Project Management Summary

The Business Dictionary defines a project as a planned set of interrelated tasks to be executed
over a fixed period and within certain costs and other limitations. The parameters of a project
will include a clear goal to reach, so by nature, projects include a start and finish line to
accomplish a unique, particular outcome. This short-term undertaking will require a specified
timeline, clear scope, designated budget and human capital resources.
A project manager is the person who leads the project team who together accomplish the
project goal. A team can be made of one or mane people depending on the size of the tasks
Project Management is composed of the five successive PHASES

I. STARTING or INITIATION
This might be the shortest phase but the most important one. It allows to define the project
and have a thorough understanding of what you are about to undertake.
You have to define what the project is by knowing what the problem that needs to be solved is.
Then find out what do you need and what are your options.
Asking yourself the following questions might help figuring that our:

WHY am I doing this?

WHO is asking for this?
WHAT to expect out of it?
WHO will benefit from it?

II. PLANNING.
At this stage you should define the scope of the project. In planning, you have to determine
what needs to be done, how long will it take and how much it is going to cost. In addition,
specify the resources that are requires and means and ways to make them available.
Planning is very important. It represents the itinerary of a traveler. For instance, without a
destination, the road you take does not matter. However, with a clear plan (destination) you
might consider taking the fastest and safer road.
However for every assumption there is a constraint. They are the events or circumstances that
could impact the project in a positive or negative way. One must try to forecast them and make
a rescue plan to avoid bad surprises.
 EX: when we identify WHO needs to be involved, that person might not be available. Ask
yourself what impact it is going to have on the project (delay, portion cut). This will allow you
to make a rescue plan accordingly.
Another fundamental part of planning is estimating the COST of the project and knowing where
to get funds from. Were obviously not talking about fully funded projects here. If your financial
and /or material resources are limited you have to consider asking for assistance. Its up to the
project manager to find means and ways by which he can get those funds. Nevertheless before
crowdfunding or asking for any external assistance, one must have a little self-financing. That
will encourage helpers to trust you and therefore invest in your project. Showing up to
someone empty handed will reduce your chances of receiving external financing even if you
present a great idea.
The following are some examples of questions you might consider answering:

WHAT (needs to be done) these are the requirements of the project. They need
to be specific and detailed. You can decompose the project in order to know by
what you should start and so on
WHO (needs to be involved) Identify key people that are necessary to the
project. Thats the project team. Then those who could impact or be impacted by
the project (influence, involvement, interdependencies)
WHEN (will things need to be done OR the resources need to be involved) this is
about the projects schedule. Organize the different steps and how long each is
going to take. TIMING AND METHODE
NB: You have to take into account the factors that may cause a delay or a
cancellation for each step and thus the whole project.
HOW (the project will be done) Approach to be used and the planning details.
For example a project can be executed sequentially, or an overlappingly

III. EXECUTION OR PERFORMING:

This stage consists of implementing and overseeing all activities that create the result as
outlined in the project plan.
Now you are putting into execution the plan that you have made. Its at this stage that you
engage resources and stakeholders. Make sure you follow the schedule that have been set in
the planning to avoid delays. Dont forget to assess the risks to make adjustments if needed.
While performing the project some problems that were not in the original plan might pop up.
Before taking any decision, figure out what impact in will have on the original intent.
Communicate with the stakeholders and collaborators. Then according to that decide whether
corrective or preventative action is required.
 Remember: no plan can be executed to the letter. Given that dont let unforeseen situations
trouble you. Always find the best solution and keep moving forward.

IV. CLOSING:
Before you celebrate, ensure that all tasks have been wrapped up and the original objectives
have been delivered. If there is any controlling committee ask their approval for the project.
Ask feed backs from stakeholders to measure their level of satisfaction.
Bear in mind that every project must have the following characteristics regardless its size and
complexity:
1. A start and end date: the project must be completed within this specific amount
of time
2. Goal and outcome: the things that need to be achieves by the end of the project
life circle
3. Benefit or value: what would the recipient gain from the completed project
4. Allocation of resources: the means by which you will be able to achieve the
project (money, time, services, people)