The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a project management technique that identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks required to complete a project. This sequence determines the minimum time needed for project completion—delay any task on the critical path, and you delay the entire project. Developed in the late 1950s to address increased costs from inefficient scheduling, CPM has become essential for planning complex projects, prioritizing tasks, and managing realistic t

Nowadays, the roles and skills of project managers have become increasingly complex. A project manager must possess the skills to navigate around teams, building connections that empower project execution. Building effective project teams isn't just about assembling the right skills—it's about creating an environment where people can collaborate, adapt, and deliver results together. Here's how to approach team formation and development with practical, human-centered strategie

Every skilled professional needs the right tools. Surgeons have their instruments, mechanics have their wrenches, and project managers have their toolbox—but unlike physical tools, a project manager's toolbox contains templates, frameworks, and structured approaches that transform chaotic initiatives into organized successes. What is the Project Manager's Toolbox? The Project Manager's Toolbox is a curated collection of ready-to-use templates, checklists, and frameworks that

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of project scope into smaller, manageable components. Think of it as taking a large, complex project and breaking it down into bite-sized pieces that teams can actually understand, estimate, and execute. Understanding WBS At its core, a WBS answers the question: "What work needs to be done?" It organizes the total scope of the project into deliverable-oriented groupings, starting from the overall project objecti

Has memorizing the PMBOK ever helped you navigate a difficult stakeholder conversation or recover a project falling behind schedule? The Center of Applied Project Management uses case writing as a fundamentally different evaluation approach—one that proves you can actually do the work, not just recognise the right answer. What is Case Writing? Case writing is a detailed written submission where you document and analyze an actual project you've managed or contributed to signif

When people think of project management, they picture Gantt charts, status reports, and deadline tracking. But that's just the tip of the iceberg—literally. The visible 10% of project management is what everyone sees and measures. The real work, the 90% that determines whether projects truly succeed or fail, happens beneath the surface where few people look. What People See: The Visible 10% Above the Waterline: Charts and plans Status reports Meeting schedules Project managem

Effective communication is essential for navigating challenging client interactions. Behind every budget overrun, missed deadline, scope change, or unrealistic expectation, there is a difficult conversation that follows. This is an inevitable part of project management that can create tension and potentially derail the entire project. Successful project managers don't avoid these conversations; they handle them with strategic communication that preserves relationships while

The biggest challenge in project management is finding a tool that has everything. However, choosing the right project management tool...

Many projects end in oblivion rather than with a bang. Stakeholders often lose their initial enthusiasm, shifting their focus to new...

Human beings thrive on social connections—from early morning coffee chats to late-night goodbyes, connection and communication get us...

The Certified Project Officer (CPO) certification is Center of Applied PM's foundation-level credential designed for professionals taking...

Learning project management while juggling work and family commitments can feel isolating and overwhelming. This is where the Center of...

The future of project management is accelerating at a pace never seen before. Adapting is no longer just an advantage—it's a necessity. Here’s a deep look at how project management is evolving and how to thrive in this rapidly transforming field. Project Management from a New Lens In the past, project management focused on processes, predictable resources, and delivering set outcomes through well-defined systems. Now, uncertainty is central. Modern project managers steer dis

For decades, the Project Management Institute (PMI) has set the standard for professional credentials, with the PMP (Project Management...

Tired of memorizing project management acronyms only to forget them after the exam? Fed up with certifications that test theoretical...

India's project management landscape is about to experience a significant transformation.  With billions invested in infrastructure,...

The biggest challenge in project management is finding a project management tool that has everything – from onboarding team members onto...

Your project is going well. The deliverables are getting executed on time and your client is appreciating the work that is getting done....

Did you know? About 52% of project failures are directly linked to poor scope management, making clear project scope your strongest...

Why it matters A project charter is your project's foundation, guiding light, and official green light all rolled into one. It's the key...