Project Management Explained Simply

Project managers are one of the highly paid professionals in an organisation. This is owing to the fact that they are handed over complex projects with usually insufficient information, to be completed within a specific period. The basic areas of project management are its scope, time, and budget. Until the 20th century, project management jobs were only limited to the construction, engineering, and defense related jobs. Later on, it assumed the status of a proper discipline in management, and business studies. Today, almost all IT, software, multinational, and corporate companies employ project managers to carry out their critical time-based projects, whether it is related to developing a new software, launching, and marketing a new product, business analysis, or organisational development.

The project manager is the leader of a team whose members he allocates specific tasks, and they have to report to him about each and new milestone they achieve or the problems they may face. A project manager is responsible for coordinating all the members of the team who come from diverse backgrounds and have varied skills. The project manager exercises no direct authority, or control over his team members. Hence, he should have the ability to tackle all sorts of human natures, and bring out the best skills, and professionalism of his team members for maximum productivity, and timely completion of the project, within the deadline.

Project management comprises of the following crucial stages:

1. Understanding the concept
Once the project management team is selected, the project manager explains the concept of the project. This is the key stage, because this is the time when the main challenge or problem is identified.

2. Definition
The next stage is to define the goals, and objectives of a particular project. One should be very clear about the probable solutions to a particular problem, or a challenge. Moreover, one should work on all practical options that may prove helpful in achieving a goal.

3. Forming a strategy
Keeping in view the allocated budget, scope and period of the project, an appropriate strategy is devised. The one big daunting and challenging task is sub divided into smaller chunks, with their respective milestones. Each team member is assigned a task, which he has to complete in his own capacity, by coordinating, and cooperating with his colleagues.

4. Execution
This is the practical stage of the project management process. It is dependent upon the paperwork, which is done in advance, and follows the devised strategy.

5. Monitoring and controlling
This is a check and balance system, which is essential in the successful completion of a project. Unexpected problems may occur, or the solutions being applied may not be yielding the desired results. So it is important to monitor, and control the project.

6. Ending the project
This is the final stage in which, the project is completed, and handed over to the administration. Project management is a technical skill, which is polished with experience. This is an individual venture, which not only affects the performance individually, but also reshapes the entire image of a company.

John Nash is a project management consultant and has written many books project management solutions. You can consult with him to take advantage of these system for your business. For more information visit his recommended site at http://www.concertosupport.co.uk.

Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/John_J_Nash/385339

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3201030

By John J Nash  |   Submitted On November 03, 2009

 Article image: Pixabay