Useful Data - User contributions [en-gb]

Risk Management (or not)

2026-08-28T16:05:30Z

Simon: /* Reasons to Disregard Risks */ Added some more.

==Reasons to Disregard Risks==
*Superstition. "Speak of the Devil and he shall appear."
*Magical Thinking. "If we don't talk about it, it can't happen". And its corollary:
*Likelihood Thought-Action Fusion. "Talking about it makes it happen".
*The Ostrich Effect. "Bury your head in the sand and the bad thing will go away".
*Risk Denial. "Don't document it otherwise it affects staff morale and upsets stakeholders and then it will happen".
*Minimisation. "That's not a real risk".
*Normalcy Bias. "It's never happened before".
*Optimism Bias. "That wouldn't happen here".
*Risk Discounting. "It wouldn't be that bad".
*Disaster Myopia. "Nothing like that has happened for years".
*Denial Culture. "Keep calm and shut the **** up".
*Defensive Denial. "Are you saying my plan is flawed?"
*False Positivity. "Don't be so negative. It might never happen."
*Blame the Messenger.
*Punitive Delegation. "You saw it, you fix it."
*Slopey-shoulders. "Bring me solutions, not problems".
*Safe Inaction. "Let sleeping dogs lie".
*Career-minded Inaction. "You don't get sacked for making no decision".
*Omission Bias. "If I ignore it and it blows up, bad luck. If I poke it and it blows up, I'll get the blame."
*Benign Neglect. "It's not broken enough to be worth fixing".
*Strategic Inaction. "I have decided it should wait".
*Wilful Ignorance. "La, la, la, can't hear you. Oops, dropped it in the bin."
*Organisational Inertia. "We don't do it that way here".
*Kick it Down the Road. "I'll move on before it happens".
*Science Will Fix It. "Not a problem. Science will find a solution."
*Groupthink. "There's only you thinks that so you're wrong".
*The Abilene Paradox. "It looks like everyone else thinks this isn't a problem so I'll keep quiet".
*Bystander Effect. "Surely everyone can see this, so someone must be dealing with it".
*Pluralistic Ignorance. "Everyone else is cheering the Emperor's new suit. It must be me that's mistaken."
*Weaponised Competence. "If you can't see how this works, you aren't thinking strategically".
*The Newcomer. "When you've been here a while, you'll understand".
*Unstoppable Project Momentum. "We've gone too far to stop now".
*Traffic Light Quota. "We already have our limit for red risks on the dashboard".
*Goodhart's Law. "The SLA says we can't have any more risks".
*Organisational Inertia. "We can't change how we do things, it's like turning a super-tanker".
*Cassandra Syndrome. "Oh, is he complaining about that thing AGAIN? He's always complaining about it. Ignore him."
*The Law of Triviality. "We'll worry about that huge thing another day. First we need to count the paperclips."
*The Crocodile Nearest the Boat. "Don't worry about that huge problem that's downstream. There's a little problem right here."
*Bum-covering. "It's OK, I already alluded to that on page 156 in Appendix D."
*Panic Avoidance Bias. "Don't mention that; it'll set the hares running and create more work."
*I Hear What You Say. "I'm not interested. Shut up and go away."
*The Chilling Effect. "Stop looking to cause trouble. It is disruptive and not appreciated."
*Cascade Anxiety. "Don't go opening that can of worms, it'll just create more problems."
*Pandora's Box Effect. "If we go down that path, it opens up too much complexity for us to handle."
*Strategic Misrepresentation. "If we document that risk, we might lose the funding."
*Action Bias. "Stop thinking about what might go wrong and just get on with it".
*Scope Insulated Execution. "We need to protect the scope and not get tied up hypothesising legal implications".
*Budget Protection. "We haven't the money to do anything about that anyway".
*Analysis Paralysis Pre-emption. "Don't go down that rabbit hole and get us bogged down in what-ifs. Let's move on".
*Career Warning. "You need to think about your audience before making statements like that."
*Semantic Evasion. "It's not a risk because we know it will happen, but it is not an issue because it has not happened yet."
*Administrative Friction. "The risk system is too hard to use."
*Hierarchy Deflection. "That's a corporate risk, not a project risk."
*Audit Magnet. "Don't put that down. Audit & Assurance will want a mitigation plan and we can't afford the mitigation."
*Political Timing. "Don't record that yet, it's not a good time."
*Technical Debt. "Don't call it a risk or we might get sacked. Call it Technical Debt so we get extended to fix it."
*Scope Creepiness. "Irrelevant. Fixing that is not in our scope."
*Hero Creation. "Don't record it. Let's fix it, then tell them we found it and fixed it."
*Deferential Delay. "The SRO is about to retire. Don't raise that showstopper until after the leaving do."
*Corporate Gag. "The lawyers and PR said the cause never happened, so we mustn't record the risks it created."
*NDA Blindfold. "We're not allowed to talk about that matter and I'm not even supposed to tell you we can't."
*Political Expediency. "That would need a mitigation action and we could be accused of knowing it would go wrong all along."
*Negotiational Expediency. "Don't bring that up until we've finished negotiating the contract."
*Zero Risk Bias. "The Board has a zero tolerance of risk."
*Atychiphobic Governance. "If I admit there's a risk, it means confessing I've failed as a manager."
*The Immaculate Delivery Myth. "The Seniors brought you in to run this project properly and that means no risks. Understand?"

==Reasons to Raise Risks==
*Come to think of it, I'm not sure there are any now.

[[Category: Project management‏‎]]

Risk Management (or not)

2026-08-28T15:17:57Z

Simon: /* Reasons to Disregard Risks */ Fixed minor grammar error

==Reasons to Disregard Risks==
*Superstition. "Speak of the Devil and he shall appear."
*Magical Thinking. "If we don't talk about it, it can't happen". And the corollary:
*Likelihood Thought-Action Fusion. "Talking about it makes it happen".
*The Ostrich Effect. "Bury your head in the sand and the bad thing will go away".
*Risk Denial. "Don't document it otherwise it affects staff morale and upsets stakeholders and then it will happen".
*Minimisation. "That's not a real risk".
*Normalcy Bias. "It's never happened before".
*Optimism Bias. "That wouldn't happen here".
*Risk Discounting. "It wouldn't be that bad".
*Disaster Myopia. "Nothing like that has happened for years".
*Denial Culture. "Keep calm and shut the **** up".
*Defensive Denial. "Are you saying my plan is flawed?"
*False Positivity. "Don't be so negative. It might never happen."
*Blame the Messenger.
*Punitive Delegation. "You saw it, you fix it."
*Slopy-shoulders. "Bring me solutions, not problems".
*Safe Inaction. "Let sleeping dogs lie".
*Career-minded Inaction. "You don't get sacked for making no decision".
*Omission Bias. "If I ignore it and it blows up, bad luck. If I poke it and it blows up, I'll get the blame."
*Benign Neglect. "It's not broken enough to be worth fixing".
*Strategic Inaction. "I have decided it should wait".
*Wilful Ignorance. "La, la, la, can't hear you. Oops, dropped it in the bin."
*Organisational Inertia. "We don't do it that way here".
*Kick it Down the Road. "I'll move on before it happens".
*Science Will Fix It. "Not a problem. Science will find a solution."
*Groupthink. "There's only you thinks that so you're wrong".
*The Abilene Paradox. "It looks like everyone else thinks this isn't a problem so I'll keep quiet".
*Bystander Effect. "Surely everyone can see this, so someone must be dealing with it".
*Pluralistic Ignorance. "Everyone else is cheering the Emperor's new suit. It must be me that's mistaken."
*Weaponised Competence. "If you can't see ow this works, you aren't thinking strategically".
*The Newcomer. "When you've been here a while, you'll understand".
*Unstoppable Project Momentum. "We've gone too far to stop now".
*Traffic Light Quota. "We already have our limit for red risks on the dashboard".
*Goodhart's Law. "The SLA says we can't have any more risks".
*Organisational Inertia. "We can't change how we do things, it's like turning a super-tanker".
*Cassandra Syndrome. "Oh is he complaining about that thing AGAIN? He's always complaining about it. Ignore him."
*The Law of Triviality. "We'll worry about that huge thing another day. First we need to count the paperclips."
*The Crocodile Nearest the Boat. "Don't worry about that huge problem that's downstream. There's a little problem right here."
*Bum-covering. "It's OK, I already alluded to that on page 156 in Appendix D."
*Panic Avoidance Bias. "Don't mention that; it'll set the hares running and create more work."
*I Hear What You Say. "I'm not interested. Shut up and go away."
*The Chilling Effect. "Stop looking to cause trouble. It is disruptive and not appreciated."
*Cascade Anxiety. "Don't go opening that can of worms, it'll just create more problems."
*Pandora's Box Effect. "If we go down that path, it opens up too much complexity for us to handle".
*Strategic Misrepresentation. "If we document that risk, we might lose the funding."
*Action Bias. "Stop thinking about what might go wrong and just get on with it".
*Scope Insulated Execution. "We need to protect the scope and not get tied up hypothesising legal implications".
*Budget Protection. "We haven't the money to do anything about that anyway".
*Analysis Paralysis Pre-emption. "Don't go down that rabbit hole and get us bogged down in what-ifs. Let's move on".
*Career Warning. "You need to think about your audience before making statements like that."

==Reasons to Raise Risks==
*Come to think of it, I'm not sure there are any now.

[[Category: Project management‏‎]]

CPM - Cynical Project Management

2026-06-08T11:09:57Z

Simon: Created page

=Cynical Project Management=
==The Six Stages of the Project Lifecycle==

1. Enthusiasm
*The team is excited to begin and highly optimistic about the new initiative. People are desperate to get on board the new bandwagon.
2. Disillusionment
*Reality sets in as the aim is more poorly defined that initially thought. It turns out to be harder than expected. It will cost more and take longer than is acceptable.
3. Panic
*Deadlines are imposed to force progress. Frustration builds and stress levels rise as deadlines pass and the unresolved issues get worse.
4. Search for the Guilty
*"Get your blame in first." The project slips and seniors start asking difficult questions. The frantic witch-hunt to find a scapegoat begins.
5. Punishment of the Innocent
*The blame for the project's systemic failures is allocated to someone who had many opinions but no influence over the outcome.
6. Praise for the Non-Participants
*Management take the credit for being strong leaders and uninvolved bystanders the take credit for whatever gets salvaged, while the actual workers get nothing.

==The Project Manager==
"The unwanted, doing the unthinkable, for the ungrateful."

==The Delivery Manager==
"We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now able to do anything with nothing."

Main Page

2026-06-08T10:50:13Z

Simon: /* Skills */ Added Cynical Project Management

'''Simon's Useful Info Wiki.'''
==== Links of Links ====
* [[LULinks]] Lancaster University links

==== Wiki and blog information ====
* [[wiki]] and 'Getting started':
** [[Editing examples]] <-- I refer to this a lot!
** [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents The wiki software User's Guide]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
** [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [[Drupal]] - Gave up. Too large, too slow, too clunky, too much to learn, too vulnerable.
* [[WordPress]]

==== Web site monitoring and maintenance ====
* [[awstats]]
* [[Creating subdomains]]
* [[MS SQL]]
* [[Uptime and certificate monitoring]]
* [[Monitoring web page changes]]
* [[Online file mirroring services]]
* [[Web site statistics]]
* [[noip2 / No-IP2]]

==== Operating systems ====
* [[Linux]]
* [[XP]]

==== Language ====
* [[diacritics]]
* [[Language]], e.g. [[Useful words]], [[Proverbs]], [[Phonetic alphabet]], [[Light at the End of the Tunnel]]
* [[Numbers]], e.g. [[Uptime]], [[hexadecimal watch words]]
* Is it a [[policy, procedure, protocol, guideline or standard]]?
* [[Procrastination]]
* [[Oxymorons]]

==== Programming languages ====
* [[Python]]
* [[BASIC on Linux]]
* [[Google Apps Script]] or whatever Google are calling the macros language for Google Docs / Google Sheets this month.

==== Artificial Intelligence ====
* [[AI, Artificial Intelligence]]

==== Devices ====
* [[Asus X401A]]
* [[Pegatron Cape 7]]
* [[msi U180]]
* [[Asus EeeBox PC model EB1007P]]
* [[Antec - a Tenzy custom build]]
* [[CyKey - a chording keyboard]]
* [[Huawei 4G Mobile WiFi E589 unlocking]]
* [[Plusnet 2704n / Sagemcom 2704n / Hub Zero 2704n Broadband Router advanced settings]]
* [[BlackBerry Curve 9320]]
* [[kobo Touch e-reader]]

==== Software ====
* [[Firefox]]
* [[Personal finance software]]
* [[CD ripping software]]
* [[Personal organiser software]]
* [[OpenOffice.org and LibreOffice]]
* [[Distributed computing and Boinc]]
* [[Webcam / camera monitoring software]]
* [[Remote access]]
* [[Collaborative online working]] Online tools for collaborative working
* [[Office 2013 migration]]
* [[Feng Office]]
* [[Desert Order]]
* [[NextCloud]]

==== Education and Learning ====
* [[Free learning]] e.g. [https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera], [http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn], [https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn]
* [[Free flashcard software and web sites]]
* [[How we learn]] icluding David Kolb's Learning Cycle, Honey & Mumford, the Change Curve et al.

==== Skills ====
* [[geospatial]]
* [[Agile]], e.g. [[Scrum]], [[DSDM]] and [[EVO_-_evolutionary_systems_delivery|EVO]]
* [[Project management]]
* [[Change management]]
* [[Tools and Techniques]]
* [[Awnimos]]
* [[Pareto Principle]]
* [[PRINCE3]]
* [[Foalma]]
* [[Technology evolution]]
* [[Security]]
* [[CSSF and related acronyms]]
* [[Data migration]]
* [[Annoying spammers]]
* [[No New Wars 11112018]]
* [[Mental Health]]
* [[eXtreme Project Management]]
* [[Data management]]
* [[Risk Management (or not)]]
* [[CPM - Cynical Project Management]]

==== Employment ====
* [[Freelancing & contracting]]
* [[Professional networking]]

==== Interests ====
* [[Aurora]] how and when
* [[Climate change actions]] But what can I do?

* [[Suppliers]]

[[Category:wiki]]

Risk Management (or not)

2026-06-08T10:12:10Z

Simon: /* Reasons to Disregard Risks */ Added another.

==Reasons to Disregard Risks==
*Superstition. "Speak of the Devil and he shall appear."
*Magical Thinking. "If we don't talk about it, it can't happen". And the corollary:
*Likelihood Thought-Action Fusion. "Talking about it makes it happen".
*The Ostrich Effect. "Bury your head in the sand and the bad thing will go away".
*Risk Denial. "Don't document it otherwise it staff affects morale and upsets stakeholders and then it will happen".
*Minimisation. "That's not a real risk".
*Normalcy Bias. "It's never happened before".
*Optimism Bias. "That wouldn't happen here".
*Risk Discounting. "It wouldn't be that bad".
*Disaster Myopia. "Nothing like that has happened for years".
*Denial Culture. "Keep calm and shut the **** up".
*Defensive Denial. "Are you saying my plan is flawed?"
*False Positivity. "Don't be so negative. It might never happen."
*Blame the Messenger.
*Punitive Delegation. "You saw it, you fix it."
*Slopy-shoulders. "Bring me solutions, not problems".
*Safe Inaction. "Let sleeping dogs lie".
*Career-minded Inaction. "You don't get sacked for making no decision".
*Omission Bias. "If I ignore it and it blows up, bad luck. If I poke it and it blows up, I'll get the blame."
*Benign Neglect. "It's not broken enough to be worth fixing".
*Strategic Inaction. "I have decided it should wait".
*Wilful Ignorance. "La, la, la, can't hear you. Oops, dropped it in the bin."
*Organisational Inertia. "We don't do it that way here".
*Kick it Down the Road. "I'll move on before it happens".
*Science Will Fix It. "Not a problem. Science will find a solution."
*Groupthink. "There's only you thinks that so you're wrong".
*The Abilene Paradox. "It looks like everyone else thinks this isn't a problem so I'll keep quiet".
*Bystander Effect. "Surely everyone can see this, so someone must be dealing with it".
*Pluralistic Ignorance. "Everyone else is cheering the Emperor's new suit. It must be me that's mistaken."
*Weaponised Competence. "If you can't see ow this works, you aren't thinking strategically".
*The Newcomer. "When you've been here a while, you'll understand".
*Unstoppable Project Momentum. "We've gone too far to stop now".
*Traffic Light Quota. "We already have our limit for red risks on the dashboard".
*Goodhart's Law. "The SLA says we can't have any more risks".
*Organisational Inertia. "We can't change how we do things, it's like turning a super-tanker".
*Cassandra Syndrome. "Oh is he complaining about that thing AGAIN? He's always complaining about it. Ignore him."
*The Law of Triviality. "We'll worry about that huge thing another day. First we need to count the paperclips."
*The Crocodile Nearest the Boat. "Don't worry about that huge problem that's downstream. There's a little problem right here."
*Bum-covering. "It's OK, I already alluded to that on page 156 in Appendix D."
*Panic Avoidance Bias. "Don't mention that; it'll set the hares running and create more work."
*I Hear What You Say. "I'm not interested. Shut up and go away."
*The Chilling Effect. "Stop looking to cause trouble. It is disruptive and not appreciated."
*Cascade Anxiety. "Don't go opening that can of worms, it'll just create more problems."
*Pandora's Box Effect. "If we go down that path, it opens up too much complexity for us to handle".
*Strategic Misrepresentation. "If we document that risk, we might lose the funding."
*Action Bias. "Stop thinking about what might go wrong and just get on with it".
*Scope Insulated Execution. "We need to protect the scope and not get tied up hypothesising legal implications".
*Budget Protection. "We haven't the money to do anything about that anyway".
*Analysis Paralysis Pre-emption. "Don't go down that rabbit hole and get us bogged down in what-ifs. Let's move on".
*Career Warning. "You need to think about your audience before making statements like that."

==Reasons to Raise Risks==
*Come to think of it, I'm not sure there are any now.

[[Category: Project management‏‎]]

Risk Management (or not)

2026-06-02T20:57:59Z

Simon: Tidied headers. Added some more.

==Reasons to Disregard Risks==
*Superstition. "Speak of the Devil and he shall appear."
*Magical Thinking. "If we don't talk about it, it can't happen". And the corollary:
*Likelihood Thought-Action Fusion. "Talking about it makes it happen".
*The Ostrich Effect. "Bury your head in the sand and the bad thing will go away".
*Risk Denial. "Don't document it otherwise it staff affects morale and upsets stakeholders and then it will happen".
*Minimisation. "That's not a real risk".
*Normalcy Bias. "It's never happened before".
*Optimism Bias. "That wouldn't happen here".
*Risk Discounting. "It wouldn't be that bad".
*Disaster Myopia. "Nothing like that has happened for years".
*Denial Culture. "Keep calm and shut the **** up".
*Defensive Denial. "Are you saying my plan is flawed?"
*False Positivity. "Don't be so negative. It might never happen."
*Blame the Messenger.
*Punitive Delegation. "You saw it, you fix it."
*Slopy-shoulders. "Bring me solutions, not problems".
*Safe Inaction. "Let sleeping dogs lie".
*Career-minded Inaction. "You don't get sacked for making no decision".
*Omission Bias. "If I ignore it and it blows up, bad luck. If I poke it and it blows up, I'll get the blame."
*Benign Neglect. "It's not broken enough to be worth fixing".
*Strategic Inaction. "I have decided it should wait".
*Wilful Ignorance. "La, la, la, can't hear you. Oops, dropped it in the bin."
*Organisational Inertia. "We don't do it that way here".
*Kick it Down the Road. "I'll move on before it happens".
*Science Will Fix It. "Not a problem. Science will find a solution."
*Groupthink. "There's only you thinks that so you're wrong".
*The Abilene Paradox. "It looks like everyone else thinks this isn't a problem so I'll keep quiet".
*Bystander Effect. "Surely everyone can see this, so someone must be dealing with it".
*Pluralistic Ignorance. "Everyone else is cheering the Emperor's new suit. It must be me that's mistaken."
*Weaponised Competence. "If you can't see ow this works, you aren't thinking strategically".
*The Newcomer. "When you've been here a while, you'll understand".
*Unstoppable Project Momentum. "We've gone too far to stop now".
*Traffic Light Quota. "We already have our limit for red risks on the dashboard".
*Goodhart's Law. "The SLA says we can't have any more risks".
*Organisational Inertia. "We can't change how we do things, it's like turning a super-tanker".
*Cassandra Syndrome. "Oh is he complaining about that thing AGAIN? He's always complaining about it. Ignore him."
*The Law of Triviality. "We'll worry about that huge thing another day. First we need to count the paperclips."
*The Crocodile Nearest the Boat. "Don't worry about that huge problem that's downstream. There's a little problem right here."
*Bum-covering. "It's OK, I already alluded to that on page 156 in Appendix D."
*Panic Avoidance Bias. "Don't mention that; it'll set the hares running and create more work."
*I Hear What You Say. "I'm not interested. Shut up and go away."
*The Chilling Effect. "Stop looking to cause trouble. It is disruptive and not appreciated."
*Cascade Anxiety. "Don't go opening that can of worms, it'll just create more problems."
*Pandora's Box Effect. "If we go down that path, it opens up too much complexity for us to handle".
*Strategic Misrepresentation. "If we document that risk, we might lose the funding."
*Action Bias. "Stop thinking about what might go wrong and just get on with it".
*Scope Insulated Execution. "We need to protect the scope and not get tied up hypothesising legal implications".
*Budget Protection. "We haven't the money to do anything about that anyway".
*Analysis Paralysis Pre-emption. "Don't go down that rabbit hole and get us bogged down in what-ifs. Let's move on".

==Reasons to Raise Risks==
*Come to think of it, I'm not sure there are any now.

[[Category: Project management‏‎]]

Risk Management (or not)

2026-06-02T18:46:21Z

Simon: Created page

=Risk Management=

==REASONS TO DISREGARD RISKS==
*Superstition. "Speak of the Devil and he shall appear."
*Magical Thinking ("If we don't talk about it, it can't happen") and the corollary: Likelihood Thought-Action Fusion ("talking about it makes it happen").
*The Ostrich Effect ("bury your head in the sand and the bad thing will go away").
*Risk Denial ("don't document it otherwise it affects morale and upsets stakeholders and then it will happen").
*Denial Culture ("Keep calm and shut the **** up").
*Blame the Messenger.
*Punitive Delegation: "You saw it, you fix it."
*Slopy-shouldered: "Bring me solutions, not problems."
*Safe Inaction: "Let sleeping dogs lie". "You don't get sacked for making no decision."
*Omission Bias: "If I ignore it and it blows up, bad luck. If I poke it and it blows up, I'll get the blame."
*Benign Neglect: "It's not broken enough to be worth fixing".
*Strategic Inaction: "I have decided it should wait".
*Wilful Ignorance: "La, la, la. Oops, dropped it in the bin."
*Organisational Inertia: "We don't do it that way here".
*Kick it Down the Road: "I'll move on before it happens".

==REASONS TO RAISE RISKS==
*Come to think of it, I'm not sure now.

[[Category: Project management‏‎]]

Main Page

2026-06-02T18:44:32Z

Simon: /* Skills */ Added * Risk Management (or not)

'''Simon's Useful Info Wiki.'''
==== Links of Links ====
* [[LULinks]] Lancaster University links

==== Wiki and blog information ====
* [[wiki]] and 'Getting started':
** [[Editing examples]] <-- I refer to this a lot!
** [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents The wiki software User's Guide]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
** [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [[Drupal]] - Gave up. Too large, too slow, too clunky, too much to learn, too vulnerable.
* [[WordPress]]

==== Web site monitoring and maintenance ====
* [[awstats]]
* [[Creating subdomains]]
* [[MS SQL]]
* [[Uptime and certificate monitoring]]
* [[Monitoring web page changes]]
* [[Online file mirroring services]]
* [[Web site statistics]]
* [[noip2 / No-IP2]]

==== Operating systems ====
* [[Linux]]
* [[XP]]

==== Language ====
* [[diacritics]]
* [[Language]], e.g. [[Useful words]], [[Proverbs]], [[Phonetic alphabet]], [[Light at the End of the Tunnel]]
* [[Numbers]], e.g. [[Uptime]], [[hexadecimal watch words]]
* Is it a [[policy, procedure, protocol, guideline or standard]]?
* [[Procrastination]]
* [[Oxymorons]]

==== Programming languages ====
* [[Python]]
* [[BASIC on Linux]]
* [[Google Apps Script]] or whatever Google are calling the macros language for Google Docs / Google Sheets this month.

==== Artificial Intelligence ====
* [[AI, Artificial Intelligence]]

==== Devices ====
* [[Asus X401A]]
* [[Pegatron Cape 7]]
* [[msi U180]]
* [[Asus EeeBox PC model EB1007P]]
* [[Antec - a Tenzy custom build]]
* [[CyKey - a chording keyboard]]
* [[Huawei 4G Mobile WiFi E589 unlocking]]
* [[Plusnet 2704n / Sagemcom 2704n / Hub Zero 2704n Broadband Router advanced settings]]
* [[BlackBerry Curve 9320]]
* [[kobo Touch e-reader]]

==== Software ====
* [[Firefox]]
* [[Personal finance software]]
* [[CD ripping software]]
* [[Personal organiser software]]
* [[OpenOffice.org and LibreOffice]]
* [[Distributed computing and Boinc]]
* [[Webcam / camera monitoring software]]
* [[Remote access]]
* [[Collaborative online working]] Online tools for collaborative working
* [[Office 2013 migration]]
* [[Feng Office]]
* [[Desert Order]]
* [[NextCloud]]

==== Education and Learning ====
* [[Free learning]] e.g. [https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera], [http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn], [https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn]
* [[Free flashcard software and web sites]]
* [[How we learn]] icluding David Kolb's Learning Cycle, Honey & Mumford, the Change Curve et al.

==== Skills ====
* [[geospatial]]
* [[Agile]], e.g. [[Scrum]], [[DSDM]] and [[EVO_-_evolutionary_systems_delivery|EVO]]
* [[Project management]]
* [[Change management]]
* [[Tools and Techniques]]
* [[Awnimos]]
* [[Pareto Principle]]
* [[PRINCE3]]
* [[Foalma]]
* [[Technology evolution]]
* [[Security]]
* [[CSSF and related acronyms]]
* [[Data migration]]
* [[Annoying spammers]]
* [[No New Wars 11112018]]
* [[Mental Health]]
* [[eXtreme Project Management]]
* [[Data management]]
* [[Risk Management (or not)]]

==== Employment ====
* [[Freelancing & contracting]]
* [[Professional networking]]

==== Interests ====
* [[Aurora]] how and when
* [[Climate change actions]] But what can I do?

* [[Suppliers]]

[[Category:wiki]]

What is on my LAN?

2026-06-01T21:06:41Z

Simon: /* arp-scan */ Added -g option that removes duplicates

Or, What is on my network?
== arp-scan ==
For the default interface:
sudo arp-scan -l
and for a Wi-Fi connected PC:
sudo arp-scan -l -I wlan0
which gives a list of devices on the local network. Possible result:
simon@simon-Mint17 ~ $ sudo arp-scan -l -I wlan0
Interface: wlan0, datalink type: EN10MB (Ethernet)
Starting arp-scan 1.8.1 with 256 hosts (http://www.nta-monitor.com/tools/arp-scan/)
192.168.1.64 00:15:b7:0f:93:54 Toshiba
192.168.1.66 98:4b:e1:47:b2:d1 Hewlett Packard
192.168.1.71 d0:50:99:4a:0b:8b (Unknown)
192.168.1.254 90:72:82:db:47:61 (Unknown)
or:
simon@simon-Mint17 ~ $ sudo arp-scan -l -I wlan0
Interface: wlan0, datalink type: EN10MB (Ethernet)
Starting arp-scan 1.8.1 with 256 hosts (http://www.nta-monitor.com/tools/arp-scan/)
192.168.1.65 c8:60:00:12:79:9a (Unknown)
192.168.1.69 d0:50:99:4a:0b:8b (Unknown)
192.168.1.64 b0:65:bd:16:ec:9e (Unknown)
192.168.1.73 00:22:43:39:5f:d5 AzureWave Technologies, Inc.
192.168.1.66 98:4b:e1:47:b2:d1 Hewlett Packard
192.168.1.254 90:72:82:db:47:61 (Unknown)
192.168.1.74 6c:71:d9:02:15:17 (Unknown)

7 packets received by filter, 0 packets dropped by kernel
Ending arp-scan 1.8.1: 256 hosts scanned in 1.728 seconds (148.15 hosts/sec). 7 responded
Running it multiple times gives different results, so it is not terribly reliable. However, the <code>-r n</code> option retries 'n' times and picks up these extra devices, as shown when using the <code>-v</code> option for verbose output:
simon@simonX64:~$ sudo arp-scan -l -v -r 9
Interface: eth0, datalink type: EN10MB (Ethernet)
Using 192.168.1.0:255.255.255.0 for localnet
Starting arp-scan 1.8.1 with 256 hosts (http://www.nta-monitor.com/tools/arp-scan/)
192.168.1.62 90:72:82:db:47:61 (Unknown) Padding=0ac701000000000100000000000000000000
192.168.1.64 90:e6:ba:ea:4c:d8 ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.
192.168.1.71 30:85:a9:27:f6:ba (Unknown)
192.168.1.84 30:85:a9:27:f6:ba (Unknown)
192.168.1.65 90:e6:ba:0c:1b:f3 ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.
192.168.1.66 00:16:e3:a8:67:c6 ASKEY COMPUTER CORP.
--- Pass 1 complete
192.168.1.254 a4:08:f5:ac:e7:da (Unknown)
192.168.1.94 6c:71:d9:02:15:17 (Unknown) Padding=a47c8ac7e28ef2b068ee578e010430140100
192.168.1.85 bc:83:85:2d:88:51 (Unknown)
--- Pass 2 complete
192.168.1.67 1c:69:a5:0d:28:0d (Unknown)
192.168.1.70 b0:65:bd:16:ec:9e (Unknown)
--- Pass 3 complete
192.168.1.67 1c:69:a5:0d:28:0d (Unknown) (DUP: 2)
--- Pass 4 complete
192.168.1.67 1c:69:a5:0d:28:0d (Unknown) (DUP: 3)
--- Pass 5 complete
--- Pass 6 complete
--- Pass 7 complete
--- Pass 8 complete
--- Pass 9 complete

13 packets received by filter, 0 packets dropped by kernel
Ending arp-scan 1.8.1: 256 hosts scanned in 9.421 seconds (27.17 hosts/sec). 13 responded

Adding -g prevents the display of duplicates:

simon@simon-X20:~$ sudo arp-scan -l -v -r 9 -g
Interface: wlx90e6ba0c1bf3, type: EN10MB, MAC: 90:e6:ba:0c:1b:f3, IPv4: 192.168.178.24
Using 192.168.178.0:255.255.255.0 for localnet
Starting arp-scan 1.9.7 with 256 hosts (https://github.com/royhills/arp-scan)
192.168.178.1 80:23:95:11:c4:b0 (Unknown)
192.168.178.28 3c:64:cf:a1:55:5c (Unknown)
192.168.178.27 90:e6:ba:ea:4c:d8 ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.
192.168.178.22 d0:50:99:4a:0b:8b ASRock Incorporation
192.168.178.26 d0:50:99:4a:0b:8b ASRock Incorporation
192.168.178.21 c8:58:b3:33:0f:7c (Unknown)
192.168.178.57 90:e6:ba:ea:4c:d8 ASUSTek COMPUTER INC.
192.168.178.78 9c:93:4e:6d:3c:b5 Xerox Corporation
192.168.178.107 b4:b0:24:da:5d:12 (Unknown)
--- Pass 1 complete
--- Pass 2 complete
192.168.178.126 aa:b6:dc:5c:2a:28 (Unknown: locally administered)
192.168.178.23 ea:ba:b7:66:bb:d6 (Unknown: locally administered)
--- Pass 3 complete
192.168.178.29 1c:e8:9e:da:3e:20 (Unknown)
192.168.178.125 56:09:98:d6:ad:61 (Unknown: locally administered)
--- Pass 4 complete
--- Pass 5 complete
--- Pass 6 complete
--- Pass 7 complete
--- Pass 8 complete
--- Pass 9 complete

397 packets received by filter, 0 packets dropped by kernel
Ending arp-scan 1.9.7: 256 hosts scanned in 38.210 seconds (6.70 hosts/sec). 13 responded

== netdiscover ==
Alternatively:
sudo netdiscover -i wlan0 -r 192.168.1.0/24
which searches in the range 192.168.1.0 to 192.168.1.255 (i.e. the first 24 bits are kept the same) which gives output like this:
Currently scanning: Finished! | Screen View: Unique Hosts

22 Captured ARP Req/Rep packets, from 4 hosts. Total size: 978
_____________________________________________________________________________
IP At MAC Address Count Len MAC Vendor
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
192.168.1.254 90:72:82:db:47:61 19 798 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.64 00:15:b7:0f:93:54 01 060 Toshiba
192.168.1.71 d0:50:99:4a:0b:8b 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.66 98:4b:e1:47:b2:d1 01 060 Unknown vendor

That only gives active IP addresses, not what the devices are called.

There is a handy <code>-L</code> option which passively listens and picks up things as they appear:
simon@simonX64:~$ sudo netdiscover -r 192.168.1.0/24 -L
_____________________________________________________________________________
IP At MAC Address Count Len MAC Vendor
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
192.168.1.62 90:72:82:db:47:61 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.64 90:e6:ba:ea:4c:d8 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.71 30:85:a9:27:f6:ba 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.84 30:85:a9:27:f6:ba 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.65 90:e6:ba:0c:1b:f3 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.66 00:16:e3:a8:67:c6 01 060 ASKEY COMPUTER CORP.
192.168.1.254 a4:08:f5:ac:e7:da 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.70 b0:65:bd:16:ec:9e 01 060 Unknown vendor

-- Active scan completed, 8 Hosts found. Continuing to listen passively.

192.168.1.94 6c:71:d9:02:15:17 01 060 Unknown vendor
192.168.1.89 00:23:54:7b:b0:d5 01 060 Unknown vendor
Use ^C to end it.

== nmap ==
Alternatively the nmap 'no port scan' - also called the 'ping scan' - <code>nmap -sn 192.168.1.*</code> is quick and gives:
simon@simonX64:~$ sudo nmap -sn 192.168.1.*
Starting Nmap 6.40 ( http://nmap.org ) at 2017-08-28 14:25 BST
Nmap scan report for PlusNet-WiFi-hub-SandJ-15b.lan (192.168.1.62)
Host is up (0.016s latency).
MAC Address: 90:72:82:DB:47:61 (Unknown)
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.64
Host is up (0.016s latency).
MAC Address: 90:E6:BA:EA:4C:D8 (Asustek Computer)
Nmap scan report for JanTec.lan (192.168.1.65)
Host is up (0.24s latency).
MAC Address: 90:E6:BA:0C:1B:F3 (Asustek Computer)
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.66
Host is up (0.24s latency).
MAC Address: 00:16:E3:A8:67:C6 (Askey Computer)
Nmap scan report for simon-Mint17.lan (192.168.1.71)
Host is up (-0.079s latency).
MAC Address: 30:85:A9:27:F6:BA (Asustek Computer)
Nmap scan report for EeePC-LXLE.lan (192.168.1.73)
Host is up (-0.10s latency).
MAC Address: 00:23:54:7B:B0:D5 (Asustek Computer)
Nmap scan report for 192.168.1.84
Host is up (-0.062s latency).
MAC Address: 30:85:A9:27:F6:BA (Asustek Computer)
Nmap scan report for TC160440.lan (192.168.1.85)
Host is up (0.21s latency).
MAC Address: BC:83:85:2D:88:51 (Unknown)
Nmap scan report for EeePC-LXLE.lan (192.168.1.89)
Host is up (-0.089s latency).
MAC Address: 00:23:54:7B:B0:D5 (Asustek Computer)
Nmap scan report for dsldevice.lan (192.168.1.254)
Host is up (0.0053s latency).
MAC Address: A4:08:F5:AC:E7:DA (Unknown)
Nmap scan report for simonX64.lan (192.168.1.72)
Host is up.
Nmap done: 256 IP addresses (11 hosts up) scanned in 5.53 seconds
which is not very easy to read. Running this a second time came back with 13 hosts, so is not terribly reliable.

Note that running <code>nmap</code> with <code>sudo</code> returns more results because it carries out more tests.

Note that nmap can take an asterisk as part of the network address, hence you can use <code>192.168.1.*</code> rather than <code>192.168.1.0/24</code>.

== arp ==
This display's the kernel's Address Resolution Protocol cache. <code>arp</code> is very quick and gives:
simon@simon-X20:~$ arp
Address HWtype HWaddress Flags Mask Iface
XC-6D3CB5 ether 9c:93:4e:6d:3c:b5 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
Broadcom.Home ether f0:68:65:01:cb:07 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
JanTec ether 20:0d:b0:24:4c:a6 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.32 ether a4:08:f5:ac:e7:da C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
ctfp2-OptiPlex-755 ether 70:f1:1c:05:71:74 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
BLACKBERRY-45ED ether 1c:69:a5:0d:28:0d C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.9 ether f2:c8:f1:c1:97:29 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3

Adding <code>-n</code> makes it display IP addresses instead, but then you lose the host name:
simon@simon-X20:~$ arp -n
Address HWtype HWaddress Flags Mask Iface
192.168.1.3 ether 9c:93:4e:6d:3c:b5 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.1 ether f0:68:65:01:cb:07 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.6 ether 20:0d:b0:24:4c:a6 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.32 ether a4:08:f5:ac:e7:da C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.39 ether 70:f1:1c:05:71:74 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.8 ether 1c:69:a5:0d:28:0d C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
192.168.1.9 ether f2:c8:f1:c1:97:29 C wlx90e6ba0c1bf3

Adding <code>-a</code> makes it display host names and IP addresses, but then without being in nice columns:
simon@simon-X20:~$ arp -a
XC-6D3CB5 (192.168.1.3) at 9c:93:4e:6d:3c:b5 [ether] on wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
Broadcom.Home (192.168.1.1) at f0:68:65:01:cb:07 [ether] on wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
JanTec (192.168.1.6) at 20:0d:b0:24:4c:a6 [ether] on wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
? (192.168.1.32) at a4:08:f5:ac:e7:da [ether] on wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
ctfp2-OptiPlex-755 (192.168.1.39) at 70:f1:1c:05:71:74 [ether] on wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
BLACKBERRY-45ED (192.168.1.8) at 1c:69:a5:0d:28:0d [ether] on wlx90e6ba0c1bf3
? (192.168.1.9) at f2:c8:f1:c1:97:29 [ether] on wlx90e6ba0c1bf3

Adding <code>-v</code> adds a line for the number of entries found:
Entries: 7 Skipped: 0 Found: 7

[[Category:Linux]]
[[Category:Ubuntu]]
[[Category:networking]]

Data management

2026-03-25T10:50:14Z

Simon: Created page

= Useful Data - Data management =

In I.T. we are the custodians of the data. It is not ours. We look after it. CIA applies.

In defining systems and processes, the right level of detail and accuracy matters. CAR applies.

The information managers who managing the live data need to ensure its value is maximised. FAIR applies.

== CIA Triad ==
Intended to ensure data is kept private, correct and accessible.

* Confidentiality
* Integrity
* Availability

== CAR data quality dimensions ==
Defines expected standards for data utility, truthfulness and proportionality. It means you only need keep what you need to keep, it must be error-free and occasionally reviewed, checks and quality need only be good enough for the purpose.

* Complete
* Accurate
* Reasonable

== FAIR data principles ==
Intended to optimise the reuse of data to gain the most value from it.

* Findable
* Accessible
* Interoperable
* Reusable

[[Category: Data management]]
[[Category: Change management]]

Main Page

2026-03-25T10:36:19Z

Simon: /* Skills */ Added Data management

'''Simon's Useful Info Wiki.'''
==== Links of Links ====
* [[LULinks]] Lancaster University links

==== Wiki and blog information ====
* [[wiki]] and 'Getting started':
** [[Editing examples]] <-- I refer to this a lot!
** [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents The wiki software User's Guide]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
** [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [[Drupal]] - Gave up. Too large, too slow, too clunky, too much to learn, too vulnerable.
* [[WordPress]]

==== Web site monitoring and maintenance ====
* [[awstats]]
* [[Creating subdomains]]
* [[MS SQL]]
* [[Uptime and certificate monitoring]]
* [[Monitoring web page changes]]
* [[Online file mirroring services]]
* [[Web site statistics]]
* [[noip2 / No-IP2]]

==== Operating systems ====
* [[Linux]]
* [[XP]]

==== Language ====
* [[diacritics]]
* [[Language]], e.g. [[Useful words]], [[Proverbs]], [[Phonetic alphabet]], [[Light at the End of the Tunnel]]
* [[Numbers]], e.g. [[Uptime]], [[hexadecimal watch words]]
* Is it a [[policy, procedure, protocol, guideline or standard]]?
* [[Procrastination]]
* [[Oxymorons]]

==== Programming languages ====
* [[Python]]
* [[BASIC on Linux]]
* [[Google Apps Script]] or whatever Google are calling the macros language for Google Docs / Google Sheets this month.

==== Artificial Intelligence ====
* [[AI, Artificial Intelligence]]

==== Devices ====
* [[Asus X401A]]
* [[Pegatron Cape 7]]
* [[msi U180]]
* [[Asus EeeBox PC model EB1007P]]
* [[Antec - a Tenzy custom build]]
* [[CyKey - a chording keyboard]]
* [[Huawei 4G Mobile WiFi E589 unlocking]]
* [[Plusnet 2704n / Sagemcom 2704n / Hub Zero 2704n Broadband Router advanced settings]]
* [[BlackBerry Curve 9320]]
* [[kobo Touch e-reader]]

==== Software ====
* [[Firefox]]
* [[Personal finance software]]
* [[CD ripping software]]
* [[Personal organiser software]]
* [[OpenOffice.org and LibreOffice]]
* [[Distributed computing and Boinc]]
* [[Webcam / camera monitoring software]]
* [[Remote access]]
* [[Collaborative online working]] Online tools for collaborative working
* [[Office 2013 migration]]
* [[Feng Office]]
* [[Desert Order]]
* [[NextCloud]]

==== Education and Learning ====
* [[Free learning]] e.g. [https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera], [http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn], [https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn]
* [[Free flashcard software and web sites]]
* [[How we learn]] icluding David Kolb's Learning Cycle, Honey & Mumford, the Change Curve et al.

==== Skills ====
* [[geospatial]]
* [[Agile]], e.g. [[Scrum]], [[DSDM]] and [[EVO_-_evolutionary_systems_delivery|EVO]]
* [[Project management]]
* [[Change management]]
* [[Tools and Techniques]]
* [[Awnimos]]
* [[Pareto Principle]]
* [[PRINCE3]]
* [[Foalma]]
* [[Technology evolution]]
* [[Security]]
* [[CSSF and related acronyms]]
* [[Data migration]]
* [[Annoying spammers]]
* [[No New Wars 11112018]]
* [[Mental Health]]
* [[eXtreme Project Management]]
* [[Data management]]

==== Employment ====
* [[Freelancing & contracting]]
* [[Professional networking]]

==== Interests ====
* [[Aurora]] how and when
* [[Climate change actions]] But what can I do?

* [[Suppliers]]

[[Category:wiki]]

Test data names

2026-02-17T08:31:16Z

Simon: Added some

I have been meaning to start this list for at least 35 years. Names to use as test data:

* Ruby Laser
* Sally Forth
* Helen Bach
* Heidi Vodka
* Lord Elpuss
* Donna Kay Babs
* Ruby Ale
* Bess Bitter
* Shandi Bass
* Duncan Biscuits
* Anne Jiner
* Heather Honey
* Dickie Ticker
* Justin Case
* Justin Thyme
* Penny Less
* Terry Cotter
* Eileen Dover
* Paige Turner
* Sue Flay
* Dot Matrix
* Al Grithm
* Terry Bite
* Isla White
* Anne Teak
* Mona Lott
* Dan Drough
* Paddy O'Heeta
* Pat Pending
* Sue Donnym
* Warren Peace
* Heidi Silver
* Hugo First
* May Knott
* Barry Kade
* Robin Banks
* Rob D Rich
* Bill d'Ahome
* Will B Done
* Lauren Orda

Ranks:
* Private Parts
* Gunner Scarper
* Gunner B Late
* Gunner B Trubble
* Gunner Getcher
* Corporal Punishment
* Major Disaster
* Major Bohr
* Commander Shore
* General Lee-Speeking

[[Category: Language]]

Test data names

2026-02-17T08:14:38Z

Simon: Added some

Test data names

2026-02-17T08:11:32Z

Simon: Added some

Test data names

2026-02-17T08:04:16Z

Simon: Added some

Test data names

2026-02-08T20:33:21Z

Simon: Added another

Free learning

2026-01-29T22:28:58Z

Simon: Updated and added more.

These are places online where one can study a subject for free. The 'qualifications' are worthless academically. The generic term is [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenCourseWare OpenCourseWare].

<del>[https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coursera Wikipedia entry] Very good, used it a number of times.</del>

[http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenLearn Wikipedia entry] "the home of all free, open learning from The Open University".

<del>[https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FutureLearn Wikipedia entry] a MOOC platform owned by the OU.</del>

<del>[https://www.udemy.com/ Udemy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udemy Wikipedia entry] Seems a bit lightweight. Nothing useful relating to war or peace.</del>

[http://www.codecademy.com/ Codecademy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codecademy Wikipedia entry] Used it. Pretty good.

<del>[https://www.edx.org/ EdX] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EdX Wikipedia entry]</del>

<del>[http://www.lynda.com/default.aspx lynda.com] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynda.com,_Inc. Wikipedia entry]</del>

[https://iversity.org/ iversity] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iversity Wikipedia entry].

↑ the above was written in 2017. Some things have changed by 2026...

[https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coursera Wikipedia entry] Since 2024 has ceased to be free.

[http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenLearn Wikipedia entry] Is still free with a wide variety of courses. You can even get 'badged' free courses.

[https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FutureLearn Wikipedia entry] is no longer free.

[https://www.udemy.com/ Udemy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udemy Wikipedia entry] is no longer free.

[http://www.codecademy.com/ Codecademy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codecademy Wikipedia entry] Still provides free courses.

[https://www.edx.org/ EdX] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EdX Wikipedia entry] is no longer free.

[http://www.lynda.com/default.aspx lynda.com] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynda.com,_Inc. Wikipedia entry] Taken over by LinkedIn and no longer free.

[https://iversity.org/ iversity] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iversity Wikipedia entry] Appears to still be free. However, it has just 14 courses, all political science.

...and some more (new ones?) to investigate...

IONIS - for profit MOOCs.

Udacity - for profit MOOCs.

[https://ocw.mit.edu/ MIT OpenCourseWare] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIT_OpenCourseWare Wikipedia entry] - loads of courses and material in loads of subjects.

[https://academicearth.org/ Academic Earth] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_Earth Wikipedia entry] - courses from a few universities in scores of subjects.

[https://www.khanacademy.org/ Khan Academy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khan_Academy Wikipedia entry] - aimed at schoolchildren.

[https://alison.com/ Alison] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alison_(company) Wikipedia entry] - lots of free short courses.

[https://www.fun-mooc.fr/en/ France Université Numérique] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_Universit%C3%A9_Num%C3%A9rique Wikipedia entry] - hundreds of free courses (94 in English) where you only pay for the certificate.

[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:CPD]]
[[Category:Free learning]]

Free learning

2026-01-28T22:41:32Z

Simon: Updated some entries

These are places online where one can study a subject for free. The 'qualifications' are worthless academically.

[https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coursera Wikipedia entry] Very good, used it a number of times.

[http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenLearn Wikipedia entry] "the home of all free, open learning from The Open University".

[https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FutureLearn Wikipedia entry] a MOOC platform owned by the OU.

[https://www.udemy.com/ Udemy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udemy Wikipedia entry] Seems a bit lightweight. Nothing useful relating to war or peace.

[http://www.codecademy.com/ Codecademy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codecademy Wikipedia entry] Used it. Pretty good.

[https://www.edx.org/ EdX] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EdX Wikipedia entry]

[http://www.lynda.com/default.aspx lynda.com] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynda.com,_Inc. Wikipedia entry]

[https://iversity.org/ iversity] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iversity Wikipedia entry].

↑ the above was written in 2017. Some things have changed by 2026...

[https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coursera Wikipedia entry] Since 2024 has ceased to be free.

[http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenLearn Wikipedia entry] Is still free with a wide variety of courses. You can even get 'badged' free courses.

[https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FutureLearn Wikipedia entry] is no longer free.

[https://www.udemy.com/ Udemy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Udemy Wikipedia entry] is no longer free.

[http://www.codecademy.com/ Codecademy] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codecademy Wikipedia entry] Still provides free courses.

[https://www.edx.org/ EdX] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EdX Wikipedia entry] is no longer free.

[http://www.lynda.com/default.aspx lynda.com] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynda.com,_Inc. Wikipedia entry] Taken over by LinkedIn and >b>no longer free.

[https://iversity.org/ iversity] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iversity Wikipedia entry] Appears to still be free.

[[Category:Education]]
[[Category:CPD]]
[[Category:Free learning]]

Test data names

2025-11-18T14:56:26Z

Simon: Added one

Test data names

2025-11-17T06:32:56Z

Simon: Added some

I am so stealing that!

2025-09-12T09:59:49Z

Simon: Added one

Many times I have said in meetings "I am so stealing that!" in response to something wise or clever. And then I promptly forget it. I am going to try to remember them in future by listing them here.

* If things don't change, they'll stay the same.   H
* Only a fool knows everything.   ''Jayne H.''

Hmm. The main challenge appears to be remembering to put them here!

* The STAR method of answering job applications means explaining a situation and what you did in four parts. STAR is a mnemonic and stands for:
** Shitshow I worked at
** Twat's instructions
** Arseing about that I did
** Regrets

* Fancy Dancing - avoiding a decision or the truth or otherwise skirting around a subject. - Ellen B.

* Set gums bumping - Carl N. Much the same as "Set hares running".

* I don't take paracetamol for someone else's headache - Temi.

* You can lead a horse to water but you cannot stop it drinking its own piss. - CA

* If you do not make time for wellness, you will be forced to make time for illness.

* Resilience is not endurance. CM

* If you've been to Tenerife, she's been to Elevenerife. JH

[[Category: Language]]

I am so stealing that!

2025-08-04T14:59:42Z

Simon: Added another.

I am so stealing that!

2025-07-26T10:53:29Z

Simon: Added another

I am so stealing that!

2025-07-14T09:18:29Z

Simon: Added another.

Test data names

2025-06-18T19:59:55Z

Simon: Added some

I have been meaning to start this list for at least 35 years. Names to use as test data:

* Ruby Laser
* Sally Forth
* Helen Bach
* Heidi Vodka
* Lord Elpuss
* Donna Kay Babs

[[Category: Language]]

Test data names

2025-06-18T19:58:49Z

Simon: Created page

I have been meaning to start this list for at least 35 years. Names to use as test data:

* Ruby Laser
* Sally Forth
* Helen Bach
* Heidi Vodka

[[Category: Language]]

Language

2025-06-18T19:49:29Z

Simon: Added Test Data Names

* [[Useful words]]
* [[I am so stealing that!]]
* [[Proverbs]]
* [[Phonetic alphabet]]
* [[Light at the End of the Tunnel]]
* [[Data backup principles]]
* [[Project_management#Principles_that_won.27t_go_away|Project management principles]]
* [[Rudyard Kipling's If—|Rudyard Kipling's ''If—'']]
* [[Max Ehrmann's Desiderata|Max Ehrmann's ''Desiderata'']]
* [[Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young|''Advice, like youth, probably just wasted on the young'']]
* [[The Idler's Decathlon]] which became [[The Idler's Olympics]]
* [[Complex v Complicated]]
* [[The Rules According to the Woman]]
* [[Characters in Stories of Life on the Frontier]]
* [[Blessed are the meek...]]
* [[Test data names]]

[[Category: Language]]

I am so stealing that!

2025-04-23T14:31:58Z

Simon: Added some more

I am so stealing that!

2025-04-23T14:26:07Z

Simon: Formatting

Many times I have said in meetings "I am so stealing that!" in response to something wise or clever. And then I promptly forget it. I am going to try to remember them in future by listing them here.

* If things don't change, they'll stay the same.   H
* Only a fool knows everything.   ''Jayne H.''

Hmm. The main challenge appears to be remembering to put them here!

The STAR method of answering job applications means explaining a situation and what you did in four parts. STAR is a mnemonic and stands for:
* Shitshow I worked at
* Twat's instructions
* Arseing about that I did
* Regrets

"Fancy Dancing" - avoiding a decision or the truth or otherwise skirting around a subject. - Ellen B.

"I don't take paracetamol for someone else's headache" - Temi.

[[Category: Language]]

I am so stealing that!

2025-04-23T14:24:35Z

Simon: Added a couple more

Hexadecimal watch words

2025-04-23T14:20:11Z

Simon: Fixed typo.

A hexadecimal watch display the time in hex symbols, 0 to F. Words can be constructed from the hex characters. A very small subset of those words can appear on a hex watch. If your hex watch is showing the time as 24 hours in hex, minutes in hex and seconds in hex, here are some words that can be displayed:

<tt>10:16:15</tt> appears as <tt>A:10:0F</tt> which can be read as ALOOF 
<tt>11:16:13</tt> appears as <tt>B:10:0D</tt> which can be read as BLOOD 
<tt>12:10:21</tt> appears as <tt>C:0A:15</tt> which can be read as COALS 
<tt>12:12:10</tt> appears as <tt>C:0C:0A</tt> which can be read as COCOA. I like this one as it does not require l337 speak conversion of numbers to letters. 
<tt>13:01:21</tt> appears as <tt>D:01:15</tt> which can be read as DOLLS 
<tt>15:00:21</tt> appears as <tt>F:00:15</tt> which can be read as FOOLS 
<tt>15:16:13</tt> appears as <tt>F:10:0D</tt> which can be read as FLOOD 

There are probably others, especially in the HH:MM display without the seconds.

[[Category: Language]]
[[Category: Numbers]]

Proverbs

2025-04-14T08:57:40Z

Simon: Added wife quote

Only the last turn of a bolt tightens it - the rest is just movement.

Team work makes the dream work.

We invent machines and they turn around and reinvent us.

“What got you here won’t get you there.” — Marshall Goldsmith

Happy wife, happy life.

[[Category: Language]]

EXtreme Project Management

2025-02-16T13:35:31Z

Simon: Created page

= eXtreme Project Management - XPM =

I saw a query from someone asking how distinct XPM is from conventional or agile project management. Whether it is what is done on 'megaprojects'.

Extreme project management (XPM) is a specific approach and methodology that is not the same as agile project management which is an umbrella term for a variety of approaches under a particular philosophy.

XPM is appropriate for a specific kind of highly challenging environment and is not suitable for general use.

Using the analogy of juggling, any project manager is juggling multiple balls at once and trying not to drop the important ones. In XPM, you don't know what will come down. Stakeholders change, benefits are undefined, nobody can define the outcomes, conflicting demands, no agreement on what the project is or whether there should even be one, poor capability maturity in the senior leadership with a high expectation of success and where failure will be high profile. Traditional project management and agile project management cannot cope with these kinds of environments.

It's not for "I don't know what I want, but I'll know it when I see it" which is the environment where agile methods are great.

It is for cases where someone at the top has made a political style promise to get something nebulous done, without anyone having the authority or guts to challenge the original flawed commitment and yet the project manager still getting something positive from it. It is a method for showing progress when given a vague solution to a 'wicked problem'.

Whereas project management is taking a organisation from one fixed known state to another fixed known state and agile project management is taking an organisation from delivering a known service or product to delivering a known desired outcome with no predefined solution, XPM is taking a totally broken environment with a commitment to "Get it done!" where everything about 'it' is defined by everyone as "I don't know, but we must be seen to be delivering!". One can do so by telling lies, by spindoctoring, or by using XPM.

Ultimately, any project is purely "Make the boss happy". XPM does so in an ethical way, despite the environment, but without having to fix the environment or culture first. That is neither agile (which requires a high level of maturity to work well), nor a megaproject (which are usually surprisingly straightforward).

[[Category: Project management]]
[[Category: eXtreme project management]]

Main Page

2025-02-16T13:24:41Z

Simon: /* Skills */ Added XPM link

'''Simon's Useful Info Wiki.'''
==== Links of Links ====
* [[LULinks]] Lancaster University links

==== Wiki and blog information ====
* [[wiki]] and 'Getting started':
** [[Editing examples]] <-- I refer to this a lot!
** [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents The wiki software User's Guide]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
** [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [[Drupal]] - Gave up. Too large, too slow, too clunky, too much to learn, too vulnerable.
* [[WordPress]]

==== Web site monitoring and maintenance ====
* [[awstats]]
* [[Creating subdomains]]
* [[MS SQL]]
* [[Uptime and certificate monitoring]]
* [[Monitoring web page changes]]
* [[Online file mirroring services]]
* [[Web site statistics]]
* [[noip2 / No-IP2]]

==== Operating systems ====
* [[Linux]]
* [[XP]]

==== Language ====
* [[diacritics]]
* [[Language]], e.g. [[Useful words]], [[Proverbs]], [[Phonetic alphabet]], [[Light at the End of the Tunnel]]
* [[Numbers]], e.g. [[Uptime]], [[hexadecimal watch words]]
* Is it a [[policy, procedure, protocol, guideline or standard]]?
* [[Procrastination]]
* [[Oxymorons]]

==== Programming languages ====
* [[Python]]
* [[BASIC on Linux]]
* [[Google Apps Script]] or whatever Google are calling the macros language for Google Docs / Google Sheets this month.

==== Artificial Intelligence ====
* [[AI, Artificial Intelligence]]

==== Devices ====
* [[Asus X401A]]
* [[Pegatron Cape 7]]
* [[msi U180]]
* [[Asus EeeBox PC model EB1007P]]
* [[Antec - a Tenzy custom build]]
* [[CyKey - a chording keyboard]]
* [[Huawei 4G Mobile WiFi E589 unlocking]]
* [[Plusnet 2704n / Sagemcom 2704n / Hub Zero 2704n Broadband Router advanced settings]]
* [[BlackBerry Curve 9320]]
* [[kobo Touch e-reader]]

==== Software ====
* [[Firefox]]
* [[Personal finance software]]
* [[CD ripping software]]
* [[Personal organiser software]]
* [[OpenOffice.org and LibreOffice]]
* [[Distributed computing and Boinc]]
* [[Webcam / camera monitoring software]]
* [[Remote access]]
* [[Collaborative online working]] Online tools for collaborative working
* [[Office 2013 migration]]
* [[Feng Office]]
* [[Desert Order]]
* [[NextCloud]]

==== Education and Learning ====
* [[Free learning]] e.g. [https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera], [http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn], [https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn]
* [[Free flashcard software and web sites]]
* [[How we learn]] icluding David Kolb's Learning Cycle, Honey & Mumford, the Change Curve et al.

==== Skills ====
* [[geospatial]]
* [[Agile]], e.g. [[Scrum]], [[DSDM]] and [[EVO_-_evolutionary_systems_delivery|EVO]]
* [[Project management]]
* [[Change management]]
* [[Tools and Techniques]]
* [[Awnimos]]
* [[Pareto Principle]]
* [[PRINCE3]]
* [[Foalma]]
* [[Technology evolution]]
* [[Security]]
* [[CSSF and related acronyms]]
* [[Data migration]]
* [[Annoying spammers]]
* [[No New Wars 11112018]]
* [[Mental Health]]
* [[eXtreme Project Management]]

==== Employment ====
* [[Freelancing & contracting]]
* [[Professional networking]]

==== Interests ====
* [[Aurora]] how and when
* [[Climate change actions]] But what can I do?

* [[Suppliers]]

[[Category:wiki]]

Project management

2025-02-16T12:59:24Z

Simon: /* Public Sector Best Practice */ Added links

== Useful Data - Project Management ==

=== The 3 Most Important Things ===
Q. What are the 3 most important things in project management? 
A. Communication, communication and communication.

Source: me.

=== Definitions ===
Formal: A project is a unique, transient endeavour undertaken to create a product or service over a specified period and within time, quality, cost and resource constraints and in accordance with a specified business case.

Simpler: A project is the activity f changing something from one known fixed state to another known fixed state.

A project manager is the assigned person given the authority and responsibility for planning and executing the project to meet its objectives.

=== Qualifications ===
==== Project Management academic qualifications ====
* Diploma in Project Management
* Certificate in Project Management
* Certificate in Managing Major Projects
* FDSc and BSc(Hons) in Information Systems Management
* BA/BSc in Project Management
* BSc(Hons) Degree in Information Technology Management for Business
* BCS Professional Graduate Diploma
* MBA in Project Management
* MSc in Project Management

==== Project Management professional qualifications ====
* APM Introductory Certificate (APM's 1st level of four levels of qualification)
* APMP - APM Professional (APM's 2nd level of four levels of qualification)
* APM Practitioner Qualification (APM's 3rd level of four levels of qualification)
* APM CPM - APM Certified Project Manager / Certificate in Project Management (APM's 4th level of four levels of qualification)
* APM Project Risk Certificate Levels 1
* APM Project Risk Certificate Levels 2
* BCS Certificates - [http://www.bcs.org/bcs/products/qualifications/exam www.bcs.org/exams]
* BCS Diplomas - [http://www.bcs.org/bcs/products/qualifications/exam www.bcs.org/exams]
* BCS Professional Graduate Diplomas - [http://www.bcs.org/bcs/products/qualifications/exam www.bcs.org/exams]
* BTEC in Project Management
* ISEB - Project Management for Information Systems
* ISEB Certificate in IS Project Management
* ISEB Foundation Certificate in IS Project Management
* ISEB PPSO - Programme and Project Support Office
* NVQ in Project Management
* MSP - Managing Successful Management - Foundation and Practitioner level certificates
* PMI PMP - Project Management Institute's Project Management Professional
* PRINCE2 - Foundation and Practitioner level certificates

=== Groups ===
==== IT / Project Management professional bodies ====
* APM -Association of Project Managers
* BCS - British Computer Society
* IAP - Institution of Analysts and Programmers
* IMIS - Institute for the Management of Information Systems
* IPMA - International Project Management Association
* ITPA - Information Technology Professionals Association, part of Amicus - [http://www.amicus-itpa.org/ www.amicus-itpa.org]
* PCG - Professional Contractors Group

==== IT User Groups ====
* CIO-Connect - ?
* SSRG - Strategic Supplier Relationship Group - a group of IT user groups formed 20/04/2005 to improve the relationship between IT users & suppliers.
* Tif - The Corporate IT Forum
* Socitm - The Society for IT Management

==== Examination / Accreditation / Awarding Boards / Bodies ====
* The APM Group - the trading arm of APM and became independent in 2000
* ISEB - Information Systems Examination Board - [http://www.iseb.org.uk/ www.iseb.org.uk]
* UKAS - UK Accreditation Service

=== Jargon ===
==== Acronyms ====
* APM - Association for Project Management
* APMP - (APM's) Association for Project Management Professional
* BCP - Business Continuity Planning
* BSCS - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
* CAPM - (PMI's) Certified Associate in Project Management
* CCTA - Communications and Computing Technology Agency
* CISP - Chartered Information Systems Practitioners
* CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
* CITI - A group of companies within CITI Holdings Ltd. Provides training and interim management.
* CITP - Chartered IT Professional
* CMM - blah
* CMMi - blah
* CMMP - Certificate in Managing Major Projects
* CPM - (APM's) Certificated Project Manager
* CRAMM - CCTA Risk Analysis and Management Method
* CRM - blah
* DSDM - blah
* EUCIP - European Certification of Informatics Professionals - Core and Professional levels -
* European qualification scheme for people entering IT or IT professionals wishing to continue professional development
* IAP - Institution of Analysts and Programmers www.iap.org.uk
* IEE - blah
* IEEE - blah
* IPMA - blah
* ISEB - Information Security Examinations Board
* ISEB - Information Systems Examinations Board
* ITIL - IT Infrastructure Library
* ITPA - Information Technology Professionals Association, part of Amicus, http://www.amicus-itpa.org/
* J2EE - blah
* JDE - J D Edwards
* JFDI - An instruction to complete an essential activity without further delay: Just Do It
* MBCS - Member of the British Computer Society
* MAPM - Member of The Association of Project Managers
* MMS - blah
* MPLS - DSL - blah
* MSF - blah
* MSP - Managing Successful Projects
* MSP - Managing Successful Programmes - Foundation or Practioner level
* MSP99-03 - blah
* NCPM - National Centre for Project Management (at Middlesex University)
* OGC - Office of Government Commerce (Successful Delivery Toolkit/Gateway etc)
* OSS - blah
* P3E - blah
* PMBOK - Project Management Body of Knowledge - a PMI publication
* PMI - Project Management Institute (USA based)
* PMP - (PMI's) Project Management Professional
* PMW - blah
* PPSO - Programme and Project Support Office
* PRINCE2 - PRojects IN Controlled Environments - Foundation or Practitioner level
* PWM - blah
* QMS - blah
* RAD - Rapid Applications Development
* RGIT - ?Robert Gordon Institute of Technology?
* RUP - Rational Unified Process
* SSADM - Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology. "A pinnacle of the rigorous document-led approach to system design".
* SDFL - blah
* TLA - guess
* UML - Unified Modelling Language - a (supposedly) non-proprietary modeling and specification language.
* WCIT - blah

==== Other acronyms that come up frequently ====
* TDA - Technical Design Authority
* ERP - blah
* CJIT - Criminal Justice IT

==== "Have you have any of the following certifications? Tick as many as are applicable." ====
* A+
* CNA
* CCDA
* CCDP
* CCIE
* CCNA
* CCNP
* CNE
* MCDBA
* MCP
* MCSD
* MCSE
* OCP

==== Other jargon ====
* "utilising methods for the assessment and management of risk (eg CRAMM, SRA, Sabachet)."
* J D Edwards
* FMCG
* Wide experience of using automated tools to assist in the project in the project management process, by automating mechanical tasks such as scheduling, resource balancing, and time recording, eg Primavera PP, PMW, Microsoft Project.
* A candidate is required that has hands on UMTS and RAN design experience, General UMTS network design and technical strategy knowledge and RFQ authoring and vendor solution evaluation for this exciting role at a global client.
* Knowledge in, and experience of, a range of delivery, development, and process engineering life cycles, eg waterfall, RAD, JAD, DSDM. Experience in the use of automated tools to assist in the project management process, by automating mechanical tasks such as scheduling, resource balancing, and time recording, eg Primavera Project Planner (P3), PMW and Microsoft Project desirable.
* Primavera P3e project planning software.
* Six Sigma - blah
* Visio - blah
* The Open Group run an IT Architect Certification Program. Details: [http://www.opengroup.org/itac/cert/docs/ www.opengroup.org/itac/cert/docs]

=== PRINCE2 resources ===
* http://www.mavenmentors.com/
* BugBox PRINCE2 compliant package: www.bugbox.biz
* Integrating PRINCE2 with the IBM Rational Unified Process - free e-learning: http://www.fmisolutions.com/resources/ProjectManagement/Prince2.html

=== Public Sector Best Practice ===
From the National Audit Office's report ''Helping Government Learn'' of Feb 2009:
* make staff feel it is safe to speak about failure and new ideas;
* discourage knowledge hoarding by teams;
* institutionalise the systematic reflection on performance about projects - even if it means delaying moving on to the next project for a while;
* make sure that learning from consultants is captured before they end their contract.
Tim Burr, head of the National Audit Office: "''We know from our audit work that projects and programmes are more likely to succeed and keep to time and budget where lessons have been learned and experience shared. Departments need to take learning more seriously, and encourage their staff to give it a higher priority through better recognition in reward and appraisal structures. Getting better at learning from the past will help government secure better value for money in the future.''"
 
NAO press release: https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/0/7F16B5BDA892BA6D8025756A0052B64E
 
NAO page with the report: https://www.nao.org.uk/reports/helping-government-learn/

=== Principles that won't go away ===
* One of Courtney's laws: "There are management solutions to technical problems, but no technical solutions to management problems".
* "A fool learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from the fool". (So read the existing Lessons Learned reports. They list the things that will go wrong for you too.)
* "Requirements are like water. They're easier to build on when they're frozen."
* Parkinson's Law: "work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion".
* Hofstadter's Law: "It always takes longer than you expect, ''even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law''".
* Student Syndrome: "most people only apply themselves to a task as the deadline approaches". (Hence you should never reveal your built-in contingency!)

[[Category: Language]]
[[Category: Project management]]

Project management

2025-02-16T12:43:18Z

Simon: /* Definitions */ Added the simpler definition

== Useful Data - Project Management ==

=== The 3 Most Important Things ===
Q. What are the 3 most important things in project management? 
A. Communication, communication and communication.

Source: me.

=== Definitions ===
Formal: A project is a unique, transient endeavour undertaken to create a product or service over a specified period and within time, quality, cost and resource constraints and in accordance with a specified business case.

Simpler: A project is the activity f changing something from one known fixed state to another known fixed state.

A project manager is the assigned person given the authority and responsibility for planning and executing the project to meet its objectives.

=== Qualifications ===
==== Project Management academic qualifications ====
* Diploma in Project Management
* Certificate in Project Management
* Certificate in Managing Major Projects
* FDSc and BSc(Hons) in Information Systems Management
* BA/BSc in Project Management
* BSc(Hons) Degree in Information Technology Management for Business
* BCS Professional Graduate Diploma
* MBA in Project Management
* MSc in Project Management

==== Project Management professional qualifications ====
* APM Introductory Certificate (APM's 1st level of four levels of qualification)
* APMP - APM Professional (APM's 2nd level of four levels of qualification)
* APM Practitioner Qualification (APM's 3rd level of four levels of qualification)
* APM CPM - APM Certified Project Manager / Certificate in Project Management (APM's 4th level of four levels of qualification)
* APM Project Risk Certificate Levels 1
* APM Project Risk Certificate Levels 2
* BCS Certificates - [http://www.bcs.org/bcs/products/qualifications/exam www.bcs.org/exams]
* BCS Diplomas - [http://www.bcs.org/bcs/products/qualifications/exam www.bcs.org/exams]
* BCS Professional Graduate Diplomas - [http://www.bcs.org/bcs/products/qualifications/exam www.bcs.org/exams]
* BTEC in Project Management
* ISEB - Project Management for Information Systems
* ISEB Certificate in IS Project Management
* ISEB Foundation Certificate in IS Project Management
* ISEB PPSO - Programme and Project Support Office
* NVQ in Project Management
* MSP - Managing Successful Management - Foundation and Practitioner level certificates
* PMI PMP - Project Management Institute's Project Management Professional
* PRINCE2 - Foundation and Practitioner level certificates

=== Groups ===
==== IT / Project Management professional bodies ====
* APM -Association of Project Managers
* BCS - British Computer Society
* IAP - Institution of Analysts and Programmers
* IMIS - Institute for the Management of Information Systems
* IPMA - International Project Management Association
* ITPA - Information Technology Professionals Association, part of Amicus - [http://www.amicus-itpa.org/ www.amicus-itpa.org]
* PCG - Professional Contractors Group

==== IT User Groups ====
* CIO-Connect - ?
* SSRG - Strategic Supplier Relationship Group - a group of IT user groups formed 20/04/2005 to improve the relationship between IT users & suppliers.
* Tif - The Corporate IT Forum
* Socitm - The Society for IT Management

==== Examination / Accreditation / Awarding Boards / Bodies ====
* The APM Group - the trading arm of APM and became independent in 2000
* ISEB - Information Systems Examination Board - [http://www.iseb.org.uk/ www.iseb.org.uk]
* UKAS - UK Accreditation Service

=== Jargon ===
==== Acronyms ====
* APM - Association for Project Management
* APMP - (APM's) Association for Project Management Professional
* BCP - Business Continuity Planning
* BSCS - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
* CAPM - (PMI's) Certified Associate in Project Management
* CCTA - Communications and Computing Technology Agency
* CISP - Chartered Information Systems Practitioners
* CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional
* CITI - A group of companies within CITI Holdings Ltd. Provides training and interim management.
* CITP - Chartered IT Professional
* CMM - blah
* CMMi - blah
* CMMP - Certificate in Managing Major Projects
* CPM - (APM's) Certificated Project Manager
* CRAMM - CCTA Risk Analysis and Management Method
* CRM - blah
* DSDM - blah
* EUCIP - European Certification of Informatics Professionals - Core and Professional levels -
* European qualification scheme for people entering IT or IT professionals wishing to continue professional development
* IAP - Institution of Analysts and Programmers www.iap.org.uk
* IEE - blah
* IEEE - blah
* IPMA - blah
* ISEB - Information Security Examinations Board
* ISEB - Information Systems Examinations Board
* ITIL - IT Infrastructure Library
* ITPA - Information Technology Professionals Association, part of Amicus, http://www.amicus-itpa.org/
* J2EE - blah
* JDE - J D Edwards
* JFDI - An instruction to complete an essential activity without further delay: Just Do It
* MBCS - Member of the British Computer Society
* MAPM - Member of The Association of Project Managers
* MMS - blah
* MPLS - DSL - blah
* MSF - blah
* MSP - Managing Successful Projects
* MSP - Managing Successful Programmes - Foundation or Practioner level
* MSP99-03 - blah
* NCPM - National Centre for Project Management (at Middlesex University)
* OGC - Office of Government Commerce (Successful Delivery Toolkit/Gateway etc)
* OSS - blah
* P3E - blah
* PMBOK - Project Management Body of Knowledge - a PMI publication
* PMI - Project Management Institute (USA based)
* PMP - (PMI's) Project Management Professional
* PMW - blah
* PPSO - Programme and Project Support Office
* PRINCE2 - PRojects IN Controlled Environments - Foundation or Practitioner level
* PWM - blah
* QMS - blah
* RAD - Rapid Applications Development
* RGIT - ?Robert Gordon Institute of Technology?
* RUP - Rational Unified Process
* SSADM - Structured Systems Analysis and Design Methodology. "A pinnacle of the rigorous document-led approach to system design".
* SDFL - blah
* TLA - guess
* UML - Unified Modelling Language - a (supposedly) non-proprietary modeling and specification language.
* WCIT - blah

==== Other acronyms that come up frequently ====
* TDA - Technical Design Authority
* ERP - blah
* CJIT - Criminal Justice IT

==== "Have you have any of the following certifications? Tick as many as are applicable." ====
* A+
* CNA
* CCDA
* CCDP
* CCIE
* CCNA
* CCNP
* CNE
* MCDBA
* MCP
* MCSD
* MCSE
* OCP

==== Other jargon ====
* "utilising methods for the assessment and management of risk (eg CRAMM, SRA, Sabachet)."
* J D Edwards
* FMCG
* Wide experience of using automated tools to assist in the project in the project management process, by automating mechanical tasks such as scheduling, resource balancing, and time recording, eg Primavera PP, PMW, Microsoft Project.
* A candidate is required that has hands on UMTS and RAN design experience, General UMTS network design and technical strategy knowledge and RFQ authoring and vendor solution evaluation for this exciting role at a global client.
* Knowledge in, and experience of, a range of delivery, development, and process engineering life cycles, eg waterfall, RAD, JAD, DSDM. Experience in the use of automated tools to assist in the project management process, by automating mechanical tasks such as scheduling, resource balancing, and time recording, eg Primavera Project Planner (P3), PMW and Microsoft Project desirable.
* Primavera P3e project planning software.
* Six Sigma - blah
* Visio - blah
* The Open Group run an IT Architect Certification Program. Details: [http://www.opengroup.org/itac/cert/docs/ www.opengroup.org/itac/cert/docs]

=== PRINCE2 resources ===
* http://www.mavenmentors.com/
* BugBox PRINCE2 compliant package: www.bugbox.biz
* Integrating PRINCE2 with the IBM Rational Unified Process - free e-learning: http://www.fmisolutions.com/resources/ProjectManagement/Prince2.html

=== Public Sector Best Practice ===
From the National Audit Office's report ''Helping Government Learn'' of Feb 2009:
* make staff feel it is safe to speak about failure and new ideas;
* discourage knowledge hoarding by teams;
* institutionalise the systematic reflection on performancee about projects - even if it means delaying moving on to the next project for a while;
* make sure that learning from constultants is captured before they end their contract.
Tim Burr, head of the National Audit Office: "''We know from our audit work that projects and programmes are more likely to succeed and keep to time and budget where lessons have been learned and experience shared. Departments need to take learning more seriously, and encourage their staff to give it a higher priority through better recognition in reward and appraisal structures. Getting better at learning from the past will help government secure better value for money in the future.''"

=== Principles that won't go away ===
* One of Courtney's laws: "There are management solutions to technical problems, but no technical solutions to management problems".
* "A fool learns from his mistakes, a wise man learns from the fool". (So read the existing Lessons Learned reports. They list the things that will go wrong for you too.)
* "Requirements are like water. They're easier to build on when they're frozen."
* Parkinson's Law: "work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion".
* Hofstadter's Law: "It always takes longer than you expect, ''even when you take into account Hofstadter's Law''".
* Student Syndrome: "most people only apply themselves to a task as the deadline approaches". (Hence you should never reveal your built-in contingency!)

[[Category: Language]]
[[Category: Project management]]

Mental Health

2024-06-05T09:33:32Z

Simon: Added 'Mindfulness'

; Things that can improve Mental Health

= Hundreds of Just One Thing =
The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing with Michael Mosley] are popular and recommended.
* Walking is beneficial because if gives access to natural light, ideally in the morning.
* Learning a new skill.
* Standing on one leg (do it when brushing your teeth). Do it, then do it with eyes closed, then do it for longer every day. It sounds like this needs to be a daily exercise activity before getting old.
* Control breathing. This comes up a lot in stress management.
* Count your blessings. Get into the habit of writing down things for what one is grateful each day. This is 'Journaling'.
I can't listen to these podcasts. In the background is music comprising clapping and finger-snapping which makes it impossible to listen to. It is like being poked in the ear by a sharp pencil a few times a second. It triggers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia misophonia].

= Time Management =
== Work diary / calendar ==
* Use your work calendar. Share it with everyone, have it wide open (except for genuinely private matters, which you still include but as busy time).
* Start each day by organising the calendar for the day. Create time slots for dealing with emails and updating reports.
* Schedule time after meetings to type up what got said and to do immediate actions.
* Do not respond to emails as they come in, but at predefined periods. Do not have more than 3 of these periods per day.
* Emails: either Delegate, Delete, Diarise

== Take breaks / Pomodoro technique / Lancaster Uni discovery / tea breaks / microbreaks ==
Take breaks. The brain gets tired exactly like muscles do as electrolytes get depleted. The solution is to rest the neurones you've been using so they can literally recharge.
* Lancaster Uni: 45 minutes study, 15 minutes doing something else maximises learning outcomes.
* Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes working, 5 minute break. Reap 4 times, then take a longer break. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Wikipedia page].
: I find 25 minutes is too short for me,
* We used to get a tea break in the morning and another in the afternoon. This was because employers knew that made us more productive.
* Gaze out of the window and daydream. It stretches the eye muscles and makes you more creative.

= Email management =
== The 5D method of email management ==
This started out as the 3D method...!

# Defend your inbox (that means anti-virus and spam trapping and unenrolling from mailing lists).
# Delete it. (Or archive it.)
# Delegate it.
# Do it. Can it be done in 2 minutes? Then do it now.
# Defer or diarise it. Create a diary slot to action that email.

This page is useful: [https://screwlooseit.com.au/5-ds-of-email-management/ Screwloose 5Ds email management]. Watch the video too. The presenter refers to some other techniques. Especially relevant if you use Outlook as she says how to automate or simplify some of the above techniques.

= Journaling =
== The 5 Gratitudes ==
Suggested to me by my caring line manager. Each day, sit and think of five things for which you are grateful about that day. It may be the good weather, something made you smile, something didn't go wrong (!), you found something new, the flowers opened, lunch was good, you appreciate that call / email, someone said 'Thank you', you found that thing you were looking for, you got that thing done, you got left alone.

Write them down. This is your Gratitudes Journal. Then each week, go back through that list and reflect on the positive things that have been happening.

= Exercise... that is tolerable =
Lordy. I don't want to do this. What might be easier?

== Walking ==
Fresh air. NHS says it is enough, if you walk briskly. Means you have to get up, washed, dressed and outside.

== Avoid the gym. Do 'Exercise Stacking' ==
Instead of slogging away for half an hour do a workout, do very short exercises during the day; no more than 5 minutes. Go for a short walk, briskly. Go up and down the stairs a couple of times each time you use the stairs. A few star jumps. Stand on one leg while brushing teeth. Do 'touch toes' when waiting for the kettle to boil. Some squats waiting for the bus / before putting your coat on.

Aim for 30 minutes in total through the day.

Doing exercise in chunks through the day is more natural and more effective that one long workout. Very short exercises tend to be intense, more so than can be done in a workout.

== Standing ==
Better than sitting which is surprisingly bad for you. Stand more often when at a desk. Do video calls standing. Stand up to do 'phone calls.

Aim to stand for 2 or 3 minutes every hour.

== Movement ==
Any movement is good.

Vacuuming, dusting, tidying up all count. Just sitting and shaking your hands, arms, feet and legs once in a while is good. Do sidesteps waiting for the kettle or microwave.

= Relax =
== Breathing ==
=== The GP said: "Breathe" ===
My GP said we tend to hold our breath when know something stressful or triggering is coming and when it comes, we have an excess of CO2 in our blood. When the bad thing happens, we lose control or experience anxiety. The solution? When you are in one of those situations, knowing what is coming is going to be frustrating, keep breathing. And When anxiety starts, breathe.

=== Take a breath ===
Breathe in. Hold for a count of 3. Breathe right out. Hold for a count of 3. Repeat. Now face the world.

=== Pacing breathing and heart rate ===
Find the pulse in your wrist.
# for three heart beats, breathe in.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
# for three heart beats, breathe out.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
Repeat until you feel better.

= Socialising =
And that does not have to mean 'partying' or anything stressful.

== Start the day with a chat ==
I have arranged to start each week day with a 15 minute video call with 5 different people. That means I have to be up, washed, dressed and 'camera ready' at the start of the working day. This establishes or maintains the working routine. The chat is for me to ask them how they are and listen to them, not for me to talk at them. I need to practice paying attention, listening and empathy to make this work. It benefits me while costing each of them just 15 minutes per week.

== Write to people ==
Send a letter or notelet to make someone feel special.

== Keep the communication going ==
When someone goes quiet, they're probably having a problem. Keep the line of communication going. Send emails or cartoons or updates or thoughts. Businesses know that customers on mailing lists come back and buy again. Not because of what the mailing list said, but because they are maintaining the relationship even if it is one way - it works.

== Ad hoc messages ==
When you see or hear something that reminds you of someone, use that as a trigger to contact them. Send en email or card saying "I saw/heard this and thought of you".

= Coping Strategies =
Particular coping strategies can be either helpful or unhelpful depending on the circumstances.

== Resilience ==
Resilience is not a fixed trait within a person, but a combination of different influences, skills and behaviours that can be learned and developed.

=== Resilience factors ===
# Positive relationships
# Making plans
# Optimistic outlook
# A trust in your own strengths and coping abilities
# Meaning and purpose
# Balanced thinking
# Self-care and self-compassion

== Self-care ==
=== The four dimensions of self-care ===
# Physical
# Emotional
# Mental
# Spiritual

== The three types of coping strategies ==
=== Assessment-focused strategies ===
Assessment-focused strategies are about thinking differently about the situation, e.g. denial or humour.

=== Problem-focused strategies ===
Problem-focused strategies are about doing something to change the situation. 
Useful when the situation is within your control.

=== Emotion-focused strategies ===
Emotion-focused strategies are about trying to feel differently about the situation. 
Useful for situations which cannot be changed.

= Mindfulness =
== What is Mindfulness?==
Instead of pointlessly focusing on something that happened or might happen, for which there is no answer, focus on a sense. You cannot be 'in the present' focusing on a feeling or sound and worrying about the past or future. Mindfulness is an umbrella term for a variety of techniques to help you focus on your senses to give you a break from your thoughts.

==Rumination==
Rumination is the continuous worrying about something. "I'm a fraud." "Why can't I be like them?" "Why did that person do that?". It is not just unproductive, it is stressful. Keep it up and it turns into burnout and then mental illness.

Do not fight it. Instead find an 'anchor'. Send your attention to one of your senses. Paying attention to a sense in the moment makes it impossible to fret about what happened in the past and what might happen in the future.

Thoughts are not solid. The body is not depressed - the thoughts are. Focus on the body and the thoughts go away.

== Anxiety and tests & exams==
Memory is the first thing to stop working under stress - being anxious about an exam when studying or during the exam will be the cause of failing it by preventing access to your memory.

[[Category:Mental Health]]
[[Category:Health]]

Mental Health

2024-05-26T10:15:39Z

Simon: /* Exercise... that is tolerable */ Added 'movement'

Mental Health

2024-04-09T15:18:58Z

Simon: /* Coping Strategies */

; Things that can improve Mental Health

= Hundreds of Just One Thing =
The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing with Michael Mosley] are popular and recommended.
* Walking is beneficial because if gives access to natural light, ideally in the morning.
* Learning a new skill.
* Standing on one leg (do it when brushing your teeth). Do it, then do it with eyes closed, then do it for longer every day. It sounds like this needs to be a daily exercise activity before getting old.
* Control breathing. This comes up a lot in stress management.
* Count your blessings. Get into the habit of writing down things for what one is grateful each day. This is 'Journaling'.
I can't listen to these podcasts. In the background is music comprising clapping and finger-snapping which makes it impossible to listen to. It is like being poked in the ear by a sharp pencil a few times a second. It triggers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia misophonia].

= Time Management =
== Work diary / calendar ==
* Use your work calendar. Share it with everyone, have it wide open (except for genuinely private matters, which you still include but as busy time).
* Start each day by organising the calendar for the day. Create time slots for dealing with emails and updating reports.
* Schedule time after meetings to type up what got said and to do immediate actions.
* Do not respond to emails as they come in, but at predefined periods. Do not have more than 3 of these periods per day.
* Emails: either Delegate, Delete, Diarise

== Take breaks / Pomodoro technique / Lancaster Uni discovery / tea breaks / microbreaks ==
Take breaks. The brain gets tired exactly like muscles do as electrolytes get depleted. The solution is to rest the neurones you've been using so they can literally recharge.
* Lancaster Uni: 45 minutes study, 15 minutes doing something else maximises learning outcomes.
* Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes working, 5 minute break. Reap 4 times, then take a longer break. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Wikipedia page].
: I find 25 minutes is too short for me,
* We used to get a tea break in the morning and another in the afternoon. This was because employers knew that made us more productive.
* Gaze out of the window and daydream. It stretches the eye muscles and makes you more creative.

= Email management =
== The 5D method of email management ==
This started out as the 3D method...!

# Defend your inbox (that means anti-virus and spam trapping and unenrolling from mailing lists).
# Delete it. (Or archive it.)
# Delegate it.
# Do it. Can it be done in 2 minutes? Then do it now.
# Defer or diarise it. Create a diary slot to action that email.

This page is useful: [https://screwlooseit.com.au/5-ds-of-email-management/ Screwloose 5Ds email management]. Watch the video too. The presenter refers to some other techniques. Especially relevant if you use Outlook as she says how to automate or simplify some of the above techniques.

= Journaling =
== The 5 Gratitudes ==
Suggested to me by my caring line manager. Each day, sit and think of five things for which you are grateful about that day. It may be the good weather, something made you smile, something didn't go wrong (!), you found something new, the flowers opened, lunch was good, you appreciate that call / email, someone said 'Thank you', you found that thing you were looking for, you got that thing done, you got left alone.

Write them down. This is your Gratitudes Journal. Then each week, go back through that list and reflect on the positive things that have been happening.

= Exercise... that is tolerable =
Lordy. I don't want to do this. What might be easier?

== Walking ==
Fresh air. NHS says it is enough, if you walk briskly. Means you have to get up, washed, dressed and outside.

== Avoid the gym. Do 'Exercise Stacking' ==
Instead of slogging away for half an hour do a workout, do very short exercises during the day; no more than 5 minutes. Go for a short walk, briskly. Go up and down the stairs a couple of times each time you use the stairs. A few star jumps. Stand on one leg while brushing teeth. Do 'touch toes' when waiting for the kettle to boil. Some squats waiting for the bus / before putting your coat on.

Aim for 30 minutes in total through the day.

Doing exercise in chunks through the day is more natural and more effective that one long workout. Very short exercises tend to be intense, more so than can be done in a workout.

== Standing ==
Better than sitting which is surprisingly bad for you. Stand more often when at a desk. Do video calls standing. Stand up to do 'phone calls.

Aim to stand for 2 or 3 minutes every hour.

= Relax =
== Breathing ==
=== The GP said: "Breathe" ===
My GP said we tend to hold our breath when know something stressful or triggering is coming and when it comes, we have an excess of CO2 in our blood. When the bad thing happens, we lose control or experience anxiety. The solution? When you are in one of those situations, knowing what is coming is going to be frustrating, keep breathing. And When anxiety starts, breathe.

=== Take a breath ===
Breathe in. Hold for a count of 3. Breathe right out. Hold for a count of 3. Repeat. Now face the world.

=== Pacing breathing and heart rate ===
Find the pulse in your wrist.
# for three heart beats, breathe in.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
# for three heart beats, breathe out.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
Repeat until you feel better.

= Socialising =
And that does not have to mean 'partying' or anything stressful.

== Start the day with a chat ==
I have arranged to start each week day with a 15 minute video call with 5 different people. That means I have to be up, washed, dressed and 'camera ready' at the start of the working day. This establishes or maintains the working routine. The chat is for me to ask them how they are and listen to them, not for me to talk at them. I need to practice paying attention, listening and empathy to make this work. It benefits me while costing each of them just 15 minutes per week.

== Write to people ==
Send a letter or notelet to make someone feel special.

== Keep the communication going ==
When someone goes quiet, they're probably having a problem. Keep the line of communication going. Send emails or cartoons or updates or thoughts. Businesses know that customers on mailing lists come back and buy again. Not because of what the mailing list said, but because they are maintaining the relationship even if it is one way - it works.

== Ad hoc messages ==
When you see or hear something that reminds you of someone, use that as a trigger to contact them. Send en email or card saying "I saw/heard this and thought of you".

= Coping Strategies =
Particular coping strategies can be either helpful or unhelpful depending on the circumstances.

== Resilience ==
Resilience is not a fixed trait within a person, but a combination of different influences, skills and behaviours that can be learned and developed.

=== Resilience factors ===
# Positive relationships
# Making plans
# Optimistic outlook
# A trust in your own strengths and coping abilities
# Meaning and purpose
# Balanced thinking
# Self-care and self-compassion

== Self-care ==
=== The four dimensions of self-care ===
# Physical
# Emotional
# Mental
# Spiritual

== The three types of coping strategies ==
=== Assessment-focused strategies ===
Assessment-focused strategies are about thinking differently about the situation, e.g. denial or humour.

=== Problem-focused strategies ===
Problem-focused strategies are about doing something to change the situation. 
Useful when the situation is within your control.

=== Emotion-focused strategies ===
Emotion-focused strategies are about trying to feel differently about the situation. 
Useful for situations which cannot be changed.

[[Category:Mental Health]]
[[Category:Health]]

Mental Health

2024-04-05T09:50:21Z

Simon: /* Coping Mechanisms and Coping Strategies */ Added 'resilience'

; Things that can improve Mental Health

= Hundreds of Just One Thing =
The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing with Michael Mosley] are popular and recommended.
* Walking is beneficial because if gives access to natural light, ideally in the morning.
* Learning a new skill.
* Standing on one leg (do it when brushing your teeth). Do it, then do it with eyes closed, then do it for longer every day. It sounds like this needs to be a daily exercise activity before getting old.
* Control breathing. This comes up a lot in stress management.
* Count your blessings. Get into the habit of writing down things for what one is grateful each day. This is 'Journaling'.
I can't listen to these podcasts. In the background is music comprising clapping and finger-snapping which makes it impossible to listen to. It is like being poked in the ear by a sharp pencil a few times a second. It triggers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia misophonia].

= Time Management =
== Work diary / calendar ==
* Use your work calendar. Share it with everyone, have it wide open (except for genuinely private matters, which you still include but as busy time).
* Start each day by organising the calendar for the day. Create time slots for dealing with emails and updating reports.
* Schedule time after meetings to type up what got said and to do immediate actions.
* Do not respond to emails as they come in, but at predefined periods. Do not have more than 3 of these periods per day.
* Emails: either Delegate, Delete, Diarise

== Take breaks / Pomodoro technique / Lancaster Uni discovery / tea breaks / microbreaks ==
Take breaks. The brain gets tired exactly like muscles do as electrolytes get depleted. The solution is to rest the neurones you've been using so they can literally recharge.
* Lancaster Uni: 45 minutes study, 15 minutes doing something else maximises learning outcomes.
* Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes working, 5 minute break. Reap 4 times, then take a longer break. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Wikipedia page].
: I find 25 minutes is too short for me,
* We used to get a tea break in the morning and another in the afternoon. This was because employers knew that made us more productive.
* Gaze out of the window and daydream. It stretches the eye muscles and makes you more creative.

= Email management =
== The 5D method of email management ==
This started out as the 3D method...!

# Defend your inbox (that means anti-virus and spam trapping and unenrolling from mailing lists).
# Delete it. (Or archive it.)
# Delegate it.
# Do it. Can it be done in 2 minutes? Then do it now.
# Defer or diarise it. Create a diary slot to action that email.

This page is useful: [https://screwlooseit.com.au/5-ds-of-email-management/ Screwloose 5Ds email management]. Watch the video too. The presenter refers to some other techniques. Especially relevant if you use Outlook as she says how to automate or simplify some of the above techniques.

= Journaling =
== The 5 Gratitudes ==
Suggested to me by my caring line manager. Each day, sit and think of five things for which you are grateful about that day. It may be the good weather, something made you smile, something didn't go wrong (!), you found something new, the flowers opened, lunch was good, you appreciate that call / email, someone said 'Thank you', you found that thing you were looking for, you got that thing done, you got left alone.

Write them down. This is your Gratitudes Journal. Then each week, go back through that list and reflect on the positive things that have been happening.

= Exercise... that is tolerable =
Lordy. I don't want to do this. What might be easier?

== Walking ==
Fresh air. NHS says it is enough, if you walk briskly. Means you have to get up, washed, dressed and outside.

== Avoid the gym. Do 'Exercise Stacking' ==
Instead of slogging away for half an hour do a workout, do very short exercises during the day; no more than 5 minutes. Go for a short walk, briskly. Go up and down the stairs a couple of times each time you use the stairs. A few star jumps. Stand on one leg while brushing teeth. Do 'touch toes' when waiting for the kettle to boil. Some squats waiting for the bus / before putting your coat on.

Aim for 30 minutes in total through the day.

Doing exercise in chunks through the day is more natural and more effective that one long workout. Very short exercises tend to be intense, more so than can be done in a workout.

== Standing ==
Better than sitting which is surprisingly bad for you. Stand more often when at a desk. Do video calls standing. Stand up to do 'phone calls.

Aim to stand for 2 or 3 minutes every hour.

= Relax =
== Breathing ==
=== The GP said: "Breathe" ===
My GP said we tend to hold our breath when know something stressful or triggering is coming and when it comes, we have an excess of CO2 in our blood. When the bad thing happens, we lose control or experience anxiety. The solution? When you are in one of those situations, knowing what is coming is going to be frustrating, keep breathing. And When anxiety starts, breathe.

=== Take a breath ===
Breathe in. Hold for a count of 3. Breathe right out. Hold for a count of 3. Repeat. Now face the world.

=== Pacing breathing and heart rate ===
Find the pulse in your wrist.
# for three heart beats, breathe in.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
# for three heart beats, breathe out.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
Repeat until you feel better.

= Socialising =
And that does not have to mean 'partying' or anything stressful.

== Start the day with a chat ==
I have arranged to start each week day with a 15 minute video call with 5 different people. That means I have to be up, washed, dressed and 'camera ready' at the start of the working day. This establishes or maintains the working routine. The chat is for me to ask them how they are and listen to them, not for me to talk at them. I need to practice paying attention, listening and empathy to make this work. It benefits me while costing each of them just 15 minutes per week.

== Write to people ==
Send a letter or notelet to make someone feel special.

== Keep the communication going ==
When someone goes quiet, they're probably having a problem. Keep the line of communication going. Send emails or cartoons or updates or thoughts. Businesses know that customers on mailing lists come back and buy again. Not because of what the mailing list said, but because they are maintaining the relationship even if it is one way - it works.

== Ad hoc messages ==
When you see or hear something that reminds you of someone, use that as a trigger to contact them. Send en email or card saying "I saw/heard this and thought of you".

= Coping Strategies =
Particular coping strategies can be either helpful or unhelpful depending on the circumstances.

== Resilience ==
Resilience is not a fixed trait within a person, but a combination of different influences, skills and behaviours that can be learned and developed.

=== Resilience factors ===
# Positive relationships
# Making plans
# Optimistic outlook
# A trust in your own strengths and coping abilities
# Meaning and purpose
# Balanced thinking
# Self-care and self-compassion

== The three types of coping strategies ==
=== Assessment-focused strategies ===
Assessment-focused strategies are about thinking differently about the situation, e.g. denial or humour.

=== Problem-focused strategies ===
Problem-focused strategies are about doing something to change the situation. 
Useful when the situation is within your control.

=== Emotion-focused strategies ===
Emotion-focused strategies are about trying to feel differently about the situation. 
Useful for situations which cannot be changed.

[[Category:Mental Health]]
[[Category:Health]]

Mental Health

2024-04-04T19:08:21Z

Simon: Added 'coping strategies'

; Things that can improve Mental Health

= Hundreds of Just One Thing =
The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing with Michael Mosley] are popular and recommended.
* Walking is beneficial because if gives access to natural light, ideally in the morning.
* Learning a new skill.
* Standing on one leg (do it when brushing your teeth). Do it, then do it with eyes closed, then do it for longer every day. It sounds like this needs to be a daily exercise activity before getting old.
* Control breathing. This comes up a lot in stress management.
* Count your blessings. Get into the habit of writing down things for what one is grateful each day. This is 'Journaling'.
I can't listen to these podcasts. In the background is music comprising clapping and finger-snapping which makes it impossible to listen to. It is like being poked in the ear by a sharp pencil a few times a second. It triggers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia misophonia].

= Time Management =
== Work diary / calendar ==
* Use your work calendar. Share it with everyone, have it wide open (except for genuinely private matters, which you still include but as busy time).
* Start each day by organising the calendar for the day. Create time slots for dealing with emails and updating reports.
* Schedule time after meetings to type up what got said and to do immediate actions.
* Do not respond to emails as they come in, but at predefined periods. Do not have more than 3 of these periods per day.
* Emails: either Delegate, Delete, Diarise

== Take breaks / Pomodoro technique / Lancaster Uni discovery / tea breaks / microbreaks ==
Take breaks. The brain gets tired exactly like muscles do as electrolytes get depleted. The solution is to rest the neurones you've been using so they can literally recharge.
* Lancaster Uni: 45 minutes study, 15 minutes doing something else maximises learning outcomes.
* Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes working, 5 minute break. Reap 4 times, then take a longer break. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Wikipedia page].
: I find 25 minutes is too short for me,
* We used to get a tea break in the morning and another in the afternoon. This was because employers knew that made us more productive.
* Gaze out of the window and daydream. It stretches the eye muscles and makes you more creative.

= Email management =
== The 5D method of email management ==
This started out as the 3D method...!

# Defend your inbox (that means anti-virus and spam trapping and unenrolling from mailing lists).
# Delete it. (Or archive it.)
# Delegate it.
# Do it. Can it be done in 2 minutes? Then do it now.
# Defer or diarise it. Create a diary slot to action that email.

This page is useful: [https://screwlooseit.com.au/5-ds-of-email-management/ Screwloose 5Ds email management]. Watch the video too. The presenter refers to some other techniques. Especially relevant if you use Outlook as she says how to automate or simplify some of the above techniques.

= Journaling =
== The 5 Gratitudes ==
Suggested to me by my caring line manager. Each day, sit and think of five things for which you are grateful about that day. It may be the good weather, something made you smile, something didn't go wrong (!), you found something new, the flowers opened, lunch was good, you appreciate that call / email, someone said 'Thank you', you found that thing you were looking for, you got that thing done, you got left alone.

Write them down. This is your Gratitudes Journal. Then each week, go back through that list and reflect on the positive things that have been happening.

= Exercise... that is tolerable =
Lordy. I don't want to do this. What might be easier?

== Walking ==
Fresh air. NHS says it is enough, if you walk briskly. Means you have to get up, washed, dressed and outside.

== Avoid the gym. Do 'Exercise Stacking' ==
Instead of slogging away for half an hour do a workout, do very short exercises during the day; no more than 5 minutes. Go for a short walk, briskly. Go up and down the stairs a couple of times each time you use the stairs. A few star jumps. Stand on one leg while brushing teeth. Do 'touch toes' when waiting for the kettle to boil. Some squats waiting for the bus / before putting your coat on.

Aim for 30 minutes in total through the day.

Doing exercise in chunks through the day is more natural and more effective that one long workout. Very short exercises tend to be intense, more so than can be done in a workout.

== Standing ==
Better than sitting which is surprisingly bad for you. Stand more often when at a desk. Do video calls standing. Stand up to do 'phone calls.

Aim to stand for 2 or 3 minutes every hour.

= Relax =
== Breathing ==
=== The GP said: "Breathe" ===
My GP said we tend to hold our breath when know something stressful or triggering is coming and when it comes, we have an excess of CO2 in our blood. When the bad thing happens, we lose control or experience anxiety. The solution? When you are in one of those situations, knowing what is coming is going to be frustrating, keep breathing. And When anxiety starts, breathe.

=== Take a breath ===
Breathe in. Hold for a count of 3. Breathe right out. Hold for a count of 3. Repeat. Now face the world.

=== Pacing breathing and heart rate ===
Find the pulse in your wrist.
# for three heart beats, breathe in.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
# for three heart beats, breathe out.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
Repeat until you feel better.

= Socialising =
And that does not have to mean 'partying' or anything stressful.

== Start the day with a chat ==
I have arranged to start each week day with a 15 minute video call with 5 different people. That means I have to be up, washed, dressed and 'camera ready' at the start of the working day. This establishes or maintains the working routine. The chat is for me to ask them how they are and listen to them, not for me to talk at them. I need to practice paying attention, listening and empathy to make this work. It benefits me while costing each of them just 15 minutes per week.

== Write to people ==
Send a letter or notelet to make someone feel special.

== Keep the communication going ==
When someone goes quiet, they're probably having a problem. Keep the line of communication going. Send emails or cartoons or updates or thoughts. Businesses know that customers on mailing lists come back and buy again. Not because of what the mailing list said, but because they are maintaining the relationship even if it is one way - it works.

== Ad hoc messages ==
When you see or hear something that reminds you of someone, use that as a trigger to contact them. Send en email or card saying "I saw/heard this and thought of you".

= Coping Mechanisms and Coping Strategies =
Particular coping strategies can be either helpful or unhelpful depending on the circumstances.

== Three types ==
=== Assessment-focused strategies ===
Assessment-focused strategies are about thinking differently about the situation, e.g. denial or humour.

=== Problem-focused strategies ===
Problem-focused strategies are about doing something to change the situation. 
Useful when the situation is within your control.

=== Emotion-focused strategies ===
Emotion-focused strategies are about trying to feel differently about the situation. 
Useful for situations which cannot be changed.

[[Category:Mental Health]]
[[Category:Health]]

Mental Health

2024-03-23T15:36:36Z

Simon: Added 'breathe'

; Things that can improve Mental Health

= Hundreds of Just One Thing =
The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing with Michael Mosley] are popular and recommended.
* Walking is beneficial because if gives access to natural light, ideally in the morning.
* Learning a new skill.
* Standing on one leg (do it when brushing your teeth). Do it, then do it with eyes closed, then do it for longer every day. It sounds like this needs to be a daily exercise activity before getting old.
* Control breathing. This comes up a lot in stress management.
* Count your blessings. Get into the habit of writing down things for what one is grateful each day. This is 'Journaling'.
I can't listen to these podcasts. In the background is music comprising clapping and finger-snapping which makes it impossible to listen to. It is like being poked in the ear by a sharp pencil a few times a second. It triggers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia misophonia].

= Time Management =
== Work diary / calendar ==
* Use your work calendar. Share it with everyone, have it wide open (except for genuinely private matters, which you still include but as busy time).
* Start each day by organising the calendar for the day. Create time slots for dealing with emails and updating reports.
* Schedule time after meetings to type up what got said and to do immediate actions.
* Do not respond to emails as they come in, but at predefined periods. Do not have more than 3 of these periods per day.
* Emails: either Delegate, Delete, Diarise

== Take breaks / Pomodoro technique / Lancaster Uni discovery / tea breaks / microbreaks ==
Take breaks. The brain gets tired exactly like muscles do as electrolytes get depleted. The solution is to rest the neurones you've been using so they can literally recharge.
* Lancaster Uni: 45 minutes study, 15 minutes doing something else maximises learning outcomes.
* Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes working, 5 minute break. Reap 4 times, then take a longer break. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Wikipedia page].
: I find 25 minutes is too short for me,
* We used to get a tea break in the morning and another in the afternoon. This was because employers knew that made us more productive.
* Gaze out of the window and daydream. It stretches the eye muscles and makes you more creative.

= Email management =
== The 5D method of email management ==
This started out as the 3D method...!

# Defend your inbox (that means anti-virus and spam trapping and unenrolling from mailing lists).
# Delete it. (Or archive it.)
# Delegate it.
# Do it. Can it be done in 2 minutes? Then do it now.
# Defer or diarise it. Create a diary slot to action that email.

This page is useful: [https://screwlooseit.com.au/5-ds-of-email-management/ Screwloose 5Ds email management]. Watch the video too. The presenter refers to some other techniques. Especially relevant if you use Outlook as she says how to automate or simplify some of the above techniques.

= Journaling =
== The 5 Gratitudes ==
Suggested to me by my caring line manager. Each day, sit and think of five things for which you are grateful about that day. It may be the good weather, something made you smile, something didn't go wrong (!), you found something new, the flowers opened, lunch was good, you appreciate that call / email, someone said 'Thank you', you found that thing you were looking for, you got that thing done, you got left alone.

Write them down. This is your Gratitudes Journal. Then each week, go back through that list and reflect on the positive things that have been happening.

= Exercise... that is tolerable =
Lordy. I don't want to do this. What might be easier?

== Walking ==
Fresh air. NHS says it is enough, if you walk briskly. Means you have to get up, washed, dressed and outside.

== Avoid the gym. Do 'Exercise Stacking' ==
Instead of slogging away for half an hour do a workout, do very short exercises during the day; no more than 5 minutes. Go for a short walk, briskly. Go up and down the stairs a couple of times each time you use the stairs. A few star jumps. Stand on one leg while brushing teeth. Do 'touch toes' when waiting for the kettle to boil. Some squats waiting for the bus / before putting your coat on.

Aim for 30 minutes in total through the day.

Doing exercise in chunks through the day is more natural and more effective that one long workout. Very short exercises tend to be intense, more so than can be done in a workout.

== Standing ==
Better than sitting which is surprisingly bad for you. Stand more often when at a desk. Do video calls standing. Stand up to do 'phone calls.

Aim to stand for 2 or 3 minutes every hour.

= Relax =
== Breathing ==
=== The GP said: "Breathe" ===
My GP said we tend to hold our breath when know something stressful or triggering is coming and when it comes, we have an excess of CO2 in our blood. When the bad thing happens, we lose control or experience anxiety. The solution? When you are in one of those situations, knowing what is coming is going to be frustrating, keep breathing. And When anxiety starts, breathe.

=== Take a breath ===
Breathe in. Hold for a count of 3. Breathe right out. Hold for a count of 3. Repeat. Now face the world.

=== Pacing breathing and heart rate ===
Find the pulse in your wrist.
# for three heart beats, breathe in.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
# for three heart beats, breathe out.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
Repeat until you feel better.

= Socialising =
And that does not have to mean 'partying' or anything stressful.

== Start the day with a chat ==
I have arranged to start each week day with a 15 minute video call with 5 different people. That means I have to be up, washed, dressed and 'camera ready' at the start of the working day. This establishes or maintains the working routine. The chat is for me to ask them how they are and listen to them, not for me to talk at them. I need to practice paying attention, listening and empathy to make this work. It benefits me while costing each of them just 15 minutes per week.

== Write to people ==
Send a letter or notelet to make someone feel special.

== Keep the communication going ==
When someone goes quiet, they're probably having a problem. Keep the line of communication going. Send emails or cartoons or updates or thoughts. Businesses know that customers on mailing lists come back and buy again. Not because of what the mailing list said, but because they are maintaining the relationship even if it is one way - it works.

== Ad hoc messages ==
When you see or hear something that reminds you of someone, use that as a trigger to contact them. Send en email or card saying "I saw/heard this and thought of you".

[[Category:Mental Health]]
[[Category:Health]]

Mental Health

2024-03-23T15:02:36Z

Simon: Added 'time management;

; Things that can improve Mental Health ==

= Hundreds of Just One Thing =
The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing with Michael Mosley] are popular and recommended.
* Walking is beneficial because if gives access to natural light, ideally in the morning.
* Learning a new skill.
* Standing on one leg (do it when brushing your teeth). Do it, then do it with eyes closed, then do it for longer every day. It sounds like this needs to be a daily exercise activity before getting old.
* Control breathing. This comes up a lot in stress management.
* Count your blessings. Get into the habit of writing down things for what one is grateful each day. This is 'Journaling'.

I can't listen to these podcasts. In the background is music comprising clapping and finger-snapping which makes it impossible to listen to. It is like being poked in the ear by a sharp pencil a few times a second. It triggers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia misophonia].

= Time Management =
== Work diary / calendar ==
* Use your work calendar. Share it with everyone, have it wide open (except for genuinely private matters, which you still include but as busy time).
* Start each day by organising the calendar for the day. Create time slots for dealing with emails and updating reports.
* Schedule time after meetings to type up what got said and to do immediate actions.
* Do not respond to emails as they come in, but at predefined periods. Do not have more than 3 of these periods per day.
* Emails: either Delegate, Delete, Diarise

== Take breaks / Pomodoro technique / Lancaster Uni discovery / tea breaks / microbreaks ==
Take breaks. The brain gets tired exactly like muscles do as electrolytes get depleted. The solution is to rest the neurones you've been using so they can literally recharge.
* Lancaster Uni: 45 minutes study, 15 minutes doing something else maximises learning outcomes.
* Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes working, 5 minute break. Reap 4 times, then take a longer break. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomodoro_Technique Wikipedia page].
: I find 25 minutes is too short for me,
* We used to get a tea break in the morning and another in the afternoon. This was because employers knew that made us more productive.
* Gaze out of the window and daydream. It stretches the eye muscles and makes you more creative.

= Email management =
== The 5D method of email management ==
This started out as the 3D method...!

# Defend your inbox (that means anti-virus and spam trapping and unenrolling from mailing lists).
# Delete it. (Or archive it.)
# Delegate it.
# Do it. Can it be done in 2 minutes? Then do it now.
# Defer or diarise it. Create a diary slot to action that email.

This page is useful: [https://screwlooseit.com.au/5-ds-of-email-management/ Screwloose 5Ds email management]. Watch the video too. The presenter refers to some other techniques. Especially relevant if you use Outlook as she says how to automate or simplify some of the above techniques.

= Journaling =
== The 5 Gratitudes ==
Suggested to me by my caring line manager. Each day, sit and think of five things for which you are grateful about that day. It may be the good weather, something made you smile, something didn't go wrong (!), you found something new, the flowers opened, lunch was good, you appreciate that call / email, someone said 'Thank you', you found that thing you were looking for, you got that thing done, you got left alone.

Write them down. This is your Gratitudes Journal. Then each week, go back through that list and reflect on the positive things that have been happening.

= Exercise... that is tolerable =
Lordy. I don't want to do this. What might be easier?

== Walking ==
Fresh air. NHS says it is enough, if you walk briskly. Means you have to get up, washed, dressed and outside.

== Avoid the gym. Do 'Exercise Stacking' ==
Instead of slogging away for half an hour do a workout, do very short exercises during the day; no more than 5 minutes. Go for a short walk, briskly. Go up and down the stairs a couple of times each time you use the stairs. A few star jumps. Stand on one leg while brushing teeth. Do 'touch toes' when waiting for the kettle to boil. Some squats waiting for the bus / before putting your coat on.

Aim for 30 minutes in total through the day.

Doing exercise in chunks through the day is more natural and more effective that one long workout. Very short exercises tend to be intense, more so than can be done in a workout.

== Standing ==
Better than sitting which is surprisingly bad for you. Stand more often when at a desk. Do video calls standing. Stand up to do 'phone calls.

Aim to stand for 2 or 3 minutes every hour.

= Relax =
== Breathing ==
=== Take a breath ===
Breathe in. Hold for a count of 3. Breathe right out. Hold for a count of 3. Repeat. Now face the world.

=== Pacing breathing and heart rate ===
Find the pulse in your wrist.
# for three heart beats, breathe in.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
# for three heart beats, breathe out.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
Repeat until you feel better.

[[Category:Mental Health]]
[[Category:Health]]

Mental Health

2024-03-23T14:49:53Z

Simon: Created page

; Things that can improve Mental Health ==

= Hundreds of Just One Thing =
The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing with Michael Mosley] are popular and recommended.
* Walking is beneficial because if gives access to natural light, ideally in the morning.
* Learning a new skill.
* Standing on one leg (do it when brushing your teeth). Do it, then do it with eyes closed, then do it for longer every day. It sounds like this needs to be a daily exercise activity before getting old.
* Control breathing. This comes up a lot in stress management.
* Count your blessings. Get into the habit of writing down things for what one is grateful each day. This is 'Journaling'.

I can't listen to these podcasts. In the background is music comprising clapping and finger-snapping which makes it impossible to listen to. It is like being poked in the ear by a sharp pencil a few times a second. It triggers [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Misophonia misophonia].

= Time Management =
* Use your work calendar. Share it with everyone, have it wide open (except for genuinely private matters, which you still include but as busy time).
* Start each day by organising the calendar for the day. Create time slots for dealing with emails and updating reports.
* Schedule time after meetings to type up what got said and to do immediate actions.
* Do not respond to emails as they come in, but at predefined periods. Do not have more than 3 of these periods per day.
* Emails: either Delegate, Delete, Diarise

= Email management =
== The 5D method of email management ==
This started out as the 3D method...!

# Defend your inbox (that means anti-virus and spam trapping and unenrolling from mailing lists).
# Delete it. (Or archive it.)
# Delegate it.
# Do it. Can it be done in 2 minutes? Then do it now.
# Defer or diarise it. Create a diary slot to action that email.

This page is useful: [https://screwlooseit.com.au/5-ds-of-email-management/ Screwloose 5Ds email management]. Watch the video too. The presenter refers to some other techniques. Especially relevant if you use Outlook as she says how to automate or simplify some of the above techniques.

= Journaling =
== The 5 Gratitudes ==
Suggested to me by my caring line manager. Each day, sit and think of five things for which you are grateful about that day. It may be the good weather, something made you smile, something didn't go wrong (!), you found something new, the flowers opened, lunch was good, you appreciate that call / email, someone said 'Thank you', you found that thing you were looking for, you got that thing done, you got left alone.

Write them down. This is your Gratitudes Journal. Then each week, go back through that list and reflect on the positive things that have been happening.

= Exercise... that is tolerable =
Lordy. I don't want to do this. What might be easier?

== Walking ==
Fresh air. NHS says it is enough, if you walk briskly. Means you have to get up, washed, dressed and outside.

== Avoid the gym. Do 'Exercise Stacking' ==
Instead of slogging away for half an hour do a workout, do very short exercises during the day; no more than 5 minutes. Go for a short walk, briskly. Go up and down the stairs a couple of times each time you use the stairs. A few star jumps. Stand on one leg while brushing teeth. Do 'touch toes' when waiting for the kettle to boil. Some squats waiting for the bus / before putting your coat on.

Aim for 30 minutes in total through the day.

Doing exercise in chunks through the day is more natural and more effective that one long workout. Very short exercises tend to be intense, more so than can be done in a workout.

== Standing ==
Better than sitting which is surprisingly bad for you. Stand more often when at a desk. Do video calls standing. Stand up to do 'phone calls.

Aim to stand for 2 or 3 minutes every hour.

= Relax =
== Breathing ==
=== Take a breath ===
Breathe in. Hold for a count of 3. Breathe right out. Hold for a count of 3. Repeat. Now face the world.

=== Pacing breathing and heart rate ===
Find the pulse in your wrist.
# for three heart beats, breathe in.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
# for three heart beats, breathe out.
# for three heart beats, hold it.
Repeat until you feel better.

[[Category:Mental Health]]
[[Category:Health]]

Editing examples

2024-03-23T13:46:42Z

Simon: /* Links and linking to things */ Improved the layout

= Title =
There are more examples [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting here].

== Sub-title ==
This is an experimental page.

= Heading with one equals =
Text.
== Heading with two equals ==
Text.
=== Heading with three equals ===
Text.
==== Heading with four equals ====
Text.
===== Heading with five equals =====
Text.
====== Heading with six equals ======
Text.
======= Heading with seven equals =======
Text.
======== Heading with eight equals ========
Text.

= Text Formatting =
<nowiki>'''</nowiki>'''Bold'''<nowiki>'''</nowiki> 
<nowiki></nowiki>Bold<nowiki></nowiki> 
<nowiki>''</nowiki>''Italic''<nowiki>''</nowiki>'' 
<nowiki></nowiki>Italic<nowiki></nowiki> 
<nowiki></nowiki>Underline<nowiki></nowiki> 
<nowiki><del></nowiki><del>Strikeout</del><nowiki></del></nowiki> 
Superscript <nowiki></nowiki>power<nowiki></nowiki>. 
Subscript <nowiki></nowiki>power<nowiki></nowiki>. 
Boxed text <nowiki><code></nowiki><code>Source code WWWiii</code><nowiki></code></nowiki>. 
Fixed width text <nowiki><tt></nowiki><tt>Fixed width text WWWiii</tt><nowiki></tt></nowiki> WWWiii. 

= Formatting =
If you want to add whitespace mid-sentence, try a non-breaking space <code>&nbsp;</code> to be   able     to       do         this.

Word       followed by space then 5 nbsps then space. 
Word           followed by space then 5 nbsps each separated by a space then space. 
Word word being two words glued by a nbsp.

Horizontal line ... (4 dashes on a line on their own)
----
This paragraph is in a funny blue box because it starts with a space.

This is not in a funny blue box because it does not start with a space.

Two spaces appear before this sentence.

Ten spaces appear before this sentence. (In some wikis extra spaces have no more magic than one space.)

A TAB character precedes this paragraph; it has no effect.

Pressing <ENTER> in the middle of a paragraph, like here -->
<-- results in a paragraph without a break in it.

Paragraphs with a completely blank line between them

look like this. (I.e. press <Enter> twice.)

Whereas three lines separated by <nowiki> </nowiki> look like this and this.

Three lines separated by <nowiki> </nowiki> look like this and this too.

= Commenting out text =
Done using <nowiki></nowiki> around the text.

= Using NoWiki to prevent text being interpreted =
The example above was done thus: Done using <nowiki><nowiki></nowiki><nowiki><!</nowiki>-- commented out text --><nowiki></nowiki></nowiki> around the text.

And that example had a <nowiki><nowiki></nowiki><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></nowiki> in there.

= Lists and Indentation =
No asterisks
* one asterisk
* one asterisk
* one asterisk
** two asterisks
*** three asterisks
**** four asterisks

No colons
: One colon
: One colon
: One colon
:: Two colons
::: Three colons
:::: Four colons

No semi-colons
; One semi-colon
; One semi-colon
; One semi-colon
;; Two semi-colons
;;; Three semi-colons
;;;; Four semi-colons

Lists
# One hash
# One hash
# One hash
## Two hashes
# One hash
# One hash
## Two hashes
### Three hashes
### Three hashes
#### Four hashes
######## Eight hashes
# One hash
######## Eight hashes

* one asterisk with <nowiki> </nowiki> at the end of the line, then more text on the same line.
: one colon - it is a shame this does not line up with the line above.
# one hash with <nowiki> </nowiki> at the end of the line, then more text on the same line.
:: two colons - it is a shame this also does not line up with the line above.

= Transclusion =
'''*** Immediately before the transclusion of Fair Cobra III ***'''
{{:Fair_Cobra_III}}
'''*** Immediately after the transclusion of Fair Cobra III ***'''

= Tables =
This uses the 'sortable' parameter.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Header1 !! Header A !! Header3 !! Header 9 !! Header5 !! Header a !! Header7
|-
| Example || Example A || Example || Example 7 || Example || Example a || Example
|-
| Example || Example B || Example || Example 6 || Example || Example A || Example
|-
| Example || Example C || Example || Example 5 || Example || Example B || Example
|-
| Example || Example D || Example || Example 4 || Example || Example b || Example
|-
| Example || Example E || Example || Example 3 || Example || Example c || Example
|-
| Example || Example F || Example || Example 2 || Example || Example C || Example
|-
| Example || Example G || Example || Example 1 || Example || Example D || Example
|-
| Example || Example H || Example || Example 0 || Example || Example d || Example
|}

= Timestamp and signature =
Timestamp (five tildes): 13:04, 23 August 2012 (BST)

My signature with a timestamp (four tildes): [[User:Simon|Simon]] 13:04, 23 August 2012 (BST)

My signature (three tildes): [[User:Simon|Simon]]

Timestamp:

My signature with a timestamp:

My signature (three tildes):

= Testing the Wiki search =
''Here is a test to see if a Wiki search for [http://www.boxcn.com/wibble/whatever.html ''box.com with cn in the name''] can be found in a hyperlink. 
'''Conclusion:''' even the wiki's advanced search does not return text strings in hyperlinks.''

= Links and linking to things =
A link to a page on the same wiki is done by <nowiki>[[Professional networking]]</nowiki> and looks like this:
:[[Professional networking]] or [[Non existent page]].
Note that the case of the first letter does not matter but the others do, and the underscores are not needed although it does not matter if they are included. Thus:
: [[Professional networking]] and [[professional networking]] and [[Professional Networking]] and [[PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING]] and [[prOfeSSional nETWORKINg]] and [[Professional_networking]].

A link to a web page: <nowiki>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news]</nowiki> looks like this:
: [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news]

A link to a web page, with your own text: <nowiki>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day a hundred years since the Armistice]</nowiki> looks like this:
: It has been [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day a hundred years since the Armistice] of The Great War.

Spaces are not needed between links and text so you can use
: "please see my my[[wiki]]pedia help"
with a link inside a word.

You can mix and match formatting with links:
:The podcasts [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v3fz From Just One Thing] with Michael Mosley are popular and recommended.

[[Category:wiki]]

Editing examples

2024-03-23T13:41:40Z

Simon: Added URL section

= Title =
There are more examples [http://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Help:Formatting here].

== Sub-title ==
This is an experimental page.

= Heading with one equals =
Text.
== Heading with two equals ==
Text.
=== Heading with three equals ===
Text.
==== Heading with four equals ====
Text.
===== Heading with five equals =====
Text.
====== Heading with six equals ======
Text.
======= Heading with seven equals =======
Text.
======== Heading with eight equals ========
Text.

= Text Formatting =
<nowiki>'''</nowiki>'''Bold'''<nowiki>'''</nowiki> 
<nowiki></nowiki>Bold<nowiki></nowiki> 
<nowiki>''</nowiki>''Italic''<nowiki>''</nowiki>'' 
<nowiki></nowiki>Italic<nowiki></nowiki> 
<nowiki></nowiki>Underline<nowiki></nowiki> 
<nowiki><del></nowiki><del>Strikeout</del><nowiki></del></nowiki> 
Superscript <nowiki></nowiki>power<nowiki></nowiki>. 
Subscript <nowiki></nowiki>power<nowiki></nowiki>. 
Boxed text <nowiki><code></nowiki><code>Source code WWWiii</code><nowiki></code></nowiki>. 
Fixed width text <nowiki><tt></nowiki><tt>Fixed width text WWWiii</tt><nowiki></tt></nowiki> WWWiii. 

= Formatting =
If you want to add whitespace mid-sentence, try a non-breaking space <code>&nbsp;</code> to be   able     to       do         this.

Word       followed by space then 5 nbsps then space. 
Word           followed by space then 5 nbsps each separated by a space then space. 
Word word being two words glued by a nbsp.

Horizontal line ... (4 dashes on a line on their own)
----
This paragraph is in a funny blue box because it starts with a space.

This is not in a funny blue box because it does not start with a space.

Two spaces appear before this sentence.

Ten spaces appear before this sentence. (In some wikis extra spaces have no more magic than one space.)

A TAB character precedes this paragraph; it has no effect.

Pressing <ENTER> in the middle of a paragraph, like here -->
<-- results in a paragraph without a break in it.

Paragraphs with a completely blank line between them

look like this. (I.e. press <Enter> twice.)

Whereas three lines separated by <nowiki> </nowiki> look like this and this.

Three lines separated by <nowiki> </nowiki> look like this and this too.

= Commenting out text =
Done using <nowiki></nowiki> around the text.

= Using NoWiki to prevent text being interpreted =
The example above was done thus: Done using <nowiki><nowiki></nowiki><nowiki><!</nowiki>-- commented out text --><nowiki></nowiki></nowiki> around the text.

And that example had a <nowiki><nowiki></nowiki><nowiki><nowiki></nowiki></nowiki> in there.

= Lists and Indentation =
No asterisks
* one asterisk
* one asterisk
* one asterisk
** two asterisks
*** three asterisks
**** four asterisks

No colons
: One colon
: One colon
: One colon
:: Two colons
::: Three colons
:::: Four colons

No semi-colons
; One semi-colon
; One semi-colon
; One semi-colon
;; Two semi-colons
;;; Three semi-colons
;;;; Four semi-colons

Lists
# One hash
# One hash
# One hash
## Two hashes
# One hash
# One hash
## Two hashes
### Three hashes
### Three hashes
#### Four hashes
######## Eight hashes
# One hash
######## Eight hashes

* one asterisk with <nowiki> </nowiki> at the end of the line, then more text on the same line.
: one colon - it is a shame this does not line up with the line above.
# one hash with <nowiki> </nowiki> at the end of the line, then more text on the same line.
:: two colons - it is a shame this also does not line up with the line above.

= Transclusion =
'''*** Immediately before the transclusion of Fair Cobra III ***'''
{{:Fair_Cobra_III}}
'''*** Immediately after the transclusion of Fair Cobra III ***'''

= Tables =
This uses the 'sortable' parameter.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Header1 !! Header A !! Header3 !! Header 9 !! Header5 !! Header a !! Header7
|-
| Example || Example A || Example || Example 7 || Example || Example a || Example
|-
| Example || Example B || Example || Example 6 || Example || Example A || Example
|-
| Example || Example C || Example || Example 5 || Example || Example B || Example
|-
| Example || Example D || Example || Example 4 || Example || Example b || Example
|-
| Example || Example E || Example || Example 3 || Example || Example c || Example
|-
| Example || Example F || Example || Example 2 || Example || Example C || Example
|-
| Example || Example G || Example || Example 1 || Example || Example D || Example
|-
| Example || Example H || Example || Example 0 || Example || Example d || Example
|}

= Timestamp and signature =
Timestamp (five tildes): 13:04, 23 August 2012 (BST)

My signature with a timestamp (four tildes): [[User:Simon|Simon]] 13:04, 23 August 2012 (BST)

My signature (three tildes): [[User:Simon|Simon]]

Timestamp:

My signature with a timestamp:

My signature (three tildes):

= Testing the Wiki search =
''Here is a test to see if a Wiki search for [http://www.boxcn.com/wibble/whatever.html ''box.com with cn in the name''] can be found in a hyperlink. 
'''Conclusion:''' even the wiki's advanced search does not return text strings in hyperlinks.''

= Links and linking to things =
A link to a page on the same wiki is done by <nowiki>[[Professional networking]]</nowiki> and looks like this [[Professional networking]] or [[Non existent page]]. Note that the case of the first letter does not matter but the others do, and the underscores are not needed although it does not matter if they are included. Thus: [[Professional networking]] and [[professional networking]] and [[Professional Networking]] and [[PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING]] and [[prOfeSSional nETWORKINg]] and [[Professional_networking]].

A link to a web page: <nowiki>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news]</nowiki> and looks like this: [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news]

A link to a web page, with your own text: <nowiki>[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day a hundred years since the Armistice]</nowiki> and looks like this: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_Day a hundred years since the Armistice]

Spaces are not needed between links and text so you can use "please see my my[[wiki]]pedia help" with a link inside a word.

[[Category:wiki]]

Main Page

2024-03-23T13:11:52Z

Simon: /* Wiki and blog information */ added link to'editing examples'.

'''Simon's Useful Info Wiki.'''
==== Links of Links ====
* [[LULinks]] Lancaster University links

==== Wiki and blog information ====
* [[wiki]] and 'Getting started':
** [[Editing examples]] <-- I refer to this a lot!
** [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents The wiki software User's Guide]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
** [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [[Drupal]] - Gave up. Too large, too slow, too clunky, too much to learn, too vulnerable.
* [[WordPress]]

==== Web site monitoring and maintenance ====
* [[awstats]]
* [[Creating subdomains]]
* [[MS SQL]]
* [[Uptime and certificate monitoring]]
* [[Monitoring web page changes]]
* [[Online file mirroring services]]
* [[Web site statistics]]
* [[noip2 / No-IP2]]

==== Operating systems ====
* [[Linux]]
* [[XP]]

==== Language ====
* [[diacritics]]
* [[Language]], e.g. [[Useful words]], [[Proverbs]], [[Phonetic alphabet]], [[Light at the End of the Tunnel]]
* [[Numbers]], e.g. [[Uptime]], [[hexadecimal watch words]]
* Is it a [[policy, procedure, protocol, guideline or standard]]?
* [[Procrastination]]
* [[Oxymorons]]

==== Programming languages ====
* [[Python]]
* [[BASIC on Linux]]
* [[Google Apps Script]] or whatever Google are calling the macros language for Google Docs / Google Sheets this month.

==== Artificial Intelligence ====
* [[AI, Artificial Intelligence]]

==== Devices ====
* [[Asus X401A]]
* [[Pegatron Cape 7]]
* [[msi U180]]
* [[Asus EeeBox PC model EB1007P]]
* [[Antec - a Tenzy custom build]]
* [[CyKey - a chording keyboard]]
* [[Huawei 4G Mobile WiFi E589 unlocking]]
* [[Plusnet 2704n / Sagemcom 2704n / Hub Zero 2704n Broadband Router advanced settings]]
* [[BlackBerry Curve 9320]]
* [[kobo Touch e-reader]]

==== Software ====
* [[Firefox]]
* [[Personal finance software]]
* [[CD ripping software]]
* [[Personal organiser software]]
* [[OpenOffice.org and LibreOffice]]
* [[Distributed computing and Boinc]]
* [[Webcam / camera monitoring software]]
* [[Remote access]]
* [[Collaborative online working]] Online tools for collaborative working
* [[Office 2013 migration]]
* [[Feng Office]]
* [[Desert Order]]
* [[NextCloud]]

==== Education and Learning ====
* [[Free learning]] e.g. [https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera], [http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn], [https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn]
* [[Free flashcard software and web sites]]
* [[How we learn]] icluding David Kolb's Learning Cycle, Honey & Mumford, the Change Curve et al.

==== Skills ====
* [[geospatial]]
* [[Agile]], e.g. [[Scrum]], [[DSDM]] and [[EVO_-_evolutionary_systems_delivery|EVO]]
* [[Project management]]
* [[Change management]]
* [[Tools and Techniques]]
* [[Awnimos]]
* [[Pareto Principle]]
* [[PRINCE3]]
* [[Foalma]]
* [[Technology evolution]]
* [[Security]]
* [[CSSF and related acronyms]]
* [[Data migration]]
* [[Annoying spammers]]
* [[No New Wars 11112018]]
* [[Mental Health]]

==== Employment ====
* [[Freelancing & contracting]]
* [[Professional networking]]

==== Interests ====
* [[Aurora]] how and when
* [[Climate change actions]] But what can I do?

* [[Suppliers]]

[[Category:wiki]]

Main Page

2024-03-23T12:53:37Z

Simon: /* Skills */ added 'Mental Health'

'''Simon's Useful Info Wiki.'''
==== Links of Links ====
* [[LULinks]] Lancaster University links

==== Wiki and blog information ====
* [[wiki]] and 'Getting started':
** [//meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Help:Contents The wiki software User's Guide]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:Configuration_settings Configuration settings list]
** [//www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:FAQ MediaWiki FAQ]
** [https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/mediawiki-announce MediaWiki release mailing list]
* [[Drupal]] - Gave up. Too large, too slow, too clunky, too much to learn, too vulnerable.
* [[WordPress]]

==== Web site monitoring and maintenance ====
* [[awstats]]
* [[Creating subdomains]]
* [[MS SQL]]
* [[Uptime and certificate monitoring]]
* [[Monitoring web page changes]]
* [[Online file mirroring services]]
* [[Web site statistics]]
* [[noip2 / No-IP2]]

==== Operating systems ====
* [[Linux]]
* [[XP]]

==== Language ====
* [[diacritics]]
* [[Language]], e.g. [[Useful words]], [[Proverbs]], [[Phonetic alphabet]], [[Light at the End of the Tunnel]]
* [[Numbers]], e.g. [[Uptime]], [[hexadecimal watch words]]
* Is it a [[policy, procedure, protocol, guideline or standard]]?
* [[Procrastination]]
* [[Oxymorons]]

==== Programming languages ====
* [[Python]]
* [[BASIC on Linux]]
* [[Google Apps Script]] or whatever Google are calling the macros language for Google Docs / Google Sheets this month.

==== Artificial Intelligence ====
* [[AI, Artificial Intelligence]]

==== Devices ====
* [[Asus X401A]]
* [[Pegatron Cape 7]]
* [[msi U180]]
* [[Asus EeeBox PC model EB1007P]]
* [[Antec - a Tenzy custom build]]
* [[CyKey - a chording keyboard]]
* [[Huawei 4G Mobile WiFi E589 unlocking]]
* [[Plusnet 2704n / Sagemcom 2704n / Hub Zero 2704n Broadband Router advanced settings]]
* [[BlackBerry Curve 9320]]
* [[kobo Touch e-reader]]

==== Software ====
* [[Firefox]]
* [[Personal finance software]]
* [[CD ripping software]]
* [[Personal organiser software]]
* [[OpenOffice.org and LibreOffice]]
* [[Distributed computing and Boinc]]
* [[Webcam / camera monitoring software]]
* [[Remote access]]
* [[Collaborative online working]] Online tools for collaborative working
* [[Office 2013 migration]]
* [[Feng Office]]
* [[Desert Order]]
* [[NextCloud]]

==== Education and Learning ====
* [[Free learning]] e.g. [https://www.coursera.org/ Coursera], [http://www.open.edu/openlearn/ OpenLearn], [https://www.futurelearn.com/ FutureLearn]
* [[Free flashcard software and web sites]]
* [[How we learn]] icluding David Kolb's Learning Cycle, Honey & Mumford, the Change Curve et al.

==== Skills ====
* [[geospatial]]
* [[Agile]], e.g. [[Scrum]], [[DSDM]] and [[EVO_-_evolutionary_systems_delivery|EVO]]
* [[Project management]]
* [[Change management]]
* [[Tools and Techniques]]
* [[Awnimos]]
* [[Pareto Principle]]
* [[PRINCE3]]
* [[Foalma]]
* [[Technology evolution]]
* [[Security]]
* [[CSSF and related acronyms]]
* [[Data migration]]
* [[Annoying spammers]]
* [[No New Wars 11112018]]
* [[Mental Health]]

==== Employment ====
* [[Freelancing & contracting]]
* [[Professional networking]]

==== Interests ====
* [[Aurora]] how and when
* [[Climate change actions]] But what can I do?

* [[Suppliers]]

[[Category:wiki]]

Investment

2024-02-21T12:19:50Z

Simon: Created page

PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD REGARDING 2 + 2

The 2 and the 2 were the values at the time before the addition. They are the old values. Since then we have had inflation. By investing the 2s and transforming them we have - obviously - avoided the impact of inflation and so they are both worth 3 going forward. Therefore, we use 3 instead of 2 in determining the initial investment contributions. Don't worry; standard practice.

The purpose of the addition was to take advantage of the compatibility of the two 3s and gain further value by means of synergistic combination. This pluralised mutual benefit increases their value to at least 4 each. Although we expect it will be more than that, we’ll be conservative at this time to manage expectations.

As these two 4s are essentially identical, we can expect significant cost savings from removing redundancy and duplicated effort. As they are essentially the same, we can expect the resulting value to be twice as efficient, thereby doubling the resulting outcome, and at half the cost, which - clearly - also doubles the return on investment. The benefits to all of this merger will be phenomenal.

Ergo, one can reasonably and safely expect 2 + 2 = 32 at the very least, and likely far more.

I propose that post-merger we issue a dividend of 12, grant management bonuses totalling 8, buy a share recall of 4, invest 3 in the future and pay a redundancy settlement of 1. That leaves 4. Everyone happy? Good.

I’ll just take a modest 4 as the consultant, and I’ll take that right now and pop it in my overseas investment fund and, er, ok thanks bye!

Simon Reed, 21st Feb 2024

[[Category: Language]]
[[Category: Numbers]]

Hexadecimal watch words

2024-02-21T12:19:21Z

Simon: Added categories

A hexadecimal watch display the time in hex symbols, 0 to F. Words can be constructed from the hex characters. A very small subset of those words can appear on a hex watch. If youw hex watch is showing the time as 24 hours in hex, minutes in hex and seconds in hex, here are some words that can be displayed:

<tt>10:16:15</tt> appears as <tt>A:10:0F</tt> which can be read as ALOOF 
<tt>11:16:13</tt> appears as <tt>B:10:0D</tt> which can be read as BLOOD 
<tt>12:10:21</tt> appears as <tt>C:0A:15</tt> which can be read as COALS 
<tt>12:12:10</tt> appears as <tt>C:0C:0A</tt> which can be read as COCOA. I like this one as it does not require l337 speak conversion of numbers to letters. 
<tt>13:01:21</tt> appears as <tt>D:01:15</tt> which can be read as DOLLS 
<tt>15:00:21</tt> appears as <tt>F:00:15</tt> which can be read as FOOLS 
<tt>15:16:13</tt> appears as <tt>F:10:0D</tt> which can be read as FLOOD 

There are probably others, especially in the HH:MM display without the seconds.

[[Category: Language]]
[[Category: Numbers]]