Project Management

July 4, 2008

Project management is the procedure of systematizing and managing resources in such a way that these resources deliver and execute the task required to accomplish a project within a defined range, time, and cost constraint. Furthermore, it is the management approach of setting and attaining goals while optimizing the use of multiple resources such as time, funds, manpower, equipment, energy, space etc. over the course of a project.

Project Management Calls For Proper Planning Project management is a very important part of companies and involves the organizing and managing the company's resources Project Management - Scheduling Simple Projects Projects which involve only a few people with a few tasks over a short period of time are "simple projects" and are usually... The Waterfall Model: IT Project Management Solutions The waterfall model is an information technology system development type model..

Project management is an art and a science, an artistic science with a goal driven methodology.

Literally almost all the individual and business activity involves carrying out a non-repetitive task to achieve their definite goals.

So we all practice project management? Not necessarily!

A project is always provisional and a one-time attempt undertaken to achieve some specified result or outcome with definite start and end points. Each project must have a procedural and scientific approach. This art of management secures optimum results with nominal efforts resulting in maximum prosperity and contentment both for employees and employers.

The characteristics of projects being interim or a one-time undertaking can differentiate it from operations that are permanently enduring functional work to create the same outcome. However, there is a big difference between carrying out very simple tasks involving few individual business goals versus projects that involve complex blends of people, resources, budgets, workforces, and time constraints.

Therefore, this result oriented management process with technical skills and philosophy, scientific procedure and organizational methodology, results the requirement and development of project management today.

Any venture that is a collection of linked activities with a clearly defined start and finish point carried out in an organized manner, to achieve some specified goals is a project; and to make it successful it entails a management system.

To make a particular project successful it requires an effective solution that delivers to the standards required and within the established time and cost constrains. Project management is a series of activities embodied in a process of getting things done by working with members of a project team in order to reach the project schedule, cost and technical performance objectives; in addition combining the systems, techniques and workforce to control and monitor activities undertaken within the project.

Project management coordinates the resources necessary to complete the project successfully. The main objective of project management is a successful project execution. A project will be deemed successful if it is completed at the specified level of quality, on time and within budget.

Prime characteristics of project management are as follows:

1. Objectives oriented.

2. Change oriented.

3. Functional coordination.

4. Planning and control.

5. Constrains of time, cost, and quality.

6. Unique art.

7. Knowledge of multiple sources.

8. Better utilization of sources and tools.

Technical competencies for successful project management:

1. Risk Management

2. Integration Management

3. Scope Management

4. Procurement Management

5. Time Management

6. Communications Management

7. Budget Management

8. Quality Management

9. Human Resource Management

Project management ensures responsibilities clearly defined and resources focused on specified objectives. The project management process also provided a structure for communication within and across organizational boundaries. All the projects share similar features and follow similar processes. This has led to the development of project management tools and techniques that can be applied to all projects, no matter how diverse; however this managing process may face a variety of challenges as well.

Successful project management always is result oriented and should envelope its goals as follows;

1. Project must be completed.

2. Project must be competed within the budget.

3. Project must be completed within allocated time.

4. Project must perform to satisfaction.

Six Sigma Project Management Employing Six Sigma for the business environment is for achieving well-defined goals. The project selected for deploying Six Sigma is not self-sustaining and can develop... Project Management Software Guide Gone are the days when project management used to be a task confined to doing up and down in front of the project manager, noting down the assigned work of the day on papers... Project Management Basics If you have ever had responsibility for managing a project, regardless of how little or how big, you will understand the many nuances and special considerations that have to be taken...

Possibly because project management is so much associated with information technology (IT) these days, many relate "project management" only with technical skills; however in spite of the technological advancement, it is yet a universal fact that the human creative workforce lie at the heart of any organization and its systems, to overlook this artistic side of project management can lead to project mismanagement, resulting in project failure.

The fusion of art and science by developing a proficiency in the art and expertise in the science, a project management plan can boost the success velocity for their projects, and will be better able to accomplish projects on time and on budget, without sacrificing quality.

Want the latest news & helpful tips? Get Your Free Subscription
to Project Management Newsletter HERE

More Project Management Articles & Resources

Basic Considerations in Buying Project Management Software The cost range of project management software is huge. From under $50 to over $20,000. Extensive reviews.... Project Management - You Give Me The Feature Creeps The caliber of the project management you have unified into your operation or department can mean... Introduction to Project Management for Entrepreneurs One of the greatest benefits of projects in an organizational context is their ability and effectiveness in the achievement...

About the author: Bharat Bista: Surrex Project Management - Project Management Solutions - Project Management Tools