials private. If the amount of supplies is not enough or lacking, you can actively replenish them yourself. And if there is excess or excess, you will preserve or put it into the construction to use.

 

4. Use your proficient management software supplies

 

Enterprise construction like all other businesses needs to have a plan for supplies to maintain operations. If you have office skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, and publishing software, and organizational skills, you can be an important asset. Job management, building estimates, and negotiating prices controlling quality, and reaching out to potential clients are all important skill sets for construction workers with any ambition…

 

UpDiagram workview Kanban

Work view: Kanban

 

There is much software for managing construction materials, each software has its characteristics and different functions. Like Excel for making spreadsheets with Grid-style views, Trello for creating lists like Kanban, etc. UpDiagram provides users with not only one type of work view like the other two tools, but it has up to 4 types of work views. Not only that, but UpDiagram is also suitable for free changes according to individual needs, many different management templates, and a full set of notification functions for businesses. Currently, UpDiagram has many different incentive programs, and more than that, the Partnership program with construction companies. There, businesses will get:

 

– No cost for Partner Program

– No need to care about pricing plans. In other words, partners use free of existing functionality

– Get offers support, 24/7 customer care, training, and provides specific solutions for each field

– To experience the real products and services Latest From UpDiagram

– Contribute and propose to request specific functions for the partner’s own business

– Experience and use the functions required by the partner/business

 

Conclusion

 

Materials skills look simple but can be a concern for construction managers, three types of abilities above such as skills to grasp the material market, skills to arrange – maintain Materials management, and skills in using materials will be included in the ability to use technology if done well, three skills will be reduced to one, UpDiagram management software with easy, transparent criteria clear, and convenient for managers, will be an extremely suitable choice.

 

For expert advice, leave an email with UpDiagram, or reach out to our dedicated support team at support@updiagram.com.We will be with you every step of the way.

Prominent project management methodologies to leverage

Popular project management methods to exploit

When entrusted to manage many different projects, although those projects have different tasks, they can be intertwined, it is indeed a difficulty. So now you will need a method that is suitable for project management.
 Prominent project management methodologies to leverage

Photo by Jo Szczepanska on Unsplash

 

A very simple reason for using a project management method is to give it rigor, standardization, and ensure the project runs smoothly. It is very difficult to catch up with these projects “with bare hands”, so the appropriate management method will be an unnecessary choice.

 

What is the project management approach?

 

The methodology is understood as a system (simple, or complex) used to put something into a framework. So, according to The Project Management Institute, a project management methodology is “a system of practices, techniques, procedures, and rules used by people working in a field.”

 

Choosing the right methodology as well as the tools and project management team is important, as it will set you up for success before the project even begins. Take a basic example like this: you wouldn’t choose a repetitive, fast-paced project management method for large-scale, long-term projects, if you used those methods it won’t be flexible.

 

To do that, consider and consider the fundamentals of your project, and choose a method that ensures all of those fundamentals are in place, such as a project plan, keep up the meetings,…

Read more at: Is it really difficult to manage projects professionally?

 

Factors related to project management that you should care about

 

As mentioned above, correctly identifying the basic elements of the project will contribute a significant part to the success of the project, for instance, basic Factors to be considered include:

 

  1. Project budget: how much money to maintain the project? How will revenue and expenditure management work? If you still have doubts, you can try to template this revenue and expenditure management.
  2. Timeline: when is the deadline for project work? You need to have a few good tips to save time.
  3. Objectives: What is the ultimate goal of the project and deliverables?
  4. Values: How are goals and values ​​always guaranteed? Understanding this will help project participants set different expectations (and help you hold team members accountable for their tasks).
  5. Complexity and scale: How complex or simple is this project?
  6. Flexibility: How flexible or rigid is this project and the ultimate goals, processes, deliverables, and expectations of the team or stakeholders?
  7. Project types and industries: Some methodologies will work best for certain industries and types of projects, such as highly innovative projects or product development sprints.
  8. Teamwork: Consider their team size, diversity, flexibility, personal experience and expertise or strengths and weaknesses, and their ability to collaborate and communicate when choosing a method.

Which project management method is good for you?

 

As the need for management is increasing day by day, methodologies appear as salvation for different needs. One too many different methods can be applied to the project or only one method is needed to manage the project. How much is not important, but suitable for the new project is important.

 

An effective methodology should be accompanied by an appropriate management tool

Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

 

Since every project is so different, there are many project management approaches to choose, from to support the different needs of projects and teams. There are so many methodologies that new ones might be in development while you’re reading this!

 

Some popular project management methodologies and the ones that best suit them

 

There are currently 6 very popular methodologies, with different functions, applied in many different large and small projects, creating a variety of “libraries” of project management methods.

 

1. Agile: Sprints enable flexible, fast, and short-lived collaboration

2. Scrum: Continuous and rapid development projects

3. Kanban: Visualize task progress for participating teams Date

4. Lean: Lean manufacturing or production saving is one of the modern management methods to streamline production. So, reduce waste in business, increase business efficiency

5. Waterfall: Apply Used for large-scale, end-goal-focused projects of a fixed nature

6. Hybrid: Use for flexible and fast-paced projects with structured plans

 

A good methodology needs to have a suitable management tool

 

Yes, a problem will be solved correctly when we apply the right formula to it. Project management is the same, to develop and ensure a successful project, good methods need an appropriate management tool. There are many tools on the market such as Trello, Jira, Basecamp, … used for management, each tool will have its advantages and disadvantages.

See more at Top 5 effective project management platforms

 

Emerging from among the thousands of project management applications. UpDiagram is like a breath of new wind blowing the winds of technology, convenience, low cost, many incentives. And no cost gold special functions such as:

 

– Diversity data fields: images, text, lists, checkbox, date, schedule, until the formula to calculate

– Email and an in-app notification for project activities

– Decentralization, assign tasks, and manage members

– Track activity history

– Import data from projects available from Trello, Assembla, JiraExcel,…

– Integrate other applications such as Microsoft team, Slack, Rocket, Zalo,…

Read more about greatness at UpDiagram – a tool that brings great experiences to users

 

For expert advice, leave an email with UpDiagram, or reach out to our dedicated support team at support@updiagram.com. We will be with you every step of the way.

Team Effectiveness Models for good leaders to motivate their team

Team Effectiveness Models for good leaders to motivate their team

When it comes to the influence and role of a manager or leader, understanding and capturing the team’s mentality is one of the most important factors. Understanding a member can be easy in some cases. However, understanding all the problems or what’s going on in the team is a big barrier. Therefore, team effectiveness models were born to help leaders actively manage and understand how the team works and what you can do for the team. So what are those models that can help understand the team and improve work performance?

 Team Effectiveness Models for good leaders to motivate their team

Team Effectiveness Models

Team effectiveness models are frameworks that help leaders understand the psychology and problems of team management. Thereby, leaders can also apply on a larger scale such as organizations and joint systems to improve management efficiency not only for the team but also for the whole business. When you apply models effectively, you are provided with insight into what everyone on the team needs, how to fix problems, and how to work together. Indeed, the fact that leaders quickly know where the risks or problems will shorten the process of operating and developing effective teams without spending too much effort.

 

Because no model is perfect, there are four different basic models that serve different purposes for a business or team. Depending on the specific needs and characteristics of each team, there will be a choice of solutions and corresponding models.

 

Team effectiveness models are also considered effective tools for leaders because they provide objective perspectives. Indeed, you will not be placed in a particular situation, because in reality there are always variables. Instead, models provide frameworks based on existing evidence to help leaders understand and think logically depending on different situations. Thereby, you will be flexible and customized to different situations without being surprised by the variables in the management process.

 

So, let start to learn which these Team effectiveness models are and how to apply them to your team.

 

The Lencioni Model

Lencioni model basically is the solution to focus on looking for what has a detrimental impact on the team effectiveness. Mostly, people tend to think of the element to make team better and more effective, but this is not the priority for this one. With the Lenocioni model, there are five elements called “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”.

 

– Absence of trust:

Trust plays a significant role to collaborate and connect all members together. If someone does not trust others, they tend to isolate themself or avoid communicating or asking for help when troubles happen. It may take more time for both individuals and teams to solve the problem when your work is overdue.

 

– Fear of conflict:

Negative conflict is an element to destroy a team. However, a positive or healthy one is believed to enhance productivity and performance. In other words, every member has the potential and ideas to complete their work. the healthy conflict leads all members to feel free to share their opinions and contribute to general success.

 

– Lack of commitment:

Commitment makes teams work harder and better. When you commit with yourself to what you have to do and complete in a period of time, you have an incentive to try your best. If you commit to doing good work, this brings your team up to better performance and commitment as well.

 

– Avoidance of accountability:

Working with high responsibility and ownership leads to a high quality of work. Work for yourself mostly take your full potential and effort. If you have high ownership and the mindset of working with accountability, you can be done the task with extraordinary performance.

 

– Inattention to results:

Have a goal and transparency of a goal is critical. Make sure your team understands what we are looking for and what is the expected goals so that all members will have the same vision and orientation to achieve the final results.

 

The Lencioni model is built as a waterfall or a pyramid. To solve the problems, you have to go through every step. To clarify, you have to address the Absence of Trust before thinking of tackle the Fear of Conflict. In fact, how can we discuss a healthy conflict while everyone in your team does not trust you or others? And if you cannot handle the Fear of Conflict, you are not able to catch up solution for Commitment. No one wants to share ideas or contribute to the work which directly affects your work, so your members don’t want to commit to the work with high effort and performance. Thanks to Lencioni model, It is believed that you can comprehend what is not working while you manage your team and where you should pay attention to solve the issues.

 

Tuckman’s Team Development Model

Tuckman’s Team development model which is developed by Bruce Tuckman split out an effective team into 4 stages:

 

   – Forming:

This is the very first stage when your team members have just been together. They are learning, adapting and getting on with every member. In this stage, it is understandable that most members and leaders concern about the ability, competence, expertise and success of their team.

 

   – Storming:

Storming is a stage that happened when members know each other better and they have an adjustment on every member. Now, they start to have a conflict on power struggles and how teamwork. Even worse, you, as a leader, can be a target in this stage to estimate and judge your power and ability in a team. If you are not able to overcome or prove yourself, everything could go wrong.

 

   – Norming:

As its name of the stage, everyone now has been together for a while and they understand each other about their ability, skills, personality and so on. They may feel happy and relax when working with this team. There are willing to support or ask for help from anyone. All conversation now is happening naturally and friendly. In fact, if this stage occurs early, your team can reach very high work performance and members’ satisfaction. No one can do best if they are unhappy with their team and their work.

 

   – Performing:

This could be considered as the final stage where every member understands and trust each other. The leader knows all followers’ ability and their behavior of work style for the whole team and vice versa. For now, they can 100% concentrate on work and productivity without any suspicions and concerns. In other words, your team is a union.

 

When a team is formed, they have to go through these stages to stick with everyone in the team to understand. If the trust is stable, their power and potential will be exploited. Not only followers, leaders also become more mature through each stage. On the contrary, one thing to remember is that every stage can happen any time even though you are at Performing. No one will be with your team forever and what if there is a new member joining your team? Be always ready for this.

 

The GRPI Model

GRPI model was developed by Richard Beckhard in the 1970s with 4 components to judge your team effectiveness.

 

– Goals:

Before doing something, a clear goal is crucial for every team member to understand and know what they are doing and what they want to achieve.

 

– Role:

When they comprehend the goals, the members have to know the role of each one. They need to know who is the leader of their team. Also, they should be clear with their role and responsibilities in a team, so that they can be active to contribute and commit to their work.

 

– Process:

Process is a priority for this model because this helps leaders and followers easy to follow and manage. The general process makes all things clear and transparent.

 

– Interpersonal Relationships:

This component is similar and common as any business culture or model. The relationship has always been the key element to reach success.  Trust, respect and communication are important in a team in order to connect and empower all full potential members and leaders.

 

GRPI is quite the same as Lencioni while you have to go through every step to solve the problems. During the whole management process, leaders can see the root cause that impacts your team’s effectiveness.

 

The T7 Model

The turning point of T7 is to focus on the 7 elements that impact on team’s capabilities and effectiveness:

 

– Thrust:

The goals and purpose of the work shared with teams inspire the team to reach high motivation and incentives.

 

– Trust:

Leaders and followers have to trust each other to work as a team and achieve the goals as a companion.

 

– Talent:

Every member has their own talents, skills and competence to contribute to a team.

 

– Team Skills:

Collaboration, cooperation and teamwork. Everyone has their own power and potential but together we are perfect.

 

– Task Skills:

The ability to handle any kind and any size of tasks.

 

– Team Leader Fit:

The leader who has a working style as a team and thinks for a team before thinking for their benefits has a positive influence on team effectiveness. Because they can get trust and respect from their followers. Working with that kind of leader is a considerable inspiration for the team to do their best work.

 

– Team Support Within The Organization:

The organization plays a role to support the effectiveness of a team because of resources and other elements that the organization can provide to pave the way for their best work.

 

T7 Model requires all seven components to manage a team better. If there is any missing of these components when managing, issues can not be inevitable.

 

Conclusion

The 4 Team effective models above are a framework for you so as to comprehend and manage your team better. Nothing is perfect so you have to be flexible to apply those to your team. Additionally, you need to be patient and stable with your choice. You cannot improve your team performance and working style better after one day.

“Whisper” of terms for project management newbies

“Whispered” project management terms newbies should know

Not too strange for project managers. They are smart and ready to manage projects, budgets, resources, and teams at a scale big. Your career will be extremely brilliant as a professional project manager, fame is waiting for you very shortly. But first, you should prepare yourself with the skills to participate in this game, and the most important skill that should be considered is communication skills. Specialized project management terms or words, as well as terminology, will be the highlight of the communication, it shows your professional level and ability to understand the management industry.

 “Whisper” of terms for project management newbies

Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

If you want to know the secret of the terms, then check out the article below, it is for you.

See more about communication skills at Communication skills, and secrets to success of companies

 

How is Project Management understood?

 

Project management is the care, observation, and application of strategies, skills, and tools to achieve a specific goal that the project aims to achieve.

 

Almost every project will be first nurtured with ideas, for example, after conception and planning, organization and implementation will take place, with the process of measuring, tracking to complete. and achieve ultimate success. The whole process above is referred to as project management. If we understand, then we can look at the basic project management terms.

See more about professional project management at  Is it really difficult to manage projects professionally?

Basic terms you should know

– About the methodology:

1. Agile

Agile is a working methodology designed to adapt to rapid changes. Teams are often small and work in short sprints without lengthy processes or blocking measures to slow them down.

 

2. Scrum

Like agile project management, fast-paced, fast-paced Scrum is an approach to work. Small teams often focus on the ongoing development of assigned project deliverables, while a leader works to remove impediments.

 

3. Sprints

In Scrums and agile project management, teams work in a continuous development cycle of short sprints. Sprint is a predefined period to complete a cycle, iteration, or task in a project.

 

4. Waterfall

Unlike Agile project planning, the traditional Waterfall method works sequentially through clearly established project phases and is often used in large-scale, permanent projects.

 

5. Critical Path Method (CPM)

The critical path method, or CPM, is a modeling technique to schedule a project step by step. It is an algorithm based on the amount of time each task and helps determine the task order and progress for the entire project.

 

6. Slack

Slack (or float) is the maximum amount of time a task can be delayed until it affects the progress of the project. Tasks with no delay are important to finish ahead of others with more flexibility.

 

7. Scope

The scope is an outline of the boundaries of all aspects of a project and includes budget, timeline, deliverables, tasks, expectations, etc.

 

8. Bottleneck 

A bottleneck that narrows and limits the flow, speed, and capacity of a project. This could mean that stakeholders have too many deliverables to approve, or processes may be overwhelmed.

 

9. PERT Chart

PERT, short for program evaluation and review technique, is a project management tool used to easily organize tasks and timelines.

 

10. RACI Chart

RACI stands for responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed. This chart is a way to assign roles and responsibilities to stakeholders and team members for project activities.

 

11. SWOT Analysis

SWOT stands for English 4 from Strengths(Strengths) Weaknesses (weakness), Opportunities (Opportunities), and Threats(Challenge). Project managers analyze these key factors for projects to better understand potential risks and opportunities.

 

12. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

This is an easy-to-understand and organized analysis of a project into hierarchical sections and the tasks in each section.

 

13. Work In Progress – Work In Progress (WIP) 

WIP is pre-approved work (or labor, materials, and other project costs) that has not been invoiced but completed or has been completed. partially completed. In task management, that means the task is currently being worked on and will be delivered soon.

 

– About Management 

1. Earned Value Management (EVM) 

Earned Value Management, or EVM, is an important way to measure project performance and progress. It is calculated based on the scope, duration, and cost of the project.

 

2. Issue Management – Problem Management 

Problem management is a way to view and solve problems. This can be done in steps that include: scanning for problems, identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing, strategizing, responding to issues, and tracking results.

 

3. Change Management  

That is a way of managing and controlling changes in an organization, team, or project. This method aims to maintain control and efficiency as changes are made.

 

4. Project Constraints 

Project Constraint is any factor that can limit the success of a project such as issues of risk, scope, time, budget, and quality.

 

5. Projects life cycle

Those are the stages a project goes through from inception to planning, implementation, and completion.

 

6. Project Management Software

Similar to a project management dashboard, this software is used for all aspects of project management from planning and resource allocation to communication between stakeholders and team members.

 

7. Project Manager

The person in charge of all aspects related to the planning, initiation, implementation, completion, and outcome of a particular project.

 

8. Project Plan 

Project plan A Plan is an approved document created before a project is implemented that includes the scope, duration, and cost of a project and plays a role as a guide throughout.

 

9. Quality Control

Quality is a standardized way of ensuring that a product, service, or project meets the quality expectations of an organization and its customers.

 

10. Task

Task management The process of managing all aspects of tasks in a project, from overseeing teams working on specific line items to organizing the details and progress of tasks individually.

 

11. Risk management

This is the process of finding, identifying, assessing, responding to, and managing risks that may affect the project. Risks can range from service interruptions to resource reallocation.

 

12. Risk 

Mitigation Risk mitigation is a strategy in which the probability of risk or its impact. The project is minimized by taking certain precautions depending on the type of risk.

 

13. Risk owner Risk 

The owner is the person responsible for risk management and mitigation.

 

14. UpDigaram

This is an extremely necessary tool for those who are just getting into project management, with features that are extremely suitable for professional management desires.

 

– And a few more terms 

1. Backlog Backlog

A backlog is a complete list of tasks that make up the entire project scope. The tasks or assignments in a backlog are sort and execute in order of priority.

 

2. A baseline

A baseline is an initial plan or estimate for a project’s progress, budget, scope, and goals. It is an important tracking tool for comparing progress and making adjustments.

 

3. Blocker 

Literally blocking or slowing down the path forward, and must be predicted and eliminated ahead of time, and so, the obstacles of this project ranged from technological complexity to budget constraints.

 

4. Brainstorming 

This is a tool for coming up with creative ideas and solutions. Brainstorming sessions follow a variety of techniques, but the key is to gather a variety of ideas and find the best one within them.

 

5. Budget 

Budget is the total estimated cost to complete a project. So, project costs should be calculated as the sum of the parts and include the phases, project tasks, operating costs, labor, and required tools or services.

 

6. Case Study

Case Study is a resource that delves into use cases and different approaches to project management. So, they are often research-based studies that help with one aspect of the decision-making process.

 

7. Contingency Plan 

Viewed as a detailed emergency contingency plan for how to effectively manage any short and long-term disruption or disaster that may arise throughout the project.

 

8. Dashboard 

A digital tool for better project, team, and task management. They are a centralized hub of organized information, team members, and online communication, and often feature visual tools such as analytics.

 

9. Deliverables

All projects have one or more deliverables, which results in delivery during or at the end of a project. These outputs are products and/or services, such as reports, service updates, marketing materials, or merchandise.

 

10. Fast Tracking

As a way to speed up a project and shorten the time it takes to deliver, this is usually done by performing multiple tasks at once or eliminating tasks. unnecessary.

 

11. Gantt Chart

A Gantt Chart is a bar chart for planning project tasks that measure (on the Y-axis) against time (on the X-axis). This is a great way to see how long each task will take throughout the project and track progress.

 

12. Kickoff Meeting

The first meeting at the start of a project with stakeholders and team members.

 

13. Meeting Minutes

The notes taken during the meeting usually include the main content and next steps.

 

14. Milestone

Key points across the project timeline use as markers to celebrate and measure progress.

 

15. Mission Critical 

Mission Critical can refer to any factor that is critical to the success of a project or the actual project that is important to the success of an organization.

 

16. Procurement 

Procurement means the acquisition of goods, services and/or supplies. For projects, this means putting together everything needed to complete a project.

 

17. Reports 

In project management is a visual way to check the status, progress, or results of a project. So, it is typically implement throughout the life of a project and helps manage expectations and compare results against a baseline.

 

18. Resource allocation 

The act of recognizing and assigning the best available resources (usually within budget) to a particular project.

 

19. Resource

Anything or anyone needed to complete a project or task. This can range from talent (people), for instance, finance, time, services, and tools.

 

20. Scope Creep

Scope creep occurs when the scope of a project expands uncontrollably and begins to lose time and resources from other allocations.

 

21. Stakeholders 

Any person, group, or organization that may affect by the outcome or aspect of the project may need to review or consulted throughout.

 

22. Status Report

A report that summarizes the project’s progress to date and is based on the original project plan.

 

23. Timeline

A breakdown of all tasks and activities in a particular project arrange chronologically with start and end dates.

 

24. Cases

Use cases are all ways in which an end-user can use a product or service and can be helpful to understand the scope and requirements of the project.

 

These are the basic terms of the project management industry group, the wording is always innovative, so there may be new updates on the word. But if you know these words well, you won’t outdate.

Contact support@updiagram.com for assistance. We are with you every step of the way.

Construction

Platform for Construction Contract management

In all industries, a contract is always a binding element for the common interests and interests of both parties. This helps both sides reach the desired agreement and not break the rules and cooperation relationship. However, large companies require a lot of paperwork and contracts for many different projects such as the construction or real estate industry, the need for a work and contract management application is very important.

 Construction

Difficulties and Barriers when managing construction contracts

 

Difficulties and barriers are inevitable in the way Construction Contract management. As mentioned above, the construction industry often requires a lot of paperwork with the same project. Therefore, the manager will find it difficult to understand the contract progress and update the work proactively so as not to affect the progress. In addition, contracts depend on many stakeholders. If not managed well, disputes between the parties can take place and affect the whole project. Therefore, in the process of managing and implementing the steps of drafting or signing a contract, it is necessary to pay attention to the following good factors:

 

– Pay attention to the legality of the contract

 

A contract will always be more valuable and beneficial to both parties if its legality is guaranteed. The best way not to fall into the situation of lacking the necessary legal elements for a contract, businesses should have professional legal teams to help draft contract content. Thereby, this helps businesses minimize unnecessary risks. For Startups, SMEs or inexperienced businesses, it is advisable to accept a fee from the legal department. That will help reduce a part of the burden and also ensure a good source of income for the business.

 

– Smart and proactive division of work

 

Besides the legal issue, there are different elements and work requirements that need to be done in the case management institute. Therefore, the manager needs to understand the competence and the role of each member to be able to allocate work to the right person. Thereby, the work is not overlapped or concentrated on one individual to perform. Instead, each person doing the right job with expertise helps achieve quick results and saves a lot of time and effort. A project has many phases, and the division of who will be responsible for which work (drafting, negotiating, signing, handing over and liquidating contracts) also helps managers easily capture information.

 

– Contract storage and management

 

Each project will have separate contracts and contract status will also vary with each phase. Specifically, the contract of project A is in the waiting period, while the contract of project B needs to be extended. Then, the scientific management and arrangement will help managers easily classify, track progress and take the right actions for each project and contract.

 

Read more: ​​How to manage real estate project effectively

 

Multi-purpose software for project management and construction and real estate contracts – UpDiagram

 

Understanding the needs and problems that businesses are facing, UpDiagram was born with the desire to be a companion with businesses to solve difficulties and meet the needs of the job. UpDiagram is a multi-purpose project management tool. help businesses manage construction contracts, or even projects, manage costs and personnel. All in a single platform.

 

 Construction contract management platform for streamlined operations

1. Manage and keep track of the progress of Construction Contract management

 

UpDiagram’s views are diverse from Grid, Kanban, to Calendar to help businesses manage many tasks at the same time for many different purposes. In particular, the Grid view provides a visual perspective when showing all jobs and contract status on a single view.

 

Construction contract status when completed can be changed and the system will immediately notify the manager immediately.

 

2. Task assignment

 

Managers can assign specific tasks to each member. Members can also capture assigned work quickly. At the same time, everyone also knows who will accept the stages and stages of the contract to actively support or request support.

 

3. Permissions and security

 

In addition, project managers proactively decentralize rights and roles to keep construction contract information secure. Specifically, Marketing sales staff will not be able to join and access contract documents of sales team and partners. This ensures the confidentiality of the contract.

 

4. Storage and management

 

UpDiagram allows unlimited creation and storage of different projects. As a result, the management of many projects and many different contracts at the same time without fear of missing necessary information. With just one interface and one platform, it’s all at your fingertips.

 

5. Cost savings

 

UpDiagram currently has a discount program for businesses when it only costs $1/person/month for the Pro package. More specifically, for construction or real estate businesses, UpDiagram has a Partnership program. The program allows businesses to receive benefits.

 

– No cost for Partner Program

– No need to care about pricing plans. In other words, partners use free of existing functionality

– Get offers support, 24/7 customer care, training, and provides specific solutions for each field

– To experience the real products and services Latest From UpDiagram

– Contribute and propose to request specific functions for the partner’s own business

– Experience and use the functions required by the partner/business

 

UpDiagram is not only a tool but also a practical solution to simplify management processes while ensuring maximum work performance. The application is completely suitable for remote management for businesses from Startups, SMEs or even multinational companies because of the flexibility and continuous improvement of UpDiagram’s system and development team.

 

Read more: Enjoy the Benefits of Partnering with UpDiagram

Contact us to get special offers and join UpDiagram’s Partner program.

Construction management secrets, effective "assistants" in the digital era

Construction management “assistants” in the digital era

Construction is a typical profession with extremely complex requirements for expertise, which can generate many projects different bidding projects, requiring management enterprises to pay special attention to project management and operation to optimize costs and resources for businesses.

 Construction management secrets, effective "assistants" in the digital era

Photo by Scott Blake on Unsplash

 

Manual management requires a lot of paper and space. But with the continuous development of technology, management software for construction businesses was born and is considered the optimal solution that any construction business should have. Because it is quite new, it will be difficult to use and learn, but don’t worry the article below will make it clear.

 

What is management software? What is management software when used in construction?

 

The name says it all, this software is used for management, it will solve the problems of personnel, work,… instead of having to spend a lot of paperwork, dozens of neurons to remember things work, then with management software it will be completely solved. More specifically with construction management software, the management of materials, labor, progress, and construction time,… are all encapsulated on one device screen.

 

The benefits that management software will bring to you

 

Surely the support software must bring benefits to the user. The arising in the process of receiving and executing many works, design and construction projects, … will be solved when we know construction management software, namely:

 

– Overall data management: update, store and preserve all information from customers, employees to related parties. Help you manage construction contracts effectively.

 

– Management of the construction process: Using construction management software, you can track the working process, the work progress of the project easily.

 

– Labor management: Instead of managing workers according to the traditional method through books, timekeepers are prone to data loss, inaccurate timekeeping will lead to inefficient salary calculation.

 

– Detailed project management: Construction management software helps you set up specific information about each specific project in the whole project.

 

– Manage inventory of supplies and equipment: You can monitor and ensure the efficiency of the use of supplies is clear and fast.

 

Some software for construction management that you should be interested in

There are many management software for projects in general and construction in particular.

 

1. UpDiagram

 

With UpDiagram, managers can comfortably participate in managing many construction projects at the same time, it also allows tracking the actual progress of each project and project. Notably, with work view modes: kanban, grid, calendar, and mindmap, it is easy to control tasks and task execution time. Work will be allocated to the right personnel and departments through the personnel assignment feature on the system.

 

work view

Work view 

 

Management of tasks and tasks is very easy: 

 

– Number of members for the project 20 free versions (with unlimited support for the trial package)

– Diverse work view modes (Kanban, Grid, Calendar, Mindmap)

– Various data fields: images, text, lists, checkboxes, dates, progress, to calculation formulas

– Import data from projects available from Trello, Assembla, Jira, Excel,…

– Integration with other applications such as Microsoft Team, Slack, Rocket, Zalo,…

– Delegating, assigning tasks, and managing members

– Internal environment settings

– Table creation function to integrate multiple data tables into one project, for example, integrating a list of materials, workers, … in a common project that is an apartment construction project

 

Time management of the project will no longer be a worry:

 

– Email and Print- app notification for project

– Activities track of activity history

– Integrated active directory

 

2. Office

 

A software with modernity with cloud computing technology, helping businesses easily synchronize data and secure information. Not only that, but it also helps contractors manage project progress, allocate resources,… 1Office is a reliable software.

 

3. Procore

 

Procore helps standardize the construction process, it will no longer be too difficult for contractors. Usability is also extremely diverse and simple, it also has special functions of linking via a mobile application, and simple arrangement of construction management projects.

 

4. PlanGrid

 

PlanGrid provides construction businesses with useful tools to meet all of their construction management needs. With intelligence and convenience, the application has an intuitively designed interface, helping to control schedules and costs

 

The above are the reasons why you should have convenient management software for yourself, optimize the management process and especially improve management efficiency. Diverse with many options, but consider options with many optimal features like UpDiagram.

 

For expert advice, leave an email with UpDiagram, or reach out to our dedicated support team at support@updiagram.com. We will be with you every step of the way.