In order to “do” project management, you don’t need to be a certified project manager. When it comes to managing projects, it doesn’t matter if you’re an independent contractor, an employee of a company, or a manager who’s just taken on the task.
Exactly what really is project management?
The method through which activities are planned, managed, controlled, and reported upon is known as project management. A project’s start and finish dates are predetermined. The final product of a project is also distinct.
There are several responsibilities that go into managing projects, and one of them is making sure that all stakeholders are satisfied with what the project team produces.
How do you manage a large project from inception to completion?
A summary of a project’s life cycle may be found in the project life cycle. Every one of these stages has far more weight in the real world than what’s described here.
The initiation phase
The commencement stage is mostly about getting a clear picture of the project, as previously said. Meetings, conversations, and documentation are all part of this process. But there isn’t much forethought in this period. This phase includes clients, clients-side partners, external stakeholders, and project teams.
The following are some of the most important stages in this phase
Identify the project’s objectives and deliverables in step one. The project management cycle begins with a launch meeting. At this meeting, the whole project’s top brass will be in attendance. Project objectives and deliverables are to be defined from the standpoint of customers. The best software for project management will be very helpful in accomplishing the goals from this point onwards. Documentation of important objectives and deliverables is also completed at this point.
Define the scope of the project
Breaking down your project’s objectives and deliverables into smaller, more manageable tasks is now possible. The scope of the project is defined in accordance with the restrictions specified in step #2. The scope of the project determines what is and isn’t included.
Before moving further, make sure the agreed-upon scope is documented and frozen by both you and the customer. Scope creep occurs if you don’t do this. Over-delivery, bad management, and project failure are all outcomes of scope creep.
When a project is in its execution phase, you should try to keep its scope from expanding much more.
Submission of the project proposal
Clients get a project proposal that includes all of the data gathered during the start phase. Additional details on budget and timeframe are included in the project proposal depending on the project scope.
The proposal offers a high-level timeline, apart from a planning process, that provides a comprehensive schedule. The project owner and managers offer this proposal to customers at the conclusion of the beginning phase. The following is an example of a proposal form.
Getting prepared
The planning phase of a project begins when the customer accepts the project proposal. To be clear, project planning is a continuous process that occurs throughout the life of the project. As the project progresses, many variables may change. If the client’s objectives, resources, or projections go awry, it’s impossible to predict what will happen.
Consequently, the process of planning is a continuous one that occurs throughout a project’s life cycle. It’s possible that your plans may need to be revisited and revised as events unfold. When it comes to this phase, a project leader is the most important person. This phase includes the following steps:
This is the last step in creating a project plan
The upper level work processes indicated in the proposed project are plotted on a schedule to develop a project roadmap. Gantt charts are used to show the project’s progress.
A project manager must take into account the risks, restrictions, and priorities detailed in the proposal while setting the project timeframe. In addition, resource allocation is an important consideration for project managers.
