Introduction to Project Management for entrepreneurs

One of the greatest benefits of projects in an organisational context is their ability and effectiveness in the achievement of goals. The success or failure of projects is largely related to the way that managers develop tactics or plans for the projects and how these plans can be effectively monitored and controlled through the various stages of the project lifecycle. It is a basic premise that the successful implementation of a project requires the development of a set of action plans together with subsequent tactics by the project manager. The planning stage of the project will define issues such as the project goal, targets and other milestones, as well as the establishment of a relationship with the clients or stakeholders of the project. The tactical aspects of the projects will include activities such as verifying the projects technical abilities, resources needed such as personnel and equipment and putting systems in place for the monitoring and control of the project. Although these planning and tactical activities are carried out through the duration of the project careful attention should also be given to the human issues and its influence on the project. More and more organisations are using a project management approach for the effective execution of critical operations. Projects are often carried out in four phases, namely the defining, planning, executing and delivering of the project. How do I get started on learning how to manage projects? It is important to take part in the exercises that are given here. Many of us read trough modules like these as an overview without going through the practicality of it. Its all in the doing. Watching someone having a great experience on the television, or reading about it in a book is not the same as being there ourselves. Although some project managers use a five step model for the managing of projects, our project model have four steps. Step 1 Get clear about your project (conceptual planning phase) The conceptual planning process aims to define the project as accurately as possible. The phase starts of by identifying the needs of those whom initiated the project, which are usually a client, management or stakeholders. This process determines not only the customer's criteria for acceptance of the final outcome, i.e., one of the project's success measures, but also identifies the starting point for the planning and performance of future activities. The company's main business objectives and strategies need to be identified and understood so that the project goals can be in line with them. Depending on the size of the business, the organisation may appoint a high-level executive who serves as a champion for the project. The project manager can use this person as a resource, coach, advocate, or sounding board during the project. During this initial phase, the planning team, once appointed identifies risks associated with the whole project and how to respond to them. Conceptualising often involves an initial feasibility decision requiring management to answer questions such as, what is the problem, and what are the alternative solutions or projects? Selection techniques or decision-making procedures should ideally be put in place for the making of difficult decisions. Typical questions to be asked may include, what are the specific goals of the project? How do these goals match with the organisational mission? How do they meet the users' requirements? What is the general level of resource required? Are these resources available or must they be acquired? What are the technical requirements of the project? All these questions need to be addressed when evaluating and selecting a project