Project management 101. This article is an introduction to the basic concepts of project management and how you can apply them in a variety of fields.
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Project Management 101: The Definition
Normally, project management is the process by which a group of people plans, executes, and completes a project.
It is a logical, structured, and systematic application of knowledge, skills, and tools to achieve specific objectives.
Project management enables organizations to effectively plan, manage, execute and control projects that add value to the business.
The better the process of project management performed by an organization, the more efficient it will be in delivering projects that meet or exceed business goals.
The project management process consists of five steps: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing.
Every project has these five stages regardless of its size or complexity. In most cases, the project life cycle will repeat these five stages numerous times before completion.
Why Project Management Fails
Project management is not an easy task to take on, and it is quite easy to fail at without even knowing it. To ensure you don’t fail, here are some of the more common reasons why projects fail.
Lack of good communication
Most projects fail because of poor communication between the team members, which leads to them misunderstanding each other. You can avoid this easily by practicing better communication.
Poor planning and estimation
Projects that are poorly planned will always have problems before they begin. This can happen when the team fails to allocate sufficient time for planning and estimating tasks.
Inconsistent goals and vision
If you don’t have a clear idea of where you want your project to go and what you expect from it, there’s a very high chance that it won’t live up to your expectations.
So, make sure everyone on the team agrees on your goals and vision before beginning work.
Lack of proper resources and time management
If you’re going to be managing a project, make sure you have the required resources for it. If you don’t, then start looking for them ASAP.
This can also be very hard if you don’t have your tasks properly planned out. Don’t rush into starting a project until all the resources are accounted for and scheduled.
How to Plan Your Way to Project Management Success
When you’re managing a project, you’re accountable for the work of a team of people. Because of that, your job is about much more than making sure a project is completed.
It’s also about making sure that it’s completed on time and within budget, with the highest possible quality.
To make sure you don’t fail at this, here are some tips to help you plan your way to project management success.
Planning a successful project requires careful consideration as to what you expect from it. Start by defining exactly what your project is and what it isn’t.
After defining your project, make a list of the resources you need to complete it. Once your list of resources is ready, add up how much time and money each resource will take to complete.
Then, organize your team into groups or departments with specific roles and responsibilities
Once you know who needs to be on the team and what each person’s role is going to be, organize them into groups or departments. This will help you keep track of those people’s progress throughout the process.
To know more about how you can be a successful project manager, check our blog today!