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When It Happens Twice: A Project Management Lesson from The Alchemist

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Inspired by Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist “Everything that happens once can never happen again. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.” At first glance, this quote feels philosophical. But in reality, it is deeply practical, especially for project managers. In projects, nothing happens “just once”. Every repeated issue, delay, or success is a signal. - The first time something happens, it may be an accident. - The second time, it becomes a pattern. - The third time, it becomes predictable—unless we act. What This Means in Project Management Project management is not just about plans and tools, it is about recognizing patterns early. - First occurrence > Observation - Second occurrence > Warning - Third occurrence > Failure of learning Successful project managers break cycles before the third time. Connecting the Quote to the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) 1. Requirements Gathering: The Cost of Repeated Assumptions First time: - Requirements w...

From Standalone GIS Apps to Integrated Decision Platforms: Why APIs Matter More Than Ever

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In today’s world, application development is no longer about building isolated systems. Most modern applications are created by integrating with existing enterprise systems, data sources, and workflows. As a result, API-centric development has become a core skill for developers. GIS applications are no different. In fact, GIS delivers its real value when it moves beyond maps and becomes part of the enterprise decision-making ecosystem. Modern Application Development Is Integration-Driven Most organizations already have mature systems in place: ERP, CRM, asset management, finance, and operational databases. New applications are expected to seamlessly work with these systems rather than replace them. This reality has shifted the focus from UI-heavy development to: - Strong and scalable APIs - Secure data exchange - Reusable services - Workflow-based integrations APIs are now the backbone of modern application architecture. Why Developers Must Think API-First For developers, e...

Fastest • Shortest • Quickest: Why GIS Can’t Always Follow This Trend

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These days, everything around us is built for speed. We want the fastest route, the shortest answer, and the quickest results, whether it’s food delivery, a YouTube tutorial, or even career growth. But there’s one area where shortcuts can be costly i.e. Project Management. Rushed requirements create confusion. Compressed development affects quality. Skipping testing leads to production surprises. Fast decisions without clarity make execution slower. And this “quick results” mindset has now entered the GIS & geospatial world too. Today, location is in fashion: - Every business wants maps in their dashboards - Every decision wants spatial insights Every organization wants GIS "up and running" quickly, wants GeoAI, and real-time data etc. etc.… instantly. But here’s the reality: - You can’t clean messy data at lightning speed - You can’t design an enterprise GIS architecture overnight - You can’t implement Utility Network with shortcuts - You can’t build accurate base maps w...

Project Management as a Way of Life - Reflections on International Project Management Day

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Every year, the first Thursday of November is celebrated as International Project Management Day, a moment to honor those who plan, lead, and deliver projects that shape our world.  But project management is not limited to the workplace. It is a mindset that can guide us in every part of life, helping us live with focus, balance, and clarity. Life as a Series of Projects Our daily lives are full of small and big projects. Planning a trip, managing finances, organizing a family function, or setting health goals all require structure and discipline. When we think like project managers, we bring order to everyday activities and turn intentions into achievements. Planning Brings Purpose A good project begins with a clear plan. The same applies to life. When we plan our week or day, we prioritize what truly matters. Instead of reacting to situations, we respond with purpose. Start each morning with three key goals and let them guide your actions. Managing Time and Energy In professional...

Father’s Remembrance Anniversary / पुण्यतिथि (03 April 1945 – 29 October 2024)

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  Today marks one year since my beloved father, Late Shri Dhirendra Singh Sindal, left this world, yet his presence continues to guide, inspire, and comfort us every single day. He was not just a man of many talents but a man of deep character, unshakable values, and endless love. A devoted husband, a proud father, a caring brother, and a dutiful son, he carried every relationship with grace and dignity. 🏐 A True Attacker with Passion In his younger days, he was a volleyball attacker at the net, known for his agility, focus, and unmatched team spirit. His energy on the court reflected the same zeal he carried throughout his life — fearless, disciplined, and full of heart. He believed that every game was a lesson in teamwork and perseverance. 🎙️ The Orator Beyond Comparison Words were his strength. His oratory skills had a rare power, a blend of command, clarity, and connection. Whether addressing a school assembly, a cultural event, or a na...

The Real Cost of What We Buy: Why Saving is the Smartest Earning

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Introduction We often judge a purchase by the price tag. If it’s expensive, we call it costly; if it’s cheap, we call it affordable. But in reality, the real cost of a purchase lies not in its price, but in its value and necessity. Sometimes, spending a large amount is actually the wisest choice, while even a small, unnecessary expense can become the costliest mistake. When an Expensive Purchase is the Cheapest Example 1: Health Spending 5,000 bucks on a health check-up may feel like a burden today. But if it helps detect a problem early and prevents a major illness, it saves you lakhs in treatment later. That “costly” check-up is actually the cheapest decision. Example 2: Education & Skills Investing 5,000 bucks in a professional course may pinch initially. But if that skill leads to better career opportunities and higher income, that’s not an expense, it’s an investment that pays back many times over. Example 3: Travel for Growth Booking a 20,000 bucks trip to attend a conference...

Rethinking the Three Pillars: Learning, Remuneration, and Career Progression

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In any career journey, three things often dominate our thoughts:  Learning ,  Remuneration Career Progression   These are important pillars that shape our growth and satisfaction at work. But how often should we really focus on each of these? Let’s understand this through a project management lens , where timing, prioritization, and long-term value matter the most. Ideal Frequency of Focus Learning – Daily Just like in agile project management, continuous improvement is key. Daily learning builds skills and adds value to the team and organization. It keeps you adaptable and future-ready. Remuneration – Yearly Much like annual budget planning, remuneration should be reviewed periodically. Thinking about salary on a daily basis leads to stress and dissatisfaction. A structured yearly review aligns better with business cycles and appraisal systems. Career Progression – Every 2–3 Years In project lifecycles, major milestones take time. P...