Project Management

Project Management

The Project Manager has some tasks that have to be carried out, he/she is responsible for the full project. The Project Manager has to make the best use of all the resources so the project can be completed successfully. The project Manager sets the boundaries for the project, such as schedules and what is done and when it has to be completed.

There are various tasks the project manager is responsible for such as:

1) Time and resource allocation and management

2) Setting up a team structure, specifying responsibilities, lines of command and reporting

3) Motivating the team, and establishing communication channels

4) Project planning, scheduling and progress control

5) Managing and controlling change to the system and overall quality

6) Interfacing and liasing with the client/user and senior management

The important attributes needed in a person, so they are able to manage a project to a successful goal are:

Leader Intelligent

Chairman Competent

Communicator Methodical

Listener Observant

Ambassador Perceptive

Motivator Positive

Decision-maker Resilient

Problem solver Reliable

Generalist Active

There are many aspects that have to be considered when recruiting someone capable of controlling the lifecycle of a project. The integration of the person into the team is just as important as having the specialist skills needed. You could say integration into the team is more important as the person can always get training to achieve these skills. A type of advertisement of what is needed to fill the post will have to be drawn up then advertised, internally and externally through national, local and technical press or other media. People who are experienced, loyal, motivated, with good team spirit and have ambition are desired. Personal recommendations, Interviews, aptitude, references and psychometric testing are methods that can be used to select the right individual. The individual does not have to be a great manager as they can sent on various courses to improve their managerial skills. The person might have the majority of the attributes required but no knowledge in the task that needs caring out. In the event that no suitable person is found to lead the team the project might have to be carried out by external contractors.

The Project Team

The number of people in the team would depend on the size of the project and nature, the skills from the individuals that would be needed to complete the project. The project team would also have sub teams specialist in their field. A project about implementing a new computer system would require IT specialist staff, user representatives. Teams are brought together at the start of the project as it allows them to become efficient due to good communication. The selection of the project management team can be a very difficult process, because the team could also be done within a pool of IT specialist. With a nominated leader of the group, but this can cause loyalty problem towards the leader, which can cause the standard of the project to drop.

Titles of Members in the Team

Chairman = Team Leader

Plant = the person who is the source of ideas, which they present to the team

Shaper = a person who creates the team participation, by putting forward ideas for activities

Evaluator = this person is a key part of the group as they are objective & can navigate the team to reaching the project goals

Team Worker = the negotiator of the group

Finisher = the person who sees deadlines reached

Company Worker = the person who takes ideas and turns them into tasks to be carried out

Resource Investigator = the problem solver of the group

Motivation

The team leader should make the team member, acknowledge how important the project is and due to this the types of motivation available, which will make the team work harder and try to meet deadlines and it is in their best interest.

Motivating factors

- Company car

- Salary

- Bonus

- Overtime

- Holidays

- Share options

- Other 'Perks'

Work Content

- Career Prospects

- Good Management

- Appreciation

- Interesting

- Involvement

- Responsibility

- Development

Environment

- Equipment

- Air conditioning

- Space (Ergonomics)

- Room temperature

- Lighting

- Job security

- Hours of work

Project Estimation

Estimating Techniques

Top-Down

A global cost for the development is estimated and then refined.

Bottom-Up

The project is broken down into two various sub-systems and estimates are made by those not responsible; these are then