The Project Success Method®
Turning Complexity Into A Clear Path Forward.
The Project Success Method® gives your team a shared, repeatable framework for planning and executing high-stakes projects – on time, on budget, and per spec – without the chaos.
Fast to learn. Built to scale. Backed by 40+ years of results.
What Is The Project Success Method®?
“Out of clutter find simplicity.”
-Albert Einstein
Einstein obviously did not consider us when making that statement roughly 100 years ago. However, project teams are usually drawn to the Project Success Method because of its emphasis on “simplicity,” which stands out especially for those used to a cluttered, confusing and chaotic project management environment.
‘The Project Success Method® (PSM) is a proven and effective approach for planning and executing critical projects, used by international teams since 1983.
It’s built around one core principle: out of complexity, create simplicity.
In a world full of overcomplicated processes and bloated tools, PSM gives your team a repeatable way to define, plan, and control projects – together.
Why It Works:
Most project failures don’t stem from lack of talent. They happen when communication breaks down, scope is unclear, and poor assumptions are made, leading to missed deadlines, lost profit and eroded trust.
The Project Success Method enables individuals to quickly learn a practical, repeatable, and actionable approach within a few days. This helps organizations complete projects faster while maintaining control over budgets and quality. Consequently, this offers significant advantages for Project Managers and Teams, as well as the entire enterprise.
How It Works:
For over forty years, PSI has been teaching and applying The Project Success Method® alongside the management teams of client organizations and individuals aiming to advance their careers. This method guides them in effectively planning and executing complex, mission-critical projects. The Project Success Method® is a practical, cohesive framework of management processes that helps project managers and their teams clearly define objectives, plan comprehensively, and actively control their projects to ensure success.
At its core, PSM follows three tightly integrated phases that bring order to high-stakes execution:
1. Define:
Build the Foundation
- Appoint the project manager.
- Form a cross-functional team.
- Develop the project charter, which documents:
- Scope
- Objective
- Stakeholders
- Constraints
- Assumptions and Risks
- “Other” key attributes of the project
2. Plan:
Align the Team
- Involve the team to ensure commitment to the plan.
- Identify required tasks and assign responsibility for each.
- Use forward scheduling based on a precedence network diagram to maintain project quality.
- Compress schedule to ensure meeting or beating deadlines and exploiting cost saving opportunities.
- Perform resource planning, budgeting, and cash flow planning as necessary.
3. Control:
Execute with Agility
- Monitor performance against plan.
- Proactively identify and solve problems.
- Update the plan and reaffirm near-term commitment.
- Keep stakeholders informed.
Project Success Method®
Its simplicity and elegance are especially highlighted in the most complex, cross-functional, multi-cultural team projects. In fact, the Project Success Method proves its practical, collaborative, and efficient qualities precisely in these types of projects.
It’s power lies in implementation. Whether you’re an individual project manager seeking a better approach or a portfolio or program management executive searching for an enterprise solution, Project Success can assist you.
- Documented plans, schedules and deadlines
- Clear scope, objectives, constraints and risks
- Clarified roles and performance expectations from team members
- Mutual commitment, accountability and support within their team
- Improved communication among team members
- Workload better matched to resource availability
- A proactive and effective approach to project control that detects, prevents and solves problems as early as possible
- Promotes strong teamwork
- Discipline and consistency of approach across all projects in the organization
- Reduced chaos, stress, frustration, and conflict
- Continuous improvement in project planning and execution
- And the bottom line – projects completed successfully with respect to quality, time, and cost
Implementation
How We Bring PSM to Life
PSM isn’t just taught – it’s implemented alongside your team.
We guide your team through a 3-phase rollout that ensures deep learning, real-world application, and sustainable change.
Phase 1:
Training
Duration: 2–3 Days
Our instructors use exercises and case studies to teach the key concepts, principles, and management processes of the Project Success Method. This thorough, targeted training ensures your team acquires the knowledge, skills, and motivation to immediately apply the Project Success Method to their projects.
- Delivered onsite for large groups
- Bimonthly open courses in Atlanta, Chicago, or Irvine for individuals or small teams
- Tailored to your projects, people, and culture
Phase 2:
Consulting
Duration: Short-term or Ongoing
The transition from classroom learning to actual application is the difference-maker. Our consultants work alongside your project leaders as they apply the method to active initiatives. We guide chartering, planning, and execution in real time—ensuring your team not only learns PSM, but sees it work on their project.
- Hands-on support to reduce risk and build momentum
- Application on real projects – not theory
- Builds early wins that drive long-term adoption
Phase 3:
System Building
Duration: Tailored Based on Need
To ensure PSM is integrated throughout your organization, we assist you in building a tailored infrastructure to support it – covering internal processes, policies, technical tools, and software. Establishing this foundation guarantees that PSM becomes a natural part of every project within your organization.
- Custom-fit systems for your environment
- Repeatable success across every department
- Sustainable execution that scales with growth
Who PSM Is For:
Whether you’re training 100+ people, a small team, or an individual, the PSM experience is designed to fit your needs.
- Executives responsible for enterprise-wide execution
- Portfolio and program leaders managing complex initiatives
- Project managers ready to level up delivery
- Any team that needs to move from chaos to success
Equip your people with clarity. Deliver projects that build trust.
Let’s talk about your next project – and how to make it the first of many successful ones.