#Project Management Principles

[futureworktrends]

From Strategy to Execution: Effective Project Management Principles

In the world of business, strategy establishes a path, but success is determined by execution. Any project that is going to succeed needs to flow from conception to execution with ease. A strong foundation of project management concepts is necessary for this trip, as it will lead teams through each step and guarantee that goals are accomplished, resources are maximized, and results are realized. We explore the fundamental ideas that guide efficient project management in this blog, showing you how to get from plan to implementation.

Clear Objectives and Scope Definition:

First things first: clarity is key. Project objectives that specify deliverables, deadlines, and success criteria need to be carefully outlined. Clearly defining the project's scope is also essential to guarantee that all parties involved are aware of what will be completed and what is outside the project's bounds. The project plan is based on well-defined objectives and scope specification, which reduce uncertainty and coordinate efforts towards a shared target.

2. Strategic Planning and Resource Allocation:

Optimizing resource allocation through strategic planning is essential to effective project management. This entails evaluating the needs of the project, determining the resources required, and wisely distributing them to optimize effectiveness. Allocating resources—whether they be financial, technological, or human—must be in line with project priorities, weighing possibilities and restrictions to get the best results.

3. Risk Management and Contingency Planning:

In the ever-changing landscape of project management, there are lots of unresolved issues. Project resilience is dependent on risk mitigation as well as contingency planning. Recognizing potential risks, analyzing their probability, and developing methods of mitigation that reduce their adverse impacts are the part of a proactive approach toward risk management. Creating backup plans also enables teams to react quickly and effectively to unexpected obstacles, protecting project goals and development.

4. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:

Effective engagement and interaction of stakeholders  are essential for successful project management. Involving stakeholders at an early stage promotes collaboration, fosters confidence, and ensures that project objectives are fulfilled. Communicating openly and often is just as essential as informing stakeholders on innovations, deadlines, and corrections to the plan. Project managers may promote collaboration, reduce miscommunication, and sustain stakeholder buy-in by cultivating open channels of communication over the course of the project

5. Agile Execution and Adaptability:

Agility is a must in the fast-paced commercial world of today. Agile project management techniques place a strong emphasis on adaptable, iterative methods that produce value gradually and in response to change. Teams are able to swiftly make course corrections, incorporate input, and adjust to changing needs when projects are divided into manageable iterations, or sprints. Teams that embrace agility are better able to handle uncertainty and expedite delivery without sacrificing quality.

6. Performance Monitoring and Continuous Improvement:

To ensure that projects are successful, performance must be continuously monitored. By putting  (KPIs) into place, teams may monitor development, spot challenges, and compare results to previous standards. Project managers may make well-informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and proactively handle challenges as they arise by utilizing data-driven insights. In addition, cultivating an atmosphere of continuous improvement promotes introspection, education, and process improvement, which propels further innovation and excellence.

Successful project management is largely dependent on efficient execution. Project managers may confidently navigate the intricacies of project lifecycles by abiding by these essential principles, which range from clearly defined objective setting to agile execution and continual improvement. Effective project management, which is centered on proactive risk management, strategic planning, and stakeholder involvement, guarantees that strategies become observable outcomes that advance organizations toward their objectives in a dynamic business environment.

[themandalalady]

23-292 Just the Facts #5

Today’s Mandala Message: Ask Questions This week I’m working through Principle #52 “When In Doubt, Check It Out”. I set my intention today to ponder asking more questions. From an article by Catherine Winter on AConsciousRethink.com about assumptions, she states: “We can never know what other people are thinking or feeling unless we have the courtesy to ask them. In fact, 99.9% of the time, what…

[coderower]

What is Agile Software Development Methodology?

Learn about Agile software development methodology, its principles, benefits, and how it enhances flexibility, collaboration, and faster delivery.

In today’s fast-paced tech world, Agile software development methodology has become the backbone for delivering high-quality software solutions that adapt quickly to changing market demands and project requirements. This blog will explore Agile methodology in depth, highlighting its importance, principles, and the benefits it offers to businesses and development teams alike. Why is Agile…

[wiselearner]

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training and Certification

[ppm-software]

Online Project Management Software as a Key Tool in Agile Project Management

Read at: https://www.celoxis.com/article/online-project-management-software-key-tool-in-agile-pm

[invictusbuildingservices]

Building Works

We undertake all aspects of building works such as extensions, loft conversions, garage conversions, porches and internal structural and non structural modifications. We can liaise with planning and building control on your behalf and advise you throughout the process. All trades are in house so we can manage the project from start to finish for you

[little-p-eng-engineering]

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant: Pioneering Solutions in a Compact Package

In the fast-evolving world of engineering, where the scale of projects can range from monumental infrastructure undertakings to intricate device manufacturing, there exists a niche that underscores the significance of specialized, personalized service—enter Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant. This boutique firm has carved out a unique position in the engineering consultancy sector by offering a range of services that not only cater to the grand scale projects but more importantly, bring a focused, detail-oriented approach to smaller, yet equally complex tasks.

A Brief Overview

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant operates with a philosophy that no project is too small to merit innovation, efficiency, and excellence. The firm specializes in providing engineering consultancy services across various disciplines, including civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering. Despite its modest size, Little P.Eng. has managed to leverage its agility and specialized expertise to deliver solutions that rival those of much larger entities.

Services and Specializations

One of the hallmarks of Little P.Eng. is its ability to offer a wide array of services tailored to meet specific client needs. This includes feasibility studies, design and planning, project management, and compliance consulting, among others. By focusing on a client-centric approach, the firm ensures that each project, regardless of its size, is handled with the utmost precision and attention to detail.

A key area of specialization for Little P.Eng. is in the realm of sustainable engineering solutions. In an age where environmental considerations are paramount, the firm is adept at integrating eco-friendly practices into its projects, ensuring that they not only comply with regulatory standards but also contribute positively to environmental sustainability.

The Competitive Edge

What sets Little P.Eng. apart in the crowded marketplace is its personalized service. The firm prides itself on its ability to work closely with clients, understanding their unique needs and challenges, and crafting bespoke solutions that are both innovative and cost-effective. This hands-on approach, coupled with a commitment to excellence, ensures that clients receive the highest quality service, regardless of the project scale.

Moreover, Little P.Eng. has established a reputation for its agility and responsiveness. In an industry where time is often of the essence, the ability to quickly adapt to changes and address challenges as they arise is invaluable. This responsiveness, combined with a deep expertise in engineering principles and practices, makes Little P.Eng. a preferred partner for clients seeking efficient, effective solutions.

Conclusion

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant exemplifies the impact that specialized, boutique firms can have in the broader engineering consultancy landscape. By combining a deep commitment to personalized service, a wide range of expertise, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, Little P.Eng. is not just a consultant—it's a partner in innovation. As the engineering challenges of the future continue to evolve, the role of firms like Little P.Eng. will undoubtedly become increasingly critical, offering tailored solutions that large-scale consultancies may not be able to provide with the same level of detail and care.

Tags:

Engineering consultancy services

Regulatory standards

Little P.Eng. Engineering Consultant

Client-centric approach

Feasibility studies

Project management

Civil engineering

Mechanical engineering

Electrical engineering

Design and planning

Compliance consulting

Sustainable engineering solutions

Environmental sustainability

Personalized service

Bespoke solutions

Cost-effective

Quality service

Industry responsiveness

Engineering principles

Innovation partnership

Boutique engineering firm

Eco-friendly practices

Agility in engineering

Specialized expertise

Detail-oriented approach

Tailored engineering solutions

Future engineering challenges

Professional excellence

Niche engineering services

Engineering Services

Located in Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, BC; Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston Texas; Torrance, California; El Segundo, CA; Manhattan Beach, CA; Concord, CA; We offer our engineering consultancy services across Canada and United States. Meena Rezkallah.

[sonetra-keth]

URBAN SPRAWL

Urban Sprawl is the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural or natural areas. It's leading to low-density development, increased car dependence, and environmental consequences such as habitat loss and air pollution. It often results in inefficient land use, strain on infrastructure, and social issues like increased commuting times and the decline of central city areas. Understanding urban sprawl involves considering its impact on transportation, environment, and community development, which can inform strategies for more sustainable urban planning and growth management.

This phenomenon is often characterized by low-density development, reliance on automobiles for transportation, and the fragmentation of natural habitats. Urban sprawl can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including increased traffic congestion, air and water pollution, loss of agricultural land, and decreased quality of life for residents.

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is a concept that has gained significant traction in urban planning and design in recent years. It is a multifaceted approach to urban development that centers around creating vibrant, livable, and sustainable communities with a strong emphasis on public transportation and walkability.

At its core, TOD seeks to create compact, mixed-use, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods that are centered around high-quality public transportation systems, such as buses, subways, light rail, or commuter rail. The aim is to reduce reliance on private automobiles and promote more sustainable modes of transportation, thereby mitigating traffic congestion, reducing air pollution, and fostering a more connected and environmentally friendly urban environment.

Key principles of Transit-Oriented Development include:

Proximity to Transit: TOD emphasizes the development of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity to transit stations or stops, typically within a half-mile radius. This encourages residents and workers to use public transportation for their daily commutes and errands.

Mixed-Use Development: TOD promotes a mix of land uses, including residential, commercial, retail, and recreational spaces within the same neighborhood. This diversity of land uses encourages a vibrant and dynamic urban environment, reduces the need for long commutes, and fosters a sense of community.

Pedestrian-Friendly Design: TOD places a strong emphasis on creating walkable neighborhoods with well-designed sidewalks, pedestrian pathways, and public spaces. This encourages active transportation, enhances the overall quality of life, and promotes social interaction.

High-Density, Compact Development: TOD often involves higher-density development, including mid-rise and high-rise buildings, to maximize land use efficiency and support a critical mass of residents and workers near transit nodes.

Sustainable Design and Environmental Considerations: TOD prioritizes sustainable design practices, such as energy-efficient buildings, green spaces, and stormwater management, to minimize environmental impact and promote resilience.

Overall, Transit-Oriented Development represents a holistic approach to urban planning and design, aiming to create vibrant, accessible, and sustainable communities that are well-integrated with public transportation infrastructure. By fostering a seamless connection between land use and transportation, TOD has the potential to reduce car dependency, enhance mobility, and create more livable urban environments.

Sonetra KETH (កេត សុនេត្រា) Architectural Manager/Project Manager/BIM Director RMIT University Vietnam + Institute of Technology of Cambodia

[astrocafecoffee]

Destiny Matrix

(predicting some events of your life and characteristics of your fs)

• For entertainment purposes only, enjoy •

•☞ Masterlist

Guys, destiny matrix chart is So gorgeous 😭 , I fell in love. I am new to this, but it's so fascinating, so I am sharing with you guys. Obviously I learnt a lot from ann_matrix_destiny insta page. I explained some of her work here, rest is mine.

✨What is Destiny matrix chart?

-A spiritual and metaphysical chart that reveals a person's life path, soul purpose, and potential.

✨How is it calculated?

-Based on a person's birth date, using a complex system of numerology and astrological correspondences.

💫 How to see some important events of your life?

see this area(perimeter line)of your chart , this will explain many important events of your life.

💚Age of getting married/ meeting with your significant other/ spouse:

- look at your age in your chart, if you see 3,5,6,19,20 at the top of your age then at that age you will get married/ meet your significant other/ start a family. Like in this chart I have shown above '5' is top of the age of 23.5- 24, so this individual will meet their spouse at that age/ get married.

• Going through Transformation in your life :

- if you see 13 or 16 at the top of your age , then at that age your life will drastically change/ you will go through a huge transformation of your life. You will change your location/ your career/ will shift to another country or city.

⚡Moving abroad/ travelling:

If you see 7,10,21,22 above your age then this is the best age for travelling or going abroad.

if you find 21 in your love line(circled part)then most probably you will marry a foreigner.

And if you find 7, 10 , 21 or 22 in this positions then most probably you will go abroad/ find your partner there .

Now , the future spouse part : -

💖 Hints about your future partner :

Look at the number below the heart symbol to know about your future partner. In this chart it's 21.

So, let's explain each numbers -

•Number 1: The magician

- creative and innovative

- skilled and talented

- confident and charismatic

- however they may also struggled with over - confidence and arrogance.

- gemini / Virgo zodiac sign placements

- profession : musicians, writer, public speaker, coaches and mentors , scientist, entrepreneur, marketing and advertising professionals.

- meeting: conference or seminar, art galleries, meuseum, workshop or studio, networking events or industry conference, class or training session.

• Number 2 : High Priestess

- intuitive and wise

- mysterious and enigmatic

- maybe quiet and reserved.

- soft spoken and considerate.

- cancer zodiac sign placements.

- profession: councillors, therapists, psychologist, Nurse or healthcare professionals, social workers, spiritual leaders, energy workers.

- meeting: secret or private settings, libraries, coaching, weddings , meeting in the context of any spiritual retreats.

• Number 3 : Empress

- Full of life , energy and vitality.

- encouraging others to grow and flourish.

- committed, dedicated and faithful.

- Taurus and Libra zodiac sign placements.

- profession: fashion designer , sculptors, teachers and educators,event planer, environmentalists, musicians, healthcare.

- meeting through : parties, gatherings, festival, fair, creative workshops, artistic projects ,meuseum, concerts.

• Number 4 : Emperor

- Natural born leader, authoritative, commanding.

- makes tough decisions with clarity and conviction.

- commited to family and responsibilities.

- zodiac sign: Aries placements.

- profession: executive, CEO, leader or manager, military officer, architect, Engineer, government officials, buisness owner.

- meeting : buisness meeting, job interviews, formal events , official ceremonies.

• Number 5 : Hierophant

- values established customs, rituals, and institutions.

- upholds ethical standards and moral principles.

- prioritise stability and security over change and uncertainty.

- Taurus zodiac sign placements

- profession: spiritual leaders and mentors, councellor , advisor or consultants, traditional healers or healthcare professionals.

- meeting: spiritual or religious gatherings, traditional ceremonies or rituals, educational and training sessions , counciling or therapy sessions, church,temples , mosques.

• Number 6 : The lovers

- collaborative, work well others.

- empathetic and aware of others feelings.

- true to themselves and their values.

- zodiac sign: Gemini placements.

- profession: counselors, coaches , writer , journalist, artist, musicians, public speaker, philosophers , scientist, researchers.

- meeting : social getherings or parties , creative or artistic collaboration, Beauty or fashion events , community or networking meeting.

• Number 7 : The chariot

- Determined, self disciplined.

- ability to overcome any obstacles and setbacks

- has clear direction

- zodiac : cancer placements

- profession: nurses , social worker, military, architect, psychologist, chefs , nutritionist, hospitality professionals.

- Meeting: family gatherings, home or domestic settings, caregiving or helping professions.

• Number 8 : strength

- courageous, brave , have inner strength.

- has capacity to forgive and let go.

- has self discipline and self control.

- zodiac sign: leo placements

- profession: artist , designer, performers , public speaker, motivator, executives, philanthropist, teacher, councellor, athletes, trainers.

- meeting: park or garden, fitness or wellness center, creative studio or art space, festivals, social gatherings.

• Number 9 : Hermit

- quiet, reflective, and introspective often preferring to spend time alone

- serves as guide or mentor

- discerning and concious about every step they take.

- zodiac sign: Virgo placements.

- profession: therapist, counselors,teachers , coaches , writers, editors, healthcare industry, social worker.

- meeting: therapists or counselor office, library , spiritual or religious sanctuary, coffee shop , book store.

• Number 10 : wheel of fortune

- flexible, able to adjust to changing circumstances.

- believes in destiny

- have philosophical outlook on life.

- zodiac sign: Taurus, leo, scorpio, Aquarius placements.

- profession: life coach, astrologer, environmentalists, entrepreneur, investors, historians.

- meeting: a farm , airport, bus station, temple, monastery, party,park , near mountain or river.

• Number 11 : Justice

- impartial and balanced

- they make descision based on reason and logics.

- have strong sense of morality and ethics.

- zodiac sign: Libra placements

- profession: lawyer, judge, counselors, social worker, activists, advocate, journalist, analyst , or spiritual leader.

- meeting: courthouse, law office, government building, council chamber, community centre, places of worship, philosophical organization.

• Number 12 : Hanged Man

- they are reflective , look inward for answers.

- they are open to new settings.

- courageous, deep understanding of themselves.

- zodiac sign: Pisces placements

- profession : spiritual leaders, therapist, counselor , artist, writer, healthcare industry, motivator, life coach.

- meeting : temples , church , meditation room , yoga class , hospital, library, therapy office,art studio, gym.

• Number 13 : Death

- they are like phoenix from the ashes.

- they can navigate difficult situations and come out stronger.

- constantly growing and evolving.

- zodiac sign: scorpio placements

- profession: therapist, estate lawyers, spiritual leaders, scientist, healthcare professionals.

- meeting: counselling centre, place of worship, innovation hub or entrepreneurship centres, hospital, wellness center.

• Number 14 : Temperance

- they strive for equilibrium in all aspects of life .

- they prioritise physical, mental and emotional well-being.

- have creative sides.

- zodiac sign: Sagittarius placements .

- profession: doctor or nurse , therapist or counselor, artist or musicians, spiritual leader, international relation specialist , life coach , designer .

- meeting : art galleries or museums, embassies or international conference centres , community centres, clubs , parks , garden , spiritual center , yoga class.

• Number 15 : The devil

- they thinks outside the box and brings fresh ideas .

- magnetic personality, can attract others.

- unconventional, transformative.

- zodiac sign: Capricorn placements.

- profession: politician, CEO, artist, law enforcement, military, detective , investigators, activists, occultist.

- meeting: historic mansion or estate, a secret rooftop, art galleries, studio , book store, library , cafe.

• Number 16 : Tower

- they seek honesty and transparency even if it's uncomfortable.

- rebellious, resilient, revolutionary.

- they are open to new ideas.

- zodiac sign: Aries placements.

- profession : scientist, inventor, engineer, architect, military officer, crisis manager, technologist.

- meeting: transformation hub, a unique event space or art studio, bookstore, library, co-working space.

• Number 17 : Star

- they have a optimistic outlook of life and believe in a bright future.

- inspiring, peaceful, compassionate.

- creative and imaginative mind.

- zodiac sign: Aquarius placements.

- profession: creative expression, artist , industry related to healing and wellness, science and technology, humanitarian work, counselors.

- meeting: yoga studio or wellness center, botanical garden or peaceful outdoor setting, co-working space, concerts? , innovation hub.

• Number 18 : The Moon

- they trust their instincts and have a strong connection to their subconscious mind.

- deeply in touch with their emotions.

- unpredictable, may surprise other with their actions.

- zodiac sign : Pisces placements.

- profession : psychic or medium, artist or writer, musician, poet , spiritual teacher, healer, counselors.

- meeting: mystical or esoteric shop, secluded beach, art studio, a spiritual or metaphysical bookstore, coffee shop.

• Number 19 : Sun

- they exude self assurance and positivity.

- optimistic, enthusiastic, charismatic.

- warm hearted , willing to share blessings with others.

- zodiac sign: leo placements.

- profession: actor or performer, artist, CEO , teacher or mentor, event planner, musicians, life coach, designer.

- meeting: cafe / restaurant/ hotel , studio , gathering hall, auditorium, music festival.

• Number 20: Judgement

- they are introspective and willing to confront their past and inner self.

- self aware, have deep understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

- awakened, courageous, honest.

- zodiac sign: scorpio placements

- profession : spiritual teacher or guide , therapist or counselor, life coach, researcher, artist or creative expression.

- meeting: spiritual center or temple, yoga class, a writer's workshop, park , garden , therapy or councilling office.

• Number 21: The world

- they have achieved their goals and fullfill their potential.

- compassions, wise, confident

- adventurous and global minded.( Most likely a foreigner)

- zodiac sign: Taurus, Capricorn, leo , placements.

- profession : global diplomat, artist ( global or universal theme) , cultural ambassador, world traveler, humanitarian work.

- meeting: while traveling, international conference centres , airport, spiritual retreat, international art or music venues.

• Number 22 : The fool

- they are willing to take risks and embark on new journeys.

- spontaneous, carefree , open minded.

- have faith in themselves and universe.

- zodiac sign: Aquarius placements.

- profession: entrepreneur or startup founder, activist, humanitarian work,coach or consultants, designer, scientist,teacher, journalist.

- meeting: spontaneous meet-up or pop up events, inspirational seminars, creative workshops,cafe or coffee shop, outdoor adventure location.

----------------✨✨----------------

END .....( I am tired af 😭)

☞ Healing through marriage

Thanks for reading 💓

-Piko ✨

[catgirlforeskin]

It is frustrating how understanding of “rape culture” has totally evaporated. When we talk about sexual violence or pedophilia or incest or any of these things, it’s never within the framework of these as extensions of patriarchy, not “deviant,” but an integral element.

People are so desperate to project these onto The Other. Often it’s a vague “the predator” lurking in the bushes, when in reality most sexual violence (against children and adults) comes from those close to them with systemic power over them: The Boyfriend, The Father, The Manager. But more often it’s projected onto a more specific Other, commonly coupled with either Orientalism or Transmisogyny, but of course has been used more broadly.

It’s clear that there is no principled opposition to the sexual harm or deviancy here, otherwise the primary targets would be patriarchy and the nuclear family. Instead, these issues are raised to be projected onto Others to justify bigotry that in the past required none.

[sara-alvi]

Project management principles are the fundamental guidelines, values, and rules that form the cornerstone of the project management discipline. These principles serve as a structured framework for planning, executing, and closing projects, ensuring they are completed successfully within scope, on time, and within budget. They are universally applicable across various industries and types of projects.

[themandalalady]

23-294 Just the Facts #7

Today’s Mandala Message: Notice Your Projections This week I’m working through Principle #52 “When In Doubt, Check It Out”. I set my intention today to ponder how I project my past onto my present…with people and situations. Continuing with the article I referenced yesterday by Catherine Winter on AConsciousRethink.com about assumptions, she offers 8 ways to help us stop making assumptions.…

[embassyrowprojectonline]

“Empowering NGOS: Optimizing Impact in Humanitarian Missions” book is available on Amazon

by Embassy Row Project

In the relentless pursuit of humanitarian excellence, NGOs worldwide face complex challenges that require innovative solutions and robust strategic planning. “Empowering NGOs: Optimizing Impact in Humanitarian Missions” provides a comprehensive roadmap for NGO executives, humanitarian aid experts, and individuals passionate about making a difference. With a unique blend of practical insights, cutting-edge strategies, and an in-depth understanding of the humanitarian field, this book serves as an essential guide to enhancing and sustaining your mission’s impact.

Here’s what you’ll learn from this illuminating read:

· Understanding Humanitarian Aid: Grasp the essential definitions, scope, and principles that shape the framework of global humanitarian efforts.

· Strategies to Overcome Access Challenges: Learn actionable tactics for penetrating hard-to-reach areas, breaking barriers, and delivering aid where it’s needed most.

· Building Sustainable Finances: Master the art of fundraising and explore innovative financing models to create a solid financial foundation.

· Cultivating Donor Relations: Develop techniques to forge trustful relationships with donors, ensuring continued support and investment.

· Managing Risks in Volatile Environments: Mitigate and manage the inherent risks in conflict zones and unstable regions, ensuring mission security.

· Balancing Diplomacy and Mission Delivery: Navigate the intricate political landscapes with finesse to maintain mission focus while honoring diplomatic nuances.

· Aligning with Multiple Stakeholders: Achieve seamless coordination with governments, other NGOs, and agencies to enhance collaboration and impact.

· Fostering Sustainable Development: Move beyond immediate relief to drive long-term positive change and sustainable development in communities.

· Engaging with Local Communities: Understand the vital importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity to foster genuine connections and community engagement.

· Future-Proofing Humanitarian Aid: Prepare for the emerging trends and transformations in humanitarian aid, from leveraging digital media to focusing on mental health and self-care for your team.

“Empowering NGOs: Optimizing Impact in Humanitarian Missions” is more than a book; it’s a lifeline to those striving to make a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable. Whether you are at the helm of a large organization or working on the ground, these chapters offer a treasure trove of wisdom, innovative strategies, and actionable tactics. This book is an invaluable resource that unites every facet of humanitarian work into a cohesive and effective framework. Dive into these pages and embark on a journey of empowerment, efficiency, and extraordinary impact. Join the ranks of those who don’t just provide aid, but who masterfully craft a better world, one mission at a time.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

Now Available on Amazon!

Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Empowering-NGOS-Optimizing-Humanitarian-Missions-ebook/dp/B0CDF4T9YG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1YUMHU2201TE3&keywords=Nonprofit+for+Dummies+2020&qid=1693410109&s=digital-text&sprefix=nonprofit+for+dummies+2020%2Cdigital-text%2C655&sr=1-5

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — -

For more books, please visit��James Scott on Amazon.

You may also visit Embassy Row Project.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

How my DRM-free principles left me owning the rights to a German audiobook

Support me this summer in the Clarion Write-A-Thon and help raise money for the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Workshop! This summer, I'm writing The Reverse-Centaur's Guide to AI, a short book for Farrar, Straus and Giroux that explains how to be an effective AI critic.

Long story short: thanks to a series of misunderstandings, I had to shell out more than ten thousand euros to prevent a German audiobook of my work from being released with DRM and now I need your help (assuming you speak German) to get the book into readers' ears!

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/red-team-blues-auf-deutsche-drm-freie

For more than a quarter-century, I've had an iron-clad policy of not releasing my work with "digital rights management," this being a kind of encryption that keeps my readers from reading the books they've bought in the apps of their choice.

There's two reasons for this: the first is, it's just grossly unfair. If you buy one of my print books, you can shelve it on any bookcase and read it sitting in any chair, under any company's lightbulb. It's stupid and offensive for a company like Amazon/Audible to declare that you can only read the ebooks and audiobooks you buy using the apps they approve.

But the second reason is more insidious and subtle. By retaining control over the apps that you must use to read or listen to your books, companies like Amazon are able to lock you into their platform. That means they can change the deal even after you've made your purchase (for example, Amazon has been caught deleting ebooks from people's Kindle apps and readers and Audible has experimented with inserting ads into your audiobooks after you buy them).

This lock-in isn't limited to readers, either. Once Amazon has all my readers locked in, the company acquires control over me, the writer. After all, if my readers can't switch from Amazon to another bookseller, then I can't switch from Amazon to another bookseller, because that would mean asking my readers to start over buying all their books again.

Amazon has a long history of squeezing its sellers – including writers and publishers – once it has them locked in. Today, 45-51% of every Amazon Marketplace purchase from an independent seller is skimmed off by Amazon in junk fees. The company makes $58 billion/year charging vendors for search placement (rather than putting the best match for shoppers' searches at the top of the result). And they stole at least $100m from Audible audiobook authors:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/09/07/audible-exclusive/#audiblegate

In 1998, the US passed a law (Section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act) that makes tampering with DRM a felony with a 5-year prison sentence and a $500k fine (for a first offense). In the years since, the US Trade Representative bullied every US trading partner into adopting this law. The EU did so in 2001, with Article 6 of the Copyright Directive.

This means that it's literally a crime for me, the author of a book, who holds the copyright to the work, to authorize you, a reader who bought the ebook or audiobook on Amazon, to convert the digital file so that it works with apps that compete with Amazon's.

So that's why I don't allow my work to be sold with DRM.

Everyone I do business with knows this – my publishers, my agents, etc – and over the past quarter century and more than 30 books, all of these people have bent over backwards to accommodate this policy of mine, even when it meant changing the workflow they used for thousands of books just to make an exception for me. I'm incredibly grateful for this.

But eventually, someone was bound to slip up, and that's how I ended up owning the German audiobook for my novel Red Team Blues.

After Red Team Blues was published in English in 2022 and became a national bestseller, many foreign publishers snapped up the translation rights. Among them was Heyne, my German publisher, who commissioned a fantastic translation by Jürgen Langowski that has sold briskly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Heyne also commissioned an audiobook, beautifully read by a beloved German audiobook narrator, Uve Teschner.

But somewhere in there, everyone forgot that this audiobook could only be sold without DRM. And since Audible, Apple Books and Audiobooks.com refuse to carry DRM-free books, that meant that they would not be able to sell the books in the places where 90+% of readers look for them.

No one is to blame here. It's just an oversight. But it left us all in the awkward position of my publisher having spent more than EUR10,000 on an audiobook that they would never be able to recoup on. Both my publisher and my agent offered to eat these costs, but I felt bad about this, given the great lengths both had gone to over the years to help me live my principles through my books.

Besides: I have this platform of mine, the newsletters and lists of people who've bought audiobooks from me before and the people who've backed the Kickstarters for my previous English works, and I decided I would buy the audiobook rights from my German publisher and try to make the money back by selling directly to my German fans.

Today, I've launched a Kickstarter campaign to sell the DRM-free German audiobook. I'm also selling the DRM-free ebook, and the German paperback, which will be fulfilled by my pals at Berlin's excellent sf/f bookstore Otherland (due to the Trump tariff nonsense, these can only be shipped in the EU, UK, and Switzerland):

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/red-team-blues-auf-deutsche-drm-freie

There's something for English-speaking readers, too: discounted editions of the English-language ebook and audiobook (read by Wil Wheaton), available in bundles with the German titles, or on their own. Europeans can also order the print edition of the book (again, fulfilled by Otherland in Berlin).

Now, I don't actually speak German. I grew up speaking Yiddish, much of which I've forgotten, which means that I can kind of grunt out ungrammatical German-adjacent phrases (the Otherland folks generously translated my Kickstarter page into German). That means that I have extremely limited ability to promote this Kickstarter to German-speaking audiences. I'm really relying on my readers here: if you are a German-speaker and/or have German-speaking friends, please let them know about this!

When you do, your pals are going to ask you what the book is about. Red Team Blues tells the story of the last case of Martin Hench, a 67 year old high-tech forensic accountant who's spent 40 years in Silicon Valley, busting the weirdest financial scams that three generations of tech bros cooked up. For this final job, Marty's been called out of retirement to resolve that scammiest of all tech-bro schemes, a cryptocurrency heist.

Marty's dear old pal Danny Lazer has built a new – and wildly successful – kind of blockchain, built on the security chips in mobile devices, called Trustlesscoin. Lazer is a cypherpunk legend, but that's not why Trustlesscoin went from zero to more than a billion in capitalization in a few short months: all that money poured in because some of the world's most ruthless criminals came to appreciate how Danny's cryptocurrency could facilitate money-laundering.

That would be bad enough, but Danny is exactly the kind of very smart guy who is more than capable of outsmarting himself. That's how he came to build a cryptographic back-door into Trustlesscoin, a secret key that allows the bearer to rewrite the supposedly immutable transactions in the network, which is to say, to steal all the money.

That's where Marty Hench comes in: Danny summons Marty to his home in Palo Alto because someone has stolen the physical token that this billion-dollar key lives on, and if someone doesn't get it back soon, it's only a matter of time until a billion dollars goes missing, and then the kind of people who resolve their monetary disputes with bone-saws and red-hot pokers will come looking for Danny.

That's where the story starts – but it turns out that recovering Danny's missing keys are the easy part. The hard part comes next, when Marty finds himself in the crosshairs of the violent international crime syndicates that boosted the keys in the first place.

People really like this book. It's the kind of book you stay up all night reading (or, as Molly White from Web3 is Going Just Great put it, "don't start reading it at bedtime if you have to be awake for something the next morning"). If you find yourself craving morning Marty Hench in the morning, I've published two more bestsellers recounting his earlier adventures: The Bezzle and Picks and Shovels.

Check it out for yourself. Here's the first chapter of the German audiobook, read by Uve Teschner:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8e2or8ze_4

And here's the first chapter of the English audiobook, read by Wil Wheaton:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb8yJeASgho

The campaign only runs for a brisk three weeks (I've got to get it all put away before I head out on tour with Enshittification in October), so act fast:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/doctorow/red-team-blues-auf-deutsche-drm-freie

And please, tell your German-speaking friends!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/07/21/martin-mensch/#horbuch

[sayruq]

Berlin announced on 23 April that it will resume cooperation with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza. Germany’s move came after an independent investigation headed by former French diplomat Catherine Colonna that found “neutrality-related issues” in implementing UNRWA’s procedures to “ensure compliance with the humanitarian principles of neutrality.” Colonna’s report made note that Israel provided no proof of whether UNRWA staff were involved with the Palestinian resistance’s Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on 7 October. “The German government has dealt intensively with the allegations made by Israel against UNRWA and has been in close contact with the Israeli government, the United Nations, and other international donors,” a joint statement by the German Foreign Office and the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development read. The former French diplomat’s investigation proposed reforms to UNRWA to increase the neutrality of staff and behavior, education, and governance, including methods to achieve these goals through engagement with donors. Germany pushed UNRWA to implement these recommendations, strengthen its internal audit functions, and improve the external surveillance of project management. “In support of these reforms, the German government will soon continue its cooperation with UNRWA in Gaza, as Australia, Canada, Sweden, and Japan, among others, have already done so,” the joint statement continued. Germany gave the UN agency over $200 million in 2023 and is the organization’s second-largest donor after the US. In an interview with Al-Jazeera, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said the attacks on the agency “have nothing to do with neutrality issues but in reality, they are motivated by the objective to strip the Palestinians from the refugee status.”