Planning and project management

Planning and Project Management

Understanding the Project

  • Define the project parameters to be clear about what needs to be achieved and why it is important. Be aware that these parameters may change throughout the course of the project.
  • Define the project’s objectives. These should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART).
  • Analyse potential resources necessary for the project, including manpower, materials, tools, facilities and budget.

Project Planning

  • Develop a project plan to outline all steps in the project and how each step is to be completed. The plan should include objectives, resources, budget and time scales.
  • Make use of a Gantt chart or project timeline to visualise the schedule and track progress.
  • Determine and predict any possible risks or issues that might occur during the project. Make a contingency plan for dealing with these risks.
  • Identify and manage dependencies and constraints that may affect the flow of the project.

Implementing and Monitoring the Project

  • Execute the project as per plan while staying flexible for changes and adjustments.
  • Monitor the progress throughout the project, using regular status updates, meetings and reports.
  • Resolve issues quickly and use resources efficiently to maintain progress toward the project goals.
  • Revisit and revise the plan, if required.

Project Execution and Closure

  • Review the project on completion to check whether the objectives have been met.
  • Document and analyse any issues that came up during the project.
  • Conduct a post-project review to identify what went well and where improvements could be made in the future. Develop a lessons learned document.
  • After project completion, ensure all requirements have been met and evaluate if the desired outcome was achieved.

Communication in Project Management

  • The team should be kept informed about the project progress, changes and relevant details.
  • A negotiation and discussion should be a part of managing project scope, resources and risks.
  • Improved communication can help avoid misunderstandings, improve cooperation and foster a better working environment.