by CRP

Created on: March 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 22, 2007

The ideas in this article have been developed from experience as a professional engineering service provider. While the methods and delivery of projects may differ from sector to sector, the basics of project management remain the same. Those basics being project planning, communication, measuring performance, adjusting, and finally reflecting back on the project after completion.

The first step for any project should be a project plan. A project plan is a written document which covers the key components of the project in a broad brush stroke fashion. A key component of the plan is a listing of the goals to achieve with the project. In addition, a budget and schedule of the project should be broken out by major milestones over the course of the project. Also, a listing of key resources necessary along with their project roles should be included in the plan. Finally, any potential pitfalls to the success of the project should be listed and action items to take to avoid those pitfalls should be included in the plan.

Next, the project manager should share the plan with members of the team. A wise manager will ask for their input, as often they may bring additional insight to the project. Consequently, allowing the team members to provide input on the plan will also generate buy in on their part. But probably most importantly, by communicating the plan, everyone is working off the same game plan towards success.

Once the project gets underway, it's important to track the performance. By utilizing the budget and schedule milestones laid out in the project plan, a manager will be able to track the performance of the project. Again, it's important to share these findings with the team members. Perhaps they might provide some additional input on the progress of the project.

More often than not, a project doesn't go as planned. It is impossible to plan for all the finer details of a project. This is when a truly successful project manager will make adjustments to the project to meet the overall goals. Perhaps those adjustments mean a little extra overtime to meet the schedule. Other times it may mean going back to the owner to re-negotiate the schedule or budget. In any case, the project plan will provide the information needed to assist in making these decisions.

Once the project is complete, the work isn't finished. Sit the project team down one last time to do a recap of the project. Celebrate the success of the project, but more importantly, use this time as a learning opportunity. Share what worked, and what didn't work. Consider this as lessons learned, good and bad.

In conclusion, there are many factors which contribute to a project manager's success. However, the basics include planning, communicating, measuring performance, adjusting, and reflecting back on a completed project. A project plan provides the game plan on how to accomplish the goals of the project. Managing the project to the plan will provide the basics for success. Finally, not all is lost if the goals aren't accomplished. The project plan will provide a written documentation of lessons learned to improve the manager's performance on future projects.

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