SAMPLING RATE: Control and Waste

The sampling rate, which is the number of samples per second (or per other unit) taken from a continuous signal to make a discrete or digital signal, plays a crucial role in the accuracy of the signal representation.

For instance, a sampling frequency of 1000 means that each second of a signal (e.g., ECG) contains 1000 values representing the signal. The inverse of that is SAMPLING PERIOD, which in the ECG example is one millisecond.

The higher the frequency, the more accurate the signal representation. However, it also implies a larger file size, which is a trade-off to consider.

Project status updates define the project's sampling period. Set it too long, and you risk losing control of the project; set it too small, and it will be the only thing you do.

Consider two scenarios: in the first, you hold daily half-hour update meetings, and in the second, you meet once a month for an hour.

In the first scenario, you will waste 10-12 hours on these meetings if you discuss nothing substantial. However, in the second, meeting after a month to discover that you've spent that month on useless tasks means wasting a month's resources. Additionally, you may need to pay an extra month to correct the mistakes.

Thus, finding the correct sampling period for project updates is essential. It ensures efficient resource use and effective management.

The right balance will depend on the communication needs of the project and its stage.

Initially, you might meet every day for 2-3 hours to communicate as much as possible. This level of engagement ensures that everyone is on the same page and actively involved. Later, when people can continue working autonomously, weekly or biweekly meetings might do. Monthly and less frequent periods will work when the group works autonomously and knows well what to do.

{KAIROS, GUESSWORK, LEAVE TRACKS, KICK-OFF MEETING, GROUND RULES, PROJECT DIARY, PROJECT: A PARAMEDIC APPROACH, PLANNING: Q&As}