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Project Management Software Articles
Project Management Software
Process Focus: Planning
There
are five project management process groups that one can divide a
project into to make the whole project run more smoothly. These groups
are: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and
closing. Planning, the second group, contains processes that have to do
with setting up the project and creating a road map that can help you
reach project goals and complete the project in a timely manner.
Management tools like project management software can help you make
your plan, and then help you track your progress as you compare it to
what has been planned.
The planning process
group is the group that included the largest number of activities.
These activities include everything from more narrowly defining a
project scope to assembling a staff to creating a budget. A good
project manager knows that a project management plan can help staff
members receive direction, and can better help team participants as
they evaluate progress made.
Define the scope of the project.
Using the project charter and remembering the broad objectives settled
upon in the initiating project management process group, define the
scope of the project. This should be a more narrow definition,
detailing what should be accomplished, and how it will be accomplished.
The project scope should include specific goals that need to be met
(project objectives) and what duties and tasks will help accomplish
these goals.
Make a project schedule.
This process includes making a task list, and understanding which order
everything needs to be done in. It also requires that you estimate how
long each assignment within the project will take to complete. Setting
deadlines as you create the schedule is very important. They are your
milestone markers. Project management software figures very heavily
into scheduling, as it will help you make the schedule, integrate it
with other schedules (such as the budget and cost schedules), and will
track your progress.
Create a budget.
Estimate the costs of the several assignments in the project. Costs
should include all resources, including human. If you will need outside
contractors or vendors to help you accomplish the project, this should
be estimated at this time as well. Project management software will
help you create the budget and then keep track of all of your expenses.
Good project management means that you will also have this schedule
integrated with the time schedule.
Assemble a staff.
While the project manager may already have some staff members chosen
for his or her group, this is the time to fill in the chinks and make
sure that you have the human resources needed to complete the project.
Special attention should be given to matching skill sets with tasks
that need to be accomplished, as well as making sure that team members
are professional, reliable, and take pride in their work.
Begin acquiring outside resources if necessary.
If outside resources are needed, begin taking bids, drafting
agreements, and arranging for what is needed. If you have a competent
member of your team who can accomplish these tasks, set her or him in
charge of this area. Be sure to note any money owed or separate time
schedules for the outside portions in your project management software
to ensure that everything is integrated.
After
completing the planning phases, the project manager should have an
entire plan of action ready for execution. But he or she should not be
afraid to revisit and reevaluate as the project progresses.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
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