PROJECT MANAGMENT

Initiate the project

• Define purpose, goals, and expected outcomes.
• Conduct a feasibility study or needs analysis.
• Identify stakeholders and their requirements.
• Secure resources and budget.

Plan

• Create a project plan with timeline and milestones.
• Break down work into tasks (WBS).
• Assign roles and responsibilities.
• Identify risks and develop a risk management plan.

Implement

• Lead the project team and coordinate activities.
• Ensure communication within the team and towards stakeholders.
• Manage changes and issues that arise.
• Ensure deliverables are produced according to plan.

Follow up and control

• Monitor time, cost, quality, and scope.
• Report status to the steering group or client.
• Adjust the plan as necessary to handle deviations.

End the project

• Deliver the end result and gain approval.
• Document lessons learned.
• Wind down the project organization.

Key words in project management

• Scope—what's and isn't included in the project.
• Timetable – when various activities must be completed.
• Budget—how much money is available and how it is spent.
• Quality – that the result meets requirements and standards.
• Risk management – anticipating and managing uncertainties.
• Stakeholder management – involving and communicating with everyone who is affected.

Common methods and frameworks

• PMP / PMBOK – global standard for project management.
• PRINCE2– process-based method, popular in the public sector.
• Agile methods – e.g. Scrum or SAFe, is used in iterative development.
• Lean / Kanban – focuses on flow and efficiency.

Project management is like being the captain of a ship – you have to know where you're going, have a plan to get there, manage the crew, and deal with unexpected storms, all while delivering the cargo on time and on budget.