Project Management
The term 'project' is often hard to define, as it can mean different things to different people depending on their approach. Typically though, a project can be thought of as something which is different to a normal work process and produces a unique product, service or result, i.e. it is different to the normal 'business as usual' operations of the organisation.
A project will often have its own control areas, which detail items such as the goals and objectives, the resources that need to be allocated to achieving the project, the budget allocated, and the end date for the completion of the project. In order to ensure that the project is a success in so far that it is completed to a satisfactory result and stay within budget/resource constraints, effective project management will need to be implemented to keep the project on track.
How to Effectively Manage a Project
In order to effectively manage a project, there are a multitude of tasks that a project manager will need to understand and complete successfully. Good project management can include some or all of the following:
- Planning the project stages and stating goals and objectives that need to be achieved
- Identifying potential risks and ensuring controls and safeguards are in place to minimise risk i.e. risk management
- Motivate and support teams and individuals
- Keep track of progress and take appropriate action to try and get the project back on track if timescales have slipped or spending is over budget
The most successful project managers are those who proactively manage the project, anticipating problems and taking action before a situation arises or at the very least before it becomes so big that it threatens the success of the project itself. This is much more preferable than being a reactive project manager who only takes action once a problem arises (otherwise known as fire fighting).
Rarely are two projects ever the same. Even if at the start or during the planning phase it is perceived as being identical to a project already completed, unforeseen circumstances and slight changes can easily and quickly move the project into unknown territory. To be effective at project management, the project manager must adapt quickly to these changes.
Project Management Courses
The sheer number of different tasks and areas that an effective project manager needs to be proficient in means that very few are born with all of the skills required. In fact, those that believe they have all of the skills are often those who are most in need of project management training as they will not recognise the need to continually improve their skills and ability.
Our project management courses are run in-house at clients' premises, as well as bespoke project management training programmes which are tailored to your requirements and what you would like to get out of the training.
For more information about our in-house or bespoke project management training, please call us on 01937 579 649 or send us an online contact form with a brief description of your requirements.