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Project Management Software
Defining Project Stakeholders
Every
project has stakeholders. Stakeholders are people who have an interest
in the successful completion of the project. There are many different
types of stakeholders, and the stakeholders vary by project. But the
important thing to remember is that the stakeholders should have some
part in defining the project objectives, since they are the people who
will be affected by the outcome. When defining project stakeholders,
the project manager and members of her or his team should carefully
think through who will be the end users of the product, whether it be
services or goods, and whether the product will have a positive effect,
and how it is likely to be received.
Stakeholders
come in many different guises, and, depending on your project, any or
all of the following may be included among your stakeholders. Using
project management software can help you organize stakeholder
information and project objectives, and help you track your progress
against desired stakeholder outcomes.
Customers/clients.
These are people who will be using the goods or services that result
from the project. Whether the project involves and actual product, or
whether it is a project like integrating the systems of two banks that
just completed a merger, the customers will be affected by how the
project ends. It is important, if doing work that will end in the hands
of a client or an end consumer, to think about whether the result will
be user friendly, and the customer or client will approve the end
result.
Sponsors. Sponsors are people
who request the project. They fund the project management and all other
aspects of the project. They are interested in the project because it
will have some benefit for them. Sponsors of research projects often
hope that the findings will benefit them in some way or that they will
gain valuable information.
The company.
A successful project completed may boost the image of the company,
allowing it to benefit. Additionally, like sponsors, the company that
takes on the project does not wan to waste money and time. Fulfilling
the project objectives is very important, as it prevents waste, and it
helps the company look good.
Team members and the project manager.
Those who actually work on the project can be considered stakeholders.
After all, if the project falls to pieces, it is the project manager
who is in trouble. If a team member does not do a good job, it is
reflected in his or her performance review and can result in unpleasant
consequences. However, if the team does a good job, they look good, and
may be asked to take on more important responsibilities or be rewarded
in some other way.
When embarking on a new
project, it is important to know who the stakeholders are and to get
some input from them. This will help guide the project in a way that is
beneficial to more people. It is not until most of the stakeholders
voice their approval that one can really consider the project a success.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
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