Project management transcends all industries. A project can be big or small.
To deliver a project successfully, it’s important to start by clearly identifying what the project is, and what its outcomes will be.
Generally, there are four main characteristics of a project, regardless of its size and complexity.
- A definite start and end date.
- a project manager has to complete the project within the specified amount of time
- Goal or outcome
- something is completed or achieved by the end of the project life cycle.
- Benefit of value
- what will the recipient gain from the completed project?
- Allocation of resources
- all projects will, in one way or another, allocate and use resources to achieve their goals or outcomes.
The project management life cycle is a distinct linear process which has four phases:
- Initiation – the starting point, sets up the fondation of the project. Project objectives, success criteria, high-level plan.Identify risks, stakeholders and team.
- Planning – the primary function – process of developing plans to ensure the achievement of the project objectives. Scope, scheduling and costing.
- Execution – completing specific deliverables. Being an effective leader for the team and engage the stakeholders in the execution of the project.
- Closure – the final phase. the outcomes are achieved and the benefits of the completed project are experienced by the stakeholders. Obtain feedback from them and from the team.
So: plan, scope, schedule, cost and manage your project from beginning to end. Effectively communicate, manage people and employ leadership skills to successfully deliver.