The Pyramid of Giza, Taj Mahal, The Great Wall of China, Taj are examples of successful projects in history and proof that Project management had been practised ever since humans inhabited the earth. Unfortunately, there is very little documentation done on the skills and techniques to run such complex projects. In the 1950s, project management was modernized and project management tools, such as Gannt Charts and proper records for project activities, were systematically applied to projects carried out. Today, most people are involved in projects, direct or indirectly, during daily work and life. Many project managers have a wrong perception that any project completed on time and within budget is successful. This is NOT TRUE! A project was completed on time and within budget, but it is still a failed project if it did not meet the scope and stakeholder’s expectations.
Once a project has been initiated, proper planning with clearly defined objectives and scope is critical. A project without an objective is like driving without a destination, and you will be lost. There are five stages of Projects introduced by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK).
Great planning is essential for a successful project, but without strategic and careful execution, it will remain a great plan forever. Project execution is the action or activities to be executed for achieving the project scope. It includes acquiring project teams, understanding and managing stakeholders’ expectations, implementing risk responses, conducting procurement, etc.
Monitoring & Controlling are the ongoing activities throughout the project. The deviation between the plan and execution must be closely monitored during this stage. Systematic tools and techniques need to be applied to control the changes or additional risks which occur during the execution. Projects can be closed, regardless of whether all activities had been completed, successfully or not, or cancelled as long as sponsors and stakeholders agree to it. All data and knowledge of the project need to be properly documented and stored as an important tool for traceability and input to the next project or activity.
Project management isn’t necessarily cool and easy, but with the right techniques and skills, it could be enjoyable and meet all scopes. Humanology could be your virtual assistant to help and share secret strategies to enhance the success of projects. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to know more about our Project management course; let’s make our project successful together!