JS Tip 571: Analyzing the Project 

This week, we’ll explore the second of the five recognized1 phases in project management: Analysis.

Analysis is the search for gaps in the plan. A gap is the difference between what we’re doing now and what we’ll have to do for the project.

Analysis includes mitigating the gaps. Solving the gaps. Bridging the gaps. 

So how does analysis apply to building Debbie’s doghouse?   

  1. What are we doing now? She’s had her bed in the kitchen corner. She’s slept indoors.

  2. What will we be doing? Ernie’s allergies force us to move her into a doghouse in the back yard. The winter gets cold. Sometimes below freezing.

  3. How will we bridge the gap between the warm kitchen and the cold back yard? Two mitigations: Insulate the doghouse. Install a space heater. (For a dog? Yes, for a dog. She’s family.)

Gap identified. Gap mitigated. That’s it. That’s analysis.

Next week, we’ll talk about project design. 

Let us know your questions. 

We love this stuff. 

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* The source for guidance for projects large and small is the Project Management Institute. Visit their website at www.pmi.org.



Kurt Weiland