The work performed in an organization often involves projects. Projects are often used to implement an organization's business strategy. And they are undertaken at all levels of the organization.
A project is a group of activities performed in a logical sequence to meet one or more basic objectives:
• to create change
• to implement strategic plans
• to fulfill contractual agreements
• to solve specified problems
The word project can be used to refer to many different things. It can be the period of transition during which a change takes place. Or it can be the designing and construction of a building or facility.
A project can be the launch of a new product or service. Running a campaign for political office and implementing a new business procedure are examples of projects.
A project is temporary - it has a date of commencement and a date of completion. The end is reached when the project's objectives have been achieved. Or when it becomes clear that the project's objectives cannot be met, and the project is terminated. Projects are unique and nonrepetitive. The product or service resulting from each project is somehow different from all similar products or services.
There are many variations on the themes of project phases, depending on the project's scope of work. For instance, a typical civil engineering project could consist of the following phases:
• planning
• manufacture
• site construction
• handover
A software application project could consist of the following phases:
• Planning
• Analysis
• Design
• Develoment
• Testing
• Implementation
• Support
Resources will be needed for any project and may come from many areas within / outside the organization, and may include:
• labor and management personnel
• equipment
• materials
• facilities
• finances
Projects are performed by people. A project usually has a single point of responsibility - the project manager.
The team roles and relationships among the people involved in the project need to be developed, defined, and established. These relationships are not static, but are susceptible to change.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
The Project Manager
The project manager is the single point of responsibility in a project. The project manager's role in a project depends on the structure of the organization, and on the role played by projects in the organization.
According to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge —2000 Edition, [Project Management Institute (PMI®) December 2000],
Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to
a broad range of activities in order to meet the requirements of the particular project.
Responsibilities of a Project Manager may include:
1. Determine the project approach, staffing, responsibilities, and schedule.
2. Develop and/or review estimates for the project’s schedule, effort, and cost using established estimating models, best practices, and past experience. The estimates account for all activities in the project scope.
3. Define team member roles and expectations, and ensure timely feedback. Ensure that project resources receive any necessary training and are used effectively.
4. Review, and be responsible for, the overall development and integration of requirements.
5. Measure and monitor progress at clearly defined points in the process. Ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and that it meets expectations.
6. Balance scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risks. Make adjustments as necessary.
7. Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Management Plan, including the configuration management, risk management, issue management, and communication plans.
8. Ensure that all requirements, project plans, and changes to commitment are communicated to all affected team members.
9. Manage relationships and coordinate work between different teams at different locations.
10. Manage relationships with all vendors and sub-contractors. Monitor their progress and adherence to the contract.
11. Ensure that the project team follows all quality assurance processes, including periodic reviews and transitions.
12. Participate in quality management reviews.
13. Review and manage all changes through a formally defined scope change process.
14. Represent the project team at client meetings. Obtain buy-in from senior management for all key project plans, commitments, and changes including requirements, quality assurance plans, budget, schedule, and scope changes.
15. Ensure that the end product fulfills the contract and meets the sponsor's expectations.
According to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge —2000 Edition, [Project Management Institute (PMI®) December 2000],
Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to
a broad range of activities in order to meet the requirements of the particular project.
Responsibilities of a Project Manager may include:
1. Determine the project approach, staffing, responsibilities, and schedule.
2. Develop and/or review estimates for the project’s schedule, effort, and cost using established estimating models, best practices, and past experience. The estimates account for all activities in the project scope.
3. Define team member roles and expectations, and ensure timely feedback. Ensure that project resources receive any necessary training and are used effectively.
4. Review, and be responsible for, the overall development and integration of requirements.
5. Measure and monitor progress at clearly defined points in the process. Ensure that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and that it meets expectations.
6. Balance scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risks. Make adjustments as necessary.
7. Develop, implement, and maintain the Project Management Plan, including the configuration management, risk management, issue management, and communication plans.
8. Ensure that all requirements, project plans, and changes to commitment are communicated to all affected team members.
9. Manage relationships and coordinate work between different teams at different locations.
10. Manage relationships with all vendors and sub-contractors. Monitor their progress and adherence to the contract.
11. Ensure that the project team follows all quality assurance processes, including periodic reviews and transitions.
12. Participate in quality management reviews.
13. Review and manage all changes through a formally defined scope change process.
14. Represent the project team at client meetings. Obtain buy-in from senior management for all key project plans, commitments, and changes including requirements, quality assurance plans, budget, schedule, and scope changes.
15. Ensure that the end product fulfills the contract and meets the sponsor's expectations.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Welcome
This site will hopefully provide insights into Project Management, experiences, stories and information to assist the Project Manager.
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