Project Management : Management Structure

The study of Project Management typically consists of learning the tasks and challenges fundamental to managing complex projects across multiple functions. This includes objective setting and project design; managing without influence to gain the support of stakeholders and access to resources not directly under their management control; planning, scheduling, budgeting and monitoring; and risk assessment and management.

All projects are defined by the purpose, objectives and deliverables. Properly defining these, as well as the other aspects of the project management plan will

The first step will be to look at the goals of the project, and align them with the mission of the company. Systematically, the project will be broken into phases: Planning, Organizing, Staffing, Directing, Coordinating, Budgeting, Evaluating, and Reporting. Each phase will be further broken down into tasks and placed into a work breakdown structure. From this view, one is able to see the entire project duration, critical path, and milestones. The Planning phase is integral in any project. This phase of the project defines project objectives, mission, goals, and approach. In addition, outlining key elements of the project is critical: performance expectations, risks analysis, and contingency plans. However, after completion

In this paper the word ‘project” is defined, discussed and elaborated on. The phases of a project lifecycle and its purpose are to be discussed, and how it is important for organizations to use project management to accomplish tasks will in conclusion be discussed thoroughly. The indisputable word ‘Project” may be defined in numerous unusual ways, some can all have the same meaning and others can mislead a reader. The definition that accurately explains what a project is, comes from the Houghton Mifflin Company (2009) website stating; “something that is contemplated, devised, or planned; plan; scheme.” A definition that can mislead a reader is this definition from the same website just two paragraphs

Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. It is often closely related to program management (Wikipedia).

The author of this book defines a project as simply a unique specific deliverable that meets a specific purpose. Each project has three components which affect the others: specific scope, schedule, and required resources. Specific scope is the desired results or product while the schedule establishes beginning and ending dates for the project. Required resources are the number of people, funds or other resources needed to complete the project.

What is scope management and why is it critical to effective project management? Who is usually involved in developing the scope (or charter) document?

At first should the terminology be defined. A project is "a unique set of coordinated activities, with a definite start and finishing point, undertaken by an individual or organisation to meet specific objectives within

The nature and scope of a project is determined at the initiation stage. This involves analyzing the business needs, developing goals, budgets, tasks, deliverables, and the stakeholder analysis. The project planning stage determines the planning team, develops the scope, and identifies work breakdown structure and activities that will be needed to complete deliverables. The planning stage also estimates time and cost activities, develop schedule and risk plan, and gain formal approval for work to begin. The executing stage involves all processes used to meet the project requirement and involves managing people and resources. The process that entails the identification of potential problems and

During the project planning phase, I can work effectively towards the development of project management subsidiary plans to execute, monitor and control and close projects. I will contribute towards the planning of the scope in assuring that the project includes all the work required and only the work required. I will do this by conducing interviews, focus group, facilitated workshops etc., I can clearly define and document stakeholder needs to meet project objectives that will be

“A project is a unique set of coordinated activities, with a definite starting and finishing point, undertaken by an individual or organisation to meet specific objectives within defined schedule, cost and performance parameters” (BSI, 2002).

Approval of the Project Charter by the Project Sponsor authorizes the designated team to begin the initial planning effort. Developing the Project Charter is primarily concerned with documenting the business needs, project justification, current understanding of the requirements, and the new product, service, or result that is intended to satisfy those requirements. The Project Charter, either directly, or by reference to other documents, should address the following information:

Project management is a series of steps taken in sequence to manage a project through all phases from conception to completion. The steps are documented in a strategic plan. The plan is used to ensure that all parties are working towards a common goal. Project management requires applying knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to specific activities in accordance with established standards and guidelines. There are five basic functions of project management: planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. Basic activities of project management include: identifying project requirements to define the outcomes; addressing various needs, concerns and expectations of others; setting up, maintaining and carrying out communications; managing others; creating project deliverables; and balancing competing project constraints.

This document tells formally the existence of the project and gives direction for the project’s objective and management. The project manager has the major role in creating the project charter. This is the key output of the initiation process. It consists of budget information, project objective, main success criteria, approaches, roles and responsibilities. In the end of this document, stakeholders should sign for accepting the agreement on the need for and intent of the project.

It provides a basis for organizing the work on the project and allocating responsibilities to individuals.