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Project Managment Software Articles
Project Management Software
Process Focus: Monitoring and Controlling
Throughout
the executing process, there is also another project management process
group of stages that is happening. Monitoring and controlling often
happens concurrently with executing, but this particular group offers
its own separate list of tasks. Often what is associated with
monitoring and controlling is checking to make sure that the work
output from the executing processes match what the end objectives of
the project are. It also involves making adjustments as needed.
The
monitoring and controlling phase can be made easier by the use project
management software. Monitoring progress against the values entered
into the computer program during the initiating, planning, and
executing stages, one can get a clearer picture of what is happening
with the project. But it is not enough to merely monitor the project;
the project manager must also control the project, nudging it back on
track when it strays a little and ensuring that the end result is of
high quality. Part of controlling is also addressing problems and
making sure that issues are resolved as they arise.
While
monitoring and controlling, it is also necessary for a project manager
to revisit the project plan and also the scope. As projects progress,
especially if they are projects that are slated to last for more than a
year, often the scope and direction will need adjustment. A plan should
not be written in stone, and if the project manager or his or her
superiors see a need for some tweaking of the objectives, goals, or
scope, the project plan should allow for that.
Inspection
of the product or results of tasks as they are fulfilled is also part
of this project management process group. The project manager should
make sure that the results of the execution match up with the
objectives. Quality should be looked at, ensuring that the sponsor of
the project is satisfied. This is monitoring. The controlling comes in
when improvements need to be made. If quality needs to be improved,
this takes place at this time. The sponsor of the project informally
approves the end products of the work, and expresses whether or not he
or she is generally satisfied with the results.
Finally,
part of the monitoring and controlling project management process group
is making sure that there is a lessons learned document drafted and
that evaluations are completed. The lessons learned is a list of
important things that should be remembered for next time. It can also
serve as a helpful guide if someone else is performing the follow up or
is taking over the next part of the project. Evaluations should be made
for each team member as well as for the results. It is important for
the project manager to monitor each member’s performance and form an
opinion as to how she or he did. It is also necessary for evaluations
to show whether or not the product of the project fulfills expectations
and objectives.
Effective project management
means that one must be careful to know what is happening on the
project, and whether the result is desirable. It is about quality
control and keeping everything running as on time as possible.
Article by Remedysoft, Inc.
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