The Basics

To be successful in today's competitive world, project managers must deliver to schedule and budget. By the application of processes, tools and techniques given in this site you should be able to ensure positive results every time.

Project Management provides structure, focus and flexibility to the objective. With the proper approach it will help you recognise and adapt to change, lead teams and achieve objectives. Establishing a project may be initially time-consuming but in the long term will save time and reduce effort and the risk of failure.

Remember that a project is a series of activities designed to achieve a specific outcome within set budgetary and timescale constraints.

At the outset of a project there is an objective. The objective may be simple or complex.

A Simple Project

As an example, for a simple project the objective could be to save money on future household shopping bills. Dependent on effort against value, its a task that could easily be managed and delivered by one person. Such a project would not necessarily require further projects to be established to achieve the required results.

A Complex Project

On the other hand, a complex project would mean the involvement of many projects and resources. For example, consider what was needed to put man on the Moon for the first time in 1969. Not just one but thousands of projects culminating in one objective. Such a project needs meticulous definition, communication, planning, SQEP (Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel) resourcing and many many more attributes. And last but not least, unlike the simple project above, it had never been done before.

This site concentrates on giving you the tools to become a (better) project manager. However, it cannot give you the experience.

Key Features of Project:

Process or Project?

A project usually has clear start and end points.

A process is on-going, repetitive with no clearly defined end point. It is normally associated with routine work.

(A project could be implemented to improve the process though)

Structured and Organised Plan

A methodical, planned approach is required to meet the projects objectives

Good Planning contributes to ensure a project is delivers the expected results to schedule (time) and within budget. An effective plan details the work that needs to be done and provides the template to guide the project in the right direction.

Resources

People, Time and Money are all important to the project and should be allocated on their own merits. Working to agreed resources is vital to a successful outcome.

Teamwork

Anything but the most simple of projects requires teamwork to get the job done. Projects usually offer new experiences, challenges and personal opportunities for the people involved. Project teams usually take ownership and take satisfaction from delivering their own objectives, while contributing to the overall project success.

Objective

Usually an improvement to process, quality and/or performance. A project can sometimes create something that did not previously exist. Objectives must be clearly defined to all members of the project team