February 3, 2010 ( PowerHomeBiz.com )
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One of the most prominent characteristic of a project as a concept, is its
sharp delimitation in time. It has clear start and end dates and is designed
to achieve a unique scope, unlike the ongoing operations specific for
business management.
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Sometimes, the end date of a project is the most important characteristic
of the project. It is the starting point when designing the project
deployment, any other characteristic being subordinated to this. In fact
using a project management software allows a project manager to add a higher
level of transparency regarding the interaction between various factors that
interact when developing a project. Keeping some of this variables constant
(like the end date of a project), allows to the project managers to
determine and control the others (like cost or scope of the project).
Because of it's very limited nature, a project duration can be clearly
divided into five main phases. In the following observations we will presume
that the client has clear expectations regarding the project and knows
decently well what results he needs. The five main phases of a project are
the following:
- defining
- planning
- execution
- controlling
- closure
In the defining stage an important aspect is to speak with the people who
are affected or exert influence over the project evolution. These people are
referred to as the stakeholders. Getting their feedback will help you
outline the project activities. This is commonly known as the scope (the
work that should be done). It is equally important to write down both what
will and will not be achieved. You want to make sure you know what the
stakeholders are expecting. In this phase the aims and objectives are set,
including the development of project deliverables and the desired outcomes
of a specific set of activities.
The planning stage presumes breaking the deliverables into
subdeliverables down to a level where activities can be outlined.
Subsequently can be defined the relations between tasks and their timeline
for completion. An important aspect of this stage is defining the
requirements for completion of the project, stipulating the needed resources
as well as any other requirements deemed necessary. The risks and project
constraints are identified and contingency plans originated to address any
of these potential issues.
The execution phase takes the major part of the project. Here is most
likely that surprises and conflicts to occur and sometimes corrective
actions should be taken in order to bring the expected performance in
accordance with the project plan. Project manager is responsible for
coordinating individuals and make them acting like members of the same team.
As the work begins, the next stage of controlling the project defines the
success or failure of a project manager, as the constant surveillance and
adaption of project plan are required to reflect the progression of involved
activities. A project manager should take advantage of the methodologies and
software available on the market.
In the project closure stage, the team will be pulled together to analyse
project performance and outline the learned lessons.
Stand By Soft is the provider of RationalPlan, a powerful project
management software capable of handling multiple interrelated projects and
covering project management areas starting with WBS construction, project
planning and scheduling to progress tracking etc.www.rationalplan.com/
This is an industry that has substantial contribution to a country's
economy. The advent of the Internet has only made the industry more raring
to push forward, especially through this medium called B2B technology.