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.

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 […]

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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

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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

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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

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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

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How to Close an IT Project Properly

How to Close an IT Project Properly

The closing phase of an IT project is more than a final formality—it’s a critical stage that determines how value is captured, lessons are retained, and success is measured. Poor project closure can leave technical debt, unresolved issues, and missed opportunities for improvement. In contrast, a structured and thoughtful closure process can enhance organizational learning

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A Project Must Be Predictable

A Project Must Be Predictable

We’ve already discussed the importance of predictability in project execution, especially when it comes to the commitments made by project team members to key stakeholders (we’ll use this term to refer to all interested parties for simplicity). This topic ties directly into the broader questions: “What constitutes a project failure? Why do projects fail?” According to

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How to Choose aN Information Project Management System

How to Choose a Project Management Information System

In project-driven organizations, choosing the right project management software is one of the most important decisions a leader can make. A well-selected Project Management Information System (PMIS) should support the team’s workflows and enhance the overall effectiveness of project execution. To make an informed decision, organizations should evaluate the software based on four key categories:

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