Welcome to the Basics of Project Management!
This post provides an approach to what many consider a complex process: the management of projects. This course is designed to simplify the management processes required to manage a project from start to end.
What is a Project?
A project is defined as “a unique Endeavor to produce a set of deliverables within clearly specified time, cost and quality constraints”.
Projects are different from standard business operational activities as they:
- Are unique in nature. They do not involve repetitive processes. Every project undertaken is different from the last, whereas operational activities often involve undertaking repetitive (identical) processes.
- Have a defined timescale. Projects have a clearly specified start and end date within which the deliverables must be produced to meet a specified customer requirement.
- Have an approved budget. Projects are allocated a level of financial expenditure within which the deliverables must be produced to meet a specified customer requirement.
- Have limited resources. At the start of a project, an agreed amount of labor, equipment, and materials, is allocated to the project.
- Involve an element of risk. Projects entail a level of uncertainty and therefore carry business risk.
- Achieve beneficial change. The purpose of a project, typically, is to improve an organization through the implementation of business change.
And what is Project Management?
Project Management is all the skills, tools and management processes required to undertake a project successfully.
Project Management comprises:
- A set of skills. Specialist knowledge, skills, and experience are required to reduce the level of risk within a project and thereby enhance its likelihood of success.
- A suite of tools. Various types of tools are used by project managers to improve their chances of success. Examples include document templates, registers, planning software, modelling software, audit checklists, and review forms.
- A series of processes. Various management techniques and processes are required to monitor and control time, cost, quality and scope on projects. Examples include time management, cost management, quality management, change management, risk management and issue management.
Project Management contains all the skills, tools and management processes required to undertake a project successfully.