Practical core project management is always about practicality, simplicity and flawless execution. There is no other formula to success. Project Management Steps are clearly defined in all the PMP books. Objective is that you as a project manager need to take people along the journey. So many of them won’t have the experience and the mindset like yours. Hence, the need to follow certain core project management steps. Project stakeholders will always measure the steps that you take to orchestrate and deliver the projects. With diverse portfolios, it is mandatory to have certain core project management steps to execute every single time. If you are not a certified project manager, that is still fine.
Project Management Steps to Achieve Success from Project Initiation till Closure
The following are the core project management steps that need to be focused upon. How to prepare for the PMP certification exam? Read the following steps that guide you in the right direction.
Understand the Scope
Many of the projects fail during the initial stages is due to the lack of understanding of the scope. You need to clearly define the scope and make sure that it is well documented. Making sure a project is completed successfully is a job of a project manager. Project managers act as business consultants. Learn what services do business consultants provide. They need to work with stakeholders. And deliver results.
Ensure full compliance to creating a scope document and also follow the steps governing the scope phase. And within the scope arena, you need to conclude answers to the following questions and inputs :
- how many stakeholders are involved
- what is the duration of the project
- what are the outcomes from every critical stakeholder
- identify how the project is going to be measured and concluded
One major challenge has always been the engagement levels with the stakeholders and communicating the scope of work that needs to be delivered.
Team Selection
Many of times projects fail due to hiring or contracting the wrong people. This can be a major set back. There are certain people who will acts as project coordinators and project managers. Both need to know their roles and deliver the outcomes. Further down the list, the project managers need to know what type of people they will be further hiring and using for certain tasks. Project managers need to be transformational. Recommend all project managers go through transformational leadership training. This helps project managers in understanding people.
Project Risk Calculations
Majority of projects doe not have the right risk factored into the equation. In fact, many project managers are good with risks they know. The project managers need to count the unknown risk factors. The issue regarding risk is not only limited to the cost but also time and energies associated with the project.
Communication Constraints
Whenever you actually have a variety of different customers and internal customers as well, communication needs to be very clear and continuous. Many of times projects fail only because communication is not done properly. Many of times these projects actually a project sponsors and senior project managers that are looking at the overall project from a different angle and perspective.
Recommend going through all the soft skills training topics. It is critical to ensure that all these communication methodologies or approved prior to the project and timely deliverables of updates and data is sent according to the timelines.
Project Meetings
Another key step to always insure is to conduct project meetings on the scheduled dates and time. Every single stakeholder needs to be there and understand what kind of information he or she needs to bring to the table. The last thing that you want is that stakeholders to be looking at the items therein then. In fact methodology should be that everyone should know what to expect and what to be delivering in the upcoming project schedule. And this requires the mindset of the Project manager to orchestrate such a culture and environment.
Monitor and Control
Monitoring and controlling is the key to keeping a project successful. Monitoring is part of leadership management skills. This is the ultimate goal of any project manager. For that you need to know the key performance indicators and the measurable yardsticks. Here are some important aspects to know and monitor continuously:
- quality initiatives are as per the requirements or not
- milestones are being met as per the approved timelines
- continuous feedback from teams, customers and vendors
- change requests are monitored
Delivery
Delivery mechanism is also essential. Set the delivery mechanism. And then create value. Address all gaps during delivery.
Confirmation of successful project delivery is an art. Always evaluate customer retention statistics. Ensure customer is part of all the delivery phases.
Conclusion
Following these core principles and project management steps, your project will act as a seamless act of worship and delivery. Successful project steps and its implementation is not rocket science by any shape and form. In fact, it is all about mindset and execution. Knowing how to create a project and then having the mindset and vision to deliver is the essential key. Here are some core project manager focus points required :
- The execution lies in the details. Focus on delivering value through exponential detail delivery.
- Always sign off all the project items prior to work.
- Ensure team members know their activities and deliverables,
- communication is always key. Have your coordinates when and where to update the teams.
