Project Management Companion

Project Managers can come in all shapes, sizes and walks of life, but there are traits which they all have in common. These traits are what set them apart from their counterparts. There is a value to good habits which is often overlooked. They take helpful behaviour and move it towards being automatic. When good habits are automatic, they are just followed, almost without thinking. And that frees up attention to focus on the other important details on the task list. So, habits amplify effectiveness and, therefore, how successful project management practices are developed. There are essential habits a successful project manager must have, without them, then failure is imminent, they are ability to follow the project process and acting with complete integrity. Following process speaks for itself, but integrity, the ability to speak honestly and dealing fairly with people seems obvious but is lost to some. It is also portrayed as a sign of weakness, when in actual fact it takes streng

A project charter is the statement of scope, objectives and people who are participating in a project.  It begins the process of defining the roles and responsibilities of those participants and outlines the objectives and goals of the project. The charter also identifies the main stakeholders and defines the authority of the project manager. By following the Project Charter guidelines, then composing one will seem like a daunting task. Also, be sure to get the free downloadable Word template to help make the process more efficient. It serves as a great project charter example. The project management charter serves as a reference document. It should outline these three main points. 1.     What is the essence of the project? What are the goals and objectives of the project? The plan on how to reach and achieve these goals and objectives? 2.     Provide a shared understanding of the project. The charter should communicate its value and/or reason for existence to every pe

Never underestimate the benefits of conducting a review process at the end of each project. Lessons learnt are invaluable, understanding where the pitfalls can occur can save many a project manager. Normally there is apprehension in conducting a review in fear that the project failings are highlighted and this is never good for the ego. There is something therapeutic about outlining aspects which did not go according to plan and how they can be avoided in the future. There are many reasons why reviews are not held, but focusing on the negativity is not beneficial. It is necessary to treat reviews in the same vain as any important part of the project management process.  Create policies, procedures and guidelines that recognise the phases of the review process - initiation, research and report.  Appoint and empower a review team with the responsibility to ·          Embed the capture of useful data and mini-reviews or retrospectives into the project ·          Assemble the ri

The Project Management Office or PMO offers more than just a Governance and administrative function. It assists the project manager by providing support, developed standards, education and continuous improvement. As project managers who work in the coal face of day to day project delivery, jumping between sites, vendors, suppliers and customers. Ensuring the project is running smoothly by removing roadblocks and facilitating task completion. So at times it can be challenge to get all the information in the field back to the home office and receive feedback. The PMO bridges the space between remote Project Managers and the home office by providing communication and collaboration support and linking those in the field with those in the office. The PMO supports project managers by providing support, mentorship, education, guidance, and governance. Project Managers often have extensive reporting requirements that may keep them tied to a desk when they should be in the field. T

A flow chart in project management is a visual representation which assists in understanding the methodology used to manage the project. The diagram shows the interdependent and parallel processes over the course of the project’s life cycle. Project managers use a flow chart to offer a clear picture of process and to find ways to improve project efficiency. A flow chart displays graphically the project’s objective and seeks to more logically order the activities therein. But, a flow chart can also help with monitoring progress and even status reporting. The project management flow chart is one of the many tools needed by a project manager to control the project. With the right project management software, management can be even more productive and efficient. A flow chart outlines whatever is required for the project to be successful. A flow chart can be just for the initiation process, for example, which would start with the initiation and flow to the project charter,