by Robert Thatcher
http://www.aboutprojectmanagement.info
© 2006
Gillian is at the end of her wits! They only have less than three
months to finish the project and yet all things seem to be going
wrong. And to top it all, there's little financial resources left to finish all things that needed completion
before d-day!
To an expert's eye, Gillian's problem all boils
down to
improper project management. She may have started the project
without evaluating all her resources and whether or not these
resources will be enough to meet all the requirements of the
project. She has also failed to make a doable timetable for the
project, the reason why she is on a panic stage.
Project management is the process of applying
one's know-how or knowledge in overseeing and managing a project
of whatever magnitude. Do not think that project management is
required only by big projects. Small projects can also benefit
from an effective project management. Knowing how to use and apply
the knowledge you have acquired in all areas will be helpful in
the implementation and accomplishment of any project.
Scope of project management
Project management covers all the areas necessary
to see a
project into completion such a finances, administrative work,
communication and public relations. Project management includes
but is not limited to:
- The development of a project plan - The project manager must
talk to the project creator before accepting or starting a project.
They must agree on specific terms of the project so as to avoid
conflicts and unreasonable delay in the future. Make sure you
know what needs to be done and in what time frame. Ask for specific
results that the creator wants to arrive at so you would know
what to expect and you will have a gauge as to whether or not
the project was managed properly.
- Definition of the scope of the plan - Once the terms of reference
has been agreed upon, the project manager must make a project
plan which contains all the things necessary to start and complete
the project. List down all the resources and logistics you need
and the available human resources. Make a map of the project,
from start to finish. Make the map realistic so you can avoid
problems later on.
- Creation of a project schedule - A timeframe for your project
would help you map out the exact schedule required to start
and end the project. Create specific time schedules for each
step of the project so that would know if you are ahead of your
schedule or whether you need to hasten things up to meet the
desired schedule.
- Acquisition of human resources - Aside form good planning.
A good project management relies on the acquisition of efficient
and able human resources. The project leader may be doing all
things possible but if he is surrounded by an inept staff, then
he will have more problems than he can handle. A project's human
resources must be informed of the project schedule and deadline
so they will know what is expected of them. Try to motivate
your staff and praise each accomplishment no matter how small.
- Development of a communication plan and good public relations
- Project management includes the creation of a good communication
plan which will enable the efficient flow of information from
the leaders to the staff and to the stakeholders. The communication
plan must make sure that all information related and affecting
the project are relayed to the proper person or office as soon
as possible to avoid delays and misunderstanding.
A good public relations plan should also be put
into place, particularly if the project has a positive or negative
impact to the community. So many projects have been stopped in
the middle due to pressure from the public. It is better to inform
the public on the advantages and disadvantages of the project
at the start of the plan so as to avoid conflicts later on.
Proper project management is not really complicated
but it requires hard work and proper planning to make everything
smooth, from the start to the completion of the project.
