Don Sutherland

Don Sutherland is a veteran project manager with over 30 years of experience leading large-scale projects in the industrial, energy, and oil sectors. His career includes a decade of service at NASA, where he managed complex, high-stakes engineering initiatives with cross-disciplinary teams. Don brings deep expertise in risk management, systems integration, and project execution under extreme conditions. His practical, no-nonsense approach to project management is grounded in decades of real-world experience. Don is also a regular contributor to forpm.net, where he shares hard-earned lessons and insights for professionals managing mission-critical projects.

The CPMS Trap: When Tools Replace Thinking

The CPMS Trap: When Tools Replace Thinking

When the Tool Runs the Project It was 2014. We had just rolled out a shiny new Corporate Project Management System (CPMS) that promised seamless integration, real-time dashboards, and automatic compliance tracking. My CIO called it a “game changer.” Three months later, we were behind on every strategic project, project managers were chasing drop-down menus […]

The CPMS Trap: When Tools Replace Thinking Read More »

Planning Projects with Asana

Planning Projects with Asana

When it comes to intuitive, modern project management software, Asana is often at the top of the list. Loved by startups, agencies, and enterprise teams alike, Asana combines task management, team collaboration, and project visibility in one clean interface. But while it’s easy to get started with Asana, truly planning and executing a project in it requires

Planning Projects with Asana Read More »

Change management

Change Management: A Project Within the Project

Change is one of the most dangerous aspects of any project. Simply analyzing and evaluating changes can consume a great deal of time and effort. Not every problem reported requires immediate changes, analysis, or especially implementation. That’s why change management should be treated as a mini-project within the project. For a project manager, maintaining focus on

Change Management: A Project Within the Project Read More »

Functions and Processes of Project Management

Functions and Processes of Project Management

Project management processes are carried out throughout the entire lifecycle of a project through both direct and feedback connections between the managers and the components being managed. These interactions are made possible by key management functions. This classification provides the foundation for understanding project management theory. Let’s explore the primary processes in more detail. Project

Functions and Processes of Project Management Read More »

Project Structure

Project Structure

A well-defined project structure is fundamental to effective project management. It delineates the essential components and relationships within a project, facilitating clear communication, efficient resource allocation, and successful execution. Understanding Project Structure Project Structure refers to the organized framework that outlines the key elements of a project and their interrelationships. It serves as a blueprint for

Project Structure Read More »

Project Charter Best Practices

Project Charter Best Practices

A well-crafted project charter is essential for setting the foundation of a successful project. It formally authorizes the project, outlines objectives, and delineates roles and responsibilities. Adhering to best practices in creating a project charter ensures clarity, alignment, and a shared understanding among stakeholders. 1. Understand the Purpose of a Project Charter A project charter

Project Charter Best Practices Read More »

5 Questions Every Project Manager Must Ask Themselves—Before the Project Asks First

5 Questions Every Project Manager Must Ask Themselves—Before the Project Asks First

The Silence Before the Storm It’s the quiet moments that get you. The day before kickoff. The night after the first board review. That long weekend when the vendor hasn’t delivered, and no one’s answering emails. In those moments, I’ve learned to ask myself a few hard questions. Not because I enjoy self-flagellation. But because

5 Questions Every Project Manager Must Ask Themselves—Before the Project Asks First Read More »

Project Management Information Systems

Project Management Information Systems: The Backbone of Enterprise Execution

In today’s business environment, project management is more than just a trend — it is a critical capability. Modern enterprises must move beyond managing isolated projects and evolve toward a unified, enterprise-wide project management system. This means seamlessly integrating all types of projects, from office expansions to international initiatives, into one strategic framework. From Fragmentation

Project Management Information Systems: The Backbone of Enterprise Execution Read More »

Why Your Gantt Chart Won’t Save You in a Crisis

Why Your Gantt Chart Won’t Save You in a Crisis

In 1998, I was overseeing the construction phase of a pipeline extension project in the North Sea. Everything was on track — literally. Our Gantt chart was flawless. Dependencies, milestones, resource allocations — all buttoned up. Until a rogue weather system shut down offshore operations for six weeks. That was the moment I stopped believing

Why Your Gantt Chart Won’t Save You in a Crisis Read More »