David Cotgreave

If you like David's blogs - he is now a published author - Straight Talk on Project Management (VOLUME III)- Free eBook. Why not download your copy today. http://www.stoneseed.co.uk/ebook David Cotgreave MBA, BSc (hons), PRINCE II, is Professional Services Director at Stoneseed, with over 20 years’ experience in IT Consulting. David has worked with organisations such as BT Engage IT and KPMG, before founding Stoneseed in 2009 and has gained considerable business experience whilst working with a wide range of organisations across the UK and Europe carrying out a range of strategy, review and implementation projects. David is currently responsible for leading the Programme and Project Management services offered by Stoneseed. Project Management as a Service (PMaaS) from Stoneseed offers clients access to Project Management staff, resources and tools at a flexible and predictable cost via a fully Structured Managed Service. www.stoneseed.co.uk

Written Articles

IT Project Management

Is Psychometric Testing perfect for IT?

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Originally published on CIO.com When I asked associates, acquaintances and clients (who had all recently recruited for IT roles) how many had used personality type or psychometric testing, 7 out of 10 said that they had. I recall the response from a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management to this question was around […]

IT & Project Management

Every IT Project fail is a step to success

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I have come to a conclusion this week … most IT Project challenges are not solved by theoretical, intelligent design. Now, I make a living delivering project success through proper planning, processes, governance, etc. … in other words theoretical, intelligent design – so let me explain what I mean. After I\’d written my blog for CIO.com […]

IT Project Management

Your IT Project is only as strong as your weakest link

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Thanks to a reader of my CIO.com column, Gareth, who wrote to me with an idea for an IT Project Management blog. \”Hi David,\” he writes, \”Have you ever written a blog along the lines of \’you\’re only ever as strong as your weakest link.\’\” Gareth was inspired to get in touch after a train journey home […]

IT Project Management

If, buts and maybes. Mind your IT Project language

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Can certain words cast a negative shadow on Project Management thinking? Originally published on CIO.com I walked into a Project Management Office recently, and on the wall, in large letters above the Project Leader\’s desk was the phrase \’No \”Ifs\”, \”Buts\” Or \”Maybes\”\’. At first, it looked like one of those platitudes that you often […]

IT Project Management

IT Project Management. Where did it all start to go right?

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Interesting perspective this week from my friend and fellow IT Project Leader Malc. Malc emailed to tell me that he had recently reframed his team\’s thinking on post-project delivery analysis. What he has done is pretty interesting and he says it is adding demonstrable value to the process. \”We always used to look back at […]

IT Project Management

\’You\’re fired!\’ One CIO\’s strategy for greater effectiveness

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Originally published on CIO.com A very novel way for CIOs to increase effectiveness A poster of Lord Alan Sugar just appeared on the wall of a CIO I know. As it does every year, in fact. Lord Sugar is the central figure in the UK\’s version of TV show \”The Apprentice\”. Of course, had my […]

IT & Project Management

IT Project Collaboration. When 1+1 equals more than 2

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\”Be open to collaboration. Other people and other people’s ideas are often better than your own,\” so said comedian and actress Amy Poehler. She\’s right. I heard a great story this week that highlighted the value of collaboration. A radio station, I think in Australia (but don\’t quote me), was brainstorming ways to improve its […]

IT & Project Management

IT Project Management: Where did it all go right?

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\”Have you ever wondered why over half of IT Projects fail?\” said the voice on the other end of the phone. The cold caller hadn\’t ingratiated himself by calling me \”Dave\”. I\’m David. It\’s not that I mind \”Dave\”. It\’s just not my name. Quite an assumption too, I mean, I wonder if he\’d open […]

IT Project Management

How mergers and acquisitions can cement IT as a strategic business partner

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In 2016, there were 227 successful inward M&A transactions (overseas firm buys UK one) worth £187.4 billion – the highest annual number since 2011 and the highest yearly value since data was first published in 1969. Meanwhile, 400 domestic M&A deals (UK firm buys UK firm) were successful worth £23.9 billion, that\’s the highest number […]

IT Project Management

5 Tips for effective on-boarding of IT project talent

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A fresh perspective, different experiences and a whole new set of skills to learn from. When a new Project Manager joins there is a tangible frisson of excitement at the new opportunities for your Project Management Office or team. There are also considerable challenges, especially around onboarding. More and more of our clients are saying […]