5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas
Episodes
What we can learn from honesty with the Caltech Honor Code
11 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo discusses a surprising tradition of one of the most respected educational institutions in the world, the Caltech (Californian...
Understanding the Futures Wheel Tool
20 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo presents a simple visual tool to explore and understand future scenarios. The Futures Wheel is a form of a mind map that asso...
Is the Project Manager Responsible for All the Work in the Project?
15 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the responsibility of the work project in coordinating the multidisciplinary work of the project. He also discusses...
Why is the Fear of Change So Relevant?
04 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about one of the biggest obstacles to any transformation initiative: the fear of change. Fear is one of the fundamental...
Welcome to 2019: Technology, Volatility and other trends around the corner of our lives
18 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In the first episode of the year, Ricardo approaches the main trends he sees for 2019. This time he talks about his impressions about exponential tech...
5 Tips to plan and execute projects in chaotic environments: Understanding the concept of Antifragility
07 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo addresses the current challenge of planning and executing projects in chaotic environments. He uses some of the concepts pres...
People Manifesto: Revisiting our Concepts of Leadership, Collaboration, Culture and Self Interest
05 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the work done by the Brightline Initiative and its partners to address one of the greatest assets for organizationa...
Generalization x Detailing: The good, the bad and the ugly
16 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of more detailed planning versus more generic and agile planning....
What is VUCA and Why it is so Relevant in Today's Work Environment
18 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains what VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity) is and what its implications for the current environment....
Regardless of Everything: Self-Esteem and Self-Respect Determine your Success
20 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
About a year ago, Ricardo was approached by a young project manager whose appearance did not reveal his age. Physically he seemed much younger than hi...
You Must Get Your Most Talented Employees out of their Cocoons
13 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo discusses his recently published article on human behavior in the face of change and how safety nets need to be replaced by r...
Understanding Positive Psychology in Projects
18 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about a concept of psychology that seeks to address professional (and life) challenges by reinforcing the positive aspe...
Urgency and Trend: Two Additional Dimensions in Risk Assessment
29 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about two additional dimensions in risk assessment, going beyond traditional probability and impact. He gives examples ...
I'm in Panic: My Project's End is Near
19 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the drama that many project managers feel when the end of the project approaches: the fear of the future and the co...
Reflections on TED2018 in Vancouver
10 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo shares his impressions on TED2018, an event held in April this year Vancouver, Canada. He talks about what struck him in each...
What is Design for X (DfX)?
12 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains a very important concept on product design called Design for X (DfX). Fundamentally, design can be driven by several...
Why Ethics Matter?
05 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo returns to talk about the concept of ethics among the project environment and recommends the work of the Project Management I...
The best way to read the PMBOK® Guide
31 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains how to read the PMBOK® Guide 6th edition in a more productive way, so you can better understand the project managem...
If you want to succeed with your projects you need to embrace diversity
17 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo goes back one more time to the diversity topic. After all the news around sexual harassment and all sorts of people’s discr...
Programs, Projects, and Work Packages: A practical example
08 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo discusses how you can decompose a program into the respective projects and their components. He uses the example of a Course ...
3+1 Tips to Prepare yourself for 2018
02 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Ricardo starts 2018 sharing some tips on how to prepare yourself for the year that is coming. He approaches the need to stay tuned with the technology...
The New PMBOK® Guide 6th Edition – Part 2 of 2
15 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about the 6th edition of the PMBOK® Guide and more specifically addresses the changes in the knowledge are...
The New PMBOK® Guide 6th Edition – Part 1 of 2
10 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, 1 of 2, Ricardo talks about the sixth edition of the PMBOK® Guide, which is the most popular reference on project management. Ricar...
Think about how to connect your strategy design with your ability to deliver – or pay the price
03 Oct 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the relevance of understanding what underlines the implementation of a strategy. Creating a transformation strate...
Directly from TEDGLOBAL 2017 in Arusha – Tanzania
29 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo presents the highlights of the TED Global 2017 conference in Arusha, Tanzania. He comments on some of the presentations whose...
Understanding the Impact of Different Currencies in your Project
16 Aug 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the challenges faced in projects when there are resources whose costs are in foreign currencies. You will underst...
Decision Making Using the OODA Loop
31 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the concept of the OODA loop. The phrase refers to the decision cycle of Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act, develo...
Does it Really Matter Where You Document the Assumptions and Constraints?
10 Jul 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo starts speaking if the assumptions and constraints should be documented in the Scope Statement or the Project Charter. Then, ...
All you need to Know to become an Expert in the “New” Methodology “GO HORSE” :)
22 Jun 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the Go Horse Process, a “new” paradigm in project management methodologies. :)
Understanding the Fear of the New (Neophobia)
28 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about neophobia, or the fear of the new, a natural feeling that afflicts project managers, even those with great experi...
How to Bring Your Project Back on Track
21 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo gives 5 tips on how we can get a troublesome project back on track: Seek support from the sponsor; Evaluate the scope; Deli...
Does the Age Matter for a Project Manager?
07 May 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo returns to the subject of the last episode and explains what it is to actually have relevant experience as a project manager,...
What Makes a “Great” Project Manager
30 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the skills of great project managers: having a track record, a history of challenges, failures, and successes thr...
The 2017 PMI Pulse of the Profession® Report
16 Apr 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo comments on the Pulse of Profession® 2017, an annual report published by the Project Management Institute (PMI). About 4,000...
Retrospective 2016
11 Jan 2017
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo, in his traditional annual retrospective of the project management scenario, makes a reflection on how to think about the new...
Zaatari: The Desert that Became Home
31 Oct 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks directly from the Zaatari refugee camp located in Jordan, where he is participating in the recordings of the documentar...
Operation Management x Project Management
18 Sep 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains the differences between project and production/operations management, giving characteristics and examples of both ar...
What is the difference between managing a risk and managing an issue?
22 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains something that many people still confuse, are risks and problems the same things? He also gives tips on how to manag...
Project Charter by Project Phase
08 Aug 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains when it's a good idea to split a project into phases/stages. He also pointed out that nothing prevents us from using...
The Role of Engineering in the Projects
27 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains the differences between the role of an engineer and of a project manager. He tries to answer once and for all the do...
Statistics: A Key Tool for Project Success
11 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about why statistics is of great importance to the project manager and recommends a free online course at Udacity: “I...
Understand the Role of Cognitive Bias in Communication
03 Jul 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the most common cognitive biases that may be present in our daily communications, and how can we learn to handle ...
Why You Must Be Proud of What You Do?
26 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes that one of the project's main success factors is the project manager's behavior and his sense of purpose, the mot...
DICE Framework
19 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the DICE Framework, developed by Boston Consulting Group members to evaluate the chances of success of your proje...
Why should I care about Entropy? Part 2 of 2
12 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo gives three important tips on how to plan for entropy: knowing when to allow fluctuations in the project tasks; recognize tha...
Why should I care about Entropy? Part 1 of 2
06 Jun 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains what is entropy and how it’s related to project management. Next week, he’ll show how we can act in the midst of...
What are the Environmental Factors and the Organizational Process Assets of the PMBOK® Guide?
22 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about two terms that appear very often throughout the PMBOK® Guide and usually generate a lot of questions from those ...
What are Capital Projects?
15 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains what the differences between capital projects, also known as Capex (Capital expenditure) projects, and traditional p...
Do you Report Sustainability Aspects of Your Project? – Part 2 of 2
08 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about the "Global Reporting Initiative" and how one can report sustainability aspects in his/her projects a...
Do you Report Sustainability Aspects of Your Project? – Part 1 of 2
02 May 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the "Global Reporting Initiative", an association that develops standards that help organizations of various sect...
All you need to know about the Business Case – Part 2 of 2
21 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode, Ricardo continues to explain the steps for creating a solid business case and how to 'sell it' within the organization.
All you need to know about the Business Case – Part 1 of 2
15 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo begins to detail the Business Case. He explains why it is important and how to use it.
The Civil and Criminal Liability of a Project Manager
09 Mar 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo asks: can the project manager be subject to criminal or civil liability for something that went wrong on the project?
What is the Real Value of a Professional Certification?
25 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance that a professional certification can represent in your resumé, but he makes it clear, being cert...
Trust Tree
16 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo through the trust tree metaphor shows what the project manager needs to sow and cultivate trust on his work and on the projec...
Networking, the right way
08 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo gives tips to improve the way we do networking.
World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report
01 Feb 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains that the risks report produced by the World Economic Forum is a source of rich information about global risks and ca...
How to Convince without Power?
26 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo commented on the types of power and how each one of them can be used in our professional and personal relationships.
LogFrame – A logical framework
19 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the Logical Framework (LogFrame), interesting tool created by USAID, a United States government agency focused on...
Retrospective 2015
14 Jan 2016
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo does a quick retrospective in the project management world. He says we must understand that volatility is part of the game, a...
Applying Neural Networks and Analogous Estimating to Determine the Project Budget
12 Oct 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about how neural networks and the analogous estimating can help when determining the project budget, especially when yo...
Differences between Replanning and Reprogramming a Project
22 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about a article by Dorothy Tiffany, entitled 'Replanning the Performance Measurement Baseline', which addresses the dif...
Psychological Contract: The contract you do not need to sign
08 Sep 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about a kind of invisible contract that governs people's relations within organizations and that can have a significant...
International Career in Project Management
18 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo lists 5 crucial points for those who want to develop an international career in project management.
Heat Maps
09 Aug 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about one of the most effective forms for displaying graphical information, the Heat Map. He explains how you can use t...
7 Principles of Stakeholder Engagement
19 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about seven principles of stakeholder engagement that will help you better understand the dynamics of that relationship...
Differentiating Mission and Vision
03 Jul 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains the difference between the mission and the vision of an organization or a project.
Modeling and Optimizing Schedules with Line of Balance and Start-Finish Relationships
31 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo explains the benefits of using the Line of Balance with Start-to-Finish relationships, especially on projects with repetitive...
Why is Change Management Important? Part 2 of 2
24 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about Change Management. He explains the change curve by giving examples that help illustrate the stages pe...
Why is Change Management Important? Part 1 of 2
19 May 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo shares, inspired by a certification course he's attending this week, several interesting points about Change Management. He e...
Non-stakeholder Management
12 Apr 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about how to manage those who are NOT interested in the project. He explains that this is not managing those who oppose...
The Strategic Execution Framework (SEF)
25 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo comments on the Strategic Execution Framework® (SEF) directly from Stanford University. He highlights the simplicity and cla...
What we can learn with the Abilene paradox
16 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Ricardo talks about a concept that is related to the management of conflicts, the Abilene paradox. Created by Jerry B. Harvey, the pa...
Cost Estimating – Part 3 of 3
08 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
On this last episode of the series on cost estimation, Ricardo talks about the proportionality factor, parametric modelling and neural networks.
Cost Estimating – Part 2 of 3
02 Mar 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo continues to talk about cost estimates, explaining how to use the capacity factor to calculate costs when there is economy of...
Cost Estimating – Part 1 of 3
23 Feb 2015
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the first in a series of three podcasts on costing, Ricardo talks about the types of analysis that we can do during the project cost ...
Do you know what is a Communication Filter or Noise?
27 Jan 2015
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Ricardo talks about the attention we must have with how we communicate because the characteristics of personality, culture and values...
Retrospective 2014
31 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo makes his retrospective of 2014. Two of the points highlighted by Ricardo, among others, are the growing popularity of projec...
Conflict Management and the Project Life Cycle
29 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about managing conflicts. Are conflicts always bad? Listen to the answer of this question and know the different types ...
Building Highly Effective Teams – Part 2 of 2
15 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about Highly Effective Teams, the subject of his new book. He comments on the trust between members, effect...
Building Highly Effective Teams – Part 1 of 2
09 Dec 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo gives tips on how to transform a group of people in a highly effective team, a subject he addresses in his new book, in partn...
Project Director, Manager, Coordinator or Leader: Who am I?
16 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo raises one question and makes assumptions about why some organizations sometimes provide different titles for whom is respons...
The Danger of Multitasking in Projects
11 Nov 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the danger of performing multiple tasks without understanding the implications. He explains that we must always c...
Directly from the PMI Global Congress North America 2014 in Phoenix - USA
29 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
Ricardo comments on the PMI Global Congress North America, held in October 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona. He highlights the more informal approach of the e...
The Responsibility Assignment Matrix – RACI
21 Oct 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the responsibility assignment matrix – RACI, a handy information tool in Human Resources, Communications and St...
Dealing with a Weak Sponsor/Sponsorship
29 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about when a project has sponsorship issues. He explains how to proceed in two scenarios: when there is a sponsor with ...
Understanding the relation between the Scope size and the associated Risks
21 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the relationship between the risks and the project scope. Not just the clarity of the scope, but also its amplitu...
Understanding the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) – Part 2 of 2
07 Sep 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo continues to talk about the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA), a very good graphical tool used in executive reports. Today, he e...
Understanding the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA) - Part 1 of 2
31 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the Milestone Trend Analysis (MTA), a very good graphical tool used in executive reports. He shows how to make it...
Identifying, Training and Living Together with the Pet Projects
03 Aug 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about a type of project that is often special to certain people but does not show real benefits and offer significant v...
How to keep the Stakeholders informed about the Project Deliverables: The Secret of the Milestones
26 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo gives tips on how to create your WBS to better communicate key project deliverables to the project stakeholders.
Understanding the Early Closure of a Project
21 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about what characterizes an early closure of a project. He clarifies that it is not the same as abandoning the project....
How to Keep your Motivation as a Project Manager
14 Jul 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of self-motivation. He explains that in addition to worry about keeping his/her team motivated the...
Understanding the Change Components and the Projects
29 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about projects as change agents. How can a project help us to improve the way to run our business or to change the busi...
FIDIC Contracts: Scope, Risks and Procurement Processes
22 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the types of contracts of the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC). These contracts are widel...
Understanding the Effort Driven Task in a Project
15 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the effort driven tasks. He explains their advantages and how we can use them in our project management.
Career in Project Management - Part 5 of 5: Ethics, Relationship and Final Messages
01 Jun 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this last episode of the series of 5 podcasts on career, Ricardo closes the 10 dimensions of career in project management subject, now addressing t...
Career in Project Management - Part 4 of 5: Flexibility and Self Knowledge
24 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this fourth episode of the series of 5 podcasts on career, Ricardo continues talking about the 10 dimensions of career in project management, now a...
Career in Project Management - Part 3 of 5: Persistence and Dynamism
18 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this third episode of the series of 5 podcasts on career, Ricardo continues talking about the 10 dimensions of a career in project management, now ...
Career in Project Management - Part 2 of 5: Focus and Planning
11 May 2014
Contributed by Lukas
In this second episode of the podcasts series on career, Ricardo continues talking about the 10 dimensions of career in project management, now addres...