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Smooth Projects... Effective Project Management!
Project Management Software Articles
Project Management Software
Getting the Idea Across: Project Communication Management
Managing
time and costs of a project are two very important duties of any
project manager. Often, the team leader has project management software
to help him or her effectively control these elements of the project.
Additionally, it is easy to track time and cost. But another important
aspect of project management is communications. Without effective
communication, the project falls to pieces. Communication is essential
between team members, with contractors and vendors, and with the
project manager’s supervisors. These three important groups of players
affect the overall effectiveness of the project. It is the job of the
project manager to make sure that everyone who needs information
receives it in a timely manner.
Communication between group members.
Successful project management depends upon an open communication
environment amongst the project’s team members. This does not mean an
open environment where people can publicly voice problems with other
members. What an open environment in this sense means is that members
should feel comfortable asking questions as needed, and that the
project manager openly and clearly lets each member know what is
expected of her or him.
Additionally, it
implies team members who need to privately mediate any problems they
might have with each other can approach the project manager for help.
The team leader should set an example to the team members of abstaining
from gossip and back biting and behaving in a professional manner. He
or she should also set the example of giving clear directions and
praising a job well done. When team members know what they must do, and
receive praise for accomplishing it in a timely manner, they are more
satisfied and able to better complete assigned tasks.
Communication with contractors and vendors.
If your project requires that you find contractors or vendors outside
your company, open and clear communication is vital to the proper
accomplishment of your project objectives. Contractors and vendors need
to know what you expect, as well as when you expect it. The project
manager should try to be as explicit as possible when explaining her or
his needs. Additionally, the project manager should encourage
contractors and vendors to ask questions as they arise, and be
available for consultation if necessary. A written contract is very
important when dealing with project contributors outside the company.
It should be thoroughly discussed so that all parties involved
understand the terms.
Communication with supervisors.
The project manager is responsible for keeping his or her superiors
apprised of what is happening. Not every project requires constant
updating to a boss, but a project manager should be prepared with
weekly or biweekly briefings so that her or his supervisors can see the
progress, and know that you have everything well in hand. While project
management software may not necessarily help you communicate, the
information you can receive from it can help you present your progress.
There is no need for a lengthy discourse; a simple statement of which
phase you are at and whether not you are on schedule and within budget
will suffice.
By keeping everyone who needs information in the loop, the project
manager can more effectively order operations, and keep her or his
superiors satisfied.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
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