... Wondering where to start with your new project?
For bigger companies looking for help to plan and implement special new business developments, consider a contract project manager, or some customised project management coaching and training.
This gets your project set up properly to help things get done on time, within budget, and to specification.
We can help with business strategy development, cost/benefit analysis, project planning, and project implementation. We can (sometimes, depending on workload) offer project management services directly, provide project consultancy, or customise training and coaching for your own project staff.
Virginia Watson has 16 years of practical experience in managing business projects and teaches Project Management to 3rd year university level.
See my personal take on special projects , and exactly how I can help you -Virginia
.How project management works - quick overview of the phases
1. Concept and initiation stage
This is where the project ideas are defined, so that people know what the project going to achieve and what the project team will deliver. Its usually at this stage, a steering group is established to govern the project, the project manager is appointed, and a rough project structure is worked out. Communication and reporting lines are defined. Its all the early stage planning, and the paper work involved is called a Terms of Reference, or Scoping Document. A 'first cut' rough timeline and budget is often also drawn up at this stage, and sometimes feasibility studies are conducted if needed.
2. Project planning stage
This stage involves fleshing out more detail for the project. Milestones, plans, specific timelines (in the form of a gantt chart), costings/budgets are worked out. Needs around project personnel, contractors, (volunteers) , suppliers etc are determined.
3. Implementation stage
Project implementation is the process of turning all the plans into reality - putting everthing in place, while meeting the expected timelines, budgets and specifiications set out in the plans. This is where things can go wrong, and where the project manager's skills really come to the fore!
4. Project close
Closing off a project is usually the least exciting stage of a project, but no less important that any other stage. Once all the 'deliverables' have been met, there are usually things that need closing out, such as:
- final accounts and budget round up
- documentation completion - any manual updates, signoffs, completion docs etc.
-
project review and debrief with client, steering group
Get Project Management help
Email us and enquire about project management services,project management courses, or coaching
Or phone Virginia Watson directly on 03 579 1297 or 027 285 1216 .