Why project management?
The evidence of great past projects still amaze us today as tourists flock to the ancient wonders of the world such as the pyramids and ancient cities and the Great Wall of China. In modern times the landing of people on the moon still captures the imagination. In some industries project management is a way of life, typically the armaments and construction industries. Today the project management approach and process is for everybody. Not all projects are that big. Some are small and undertaken by a single person. I am convinced that in our time project management has become a life and survival skill.
Many people use the project management approach
Ownership of project management certainly does not only belong to the “professionals” in medium to large organizations. Today we have many small business owners and entrepreneurs who use the project management approach and process to achieve deliverables in a speedy cost effective and meaningful way. The modern organization is much flatter than the traditional hierarchy of the past. In many instances redundant middle and senior managers are replaced by temporary managers working on a project basis.
Project management is also applied for domestic, social and sport reasons. People sometimes want to make alterations to the home. Trial and error and reliance on the contractor may be costly and not good enough anymore. Schools and colleges have many projects to enhance learning and raising funds.
Project management is also used to solve social problems. In case of an emergency caused by a hurricanes or a tsunami effectiveness and speed is very important. The whole world through modern media evaluate disaster management from a critical viewpoint.
What is a project?
A project is a series of inter-related activities that are undertaken to accomplish a specific goal or end result. We can also add that it is usually complex, non routine and a one-time effort according to certain specifications to meet customer needs.
Project management is a proven method to produce deliverables according to a specified standard at a pre determined cost within a defined time frame meeting specified quality standards.
Risk and uncertainty management
According to my associate Peter Michel project management is, to a large extent, aimed at the reduction of risk and uncertainty and as such we utilize of a number of techniques which were developed for this purpose. Fundamental to all of these is the principle of breaking work down into manageable units along a principle of divide and conquer. The single most important technique towards this aim is the life-cycle approach through which a task is executed by adhering to its natural chronological life-cycle.
Goal-Orientation
We use the project management approach to achieve an improved situation through structured change. This objective to reach a superior position forms the major driving force in the execution of a project and is embedded in the discipline throughout the project: If you can dream it project management is the way to achieve it.
There is ample evidence to convince us that project management is an approach, process and technique to produce deliverables of a certain type. It is also a way to make your dreams come true. A goal orientation means we start at the end where we would like to be and work back to develop the best plan for achieving the desired end result.
Emphasis of the importance of the result
Since project management is primarily aimed at the achievement of specific objectives within predetermined time frames its ultimate focus is on an intended outcome or result. This is achieved through the structured application of, amongst others, the following project management techniques:
• Clearly specified and measurable objectives
• Proper work breakdown and structure
• Clearly defined deliverables and milestones
• Defined schedule from beginning to end
• Financial discipline
Specific methodologies have been developed to support the use of these techniques. The application of these techniques, tools and methods distinguishes the professional from the amateur project manager and participant. It is the purpose of this blog to share the tools and techniques of project management with you.
Project management success criteria
The success of a project is determined largely by the following criteria, often referred to as project drivers:
• Cost (within budget)
• Schedule (within time)
• Technical Performance (delivering of physical requirement)
• Client Satisfaction (needs fulfilment and interaction)
• Corporate Responsibility (not disturbing balance of organisation)
The importance of the project success criteria may vary from project to project.
If you want to succeed and achieve your goals there is no other way than the project management process to produce deliverables and complete projects. Project management is a learnable skill. As a manager or entrepreneur how good is your project management skills?