| Project
Management - Definition & Outline
Project Management is described as a methodology
for providing a structured path for change, and is not a method
for routine/sustaining/operations management. If tasks are
continually repeated, then this will not specifically produce
change and would not constitute a 'project'. A 'project' is
a collection of tasks combined to meet completely new objectives
with fixed timescales and budget. This requires a completely
different 'tool-kit' and management structure to the conventional
functional and operational model.
Project Management is now seen as a profession in itself.
The Project Manager is a coordinator, facilitator, consultant
and manager, bringing together the necessary skill-sets in
others, to efficiently meet objectives. Good Project and Programme
Managers will ensure that requirements are clearly defined;
Return On Investments (ROI) are clearly outlined and approved,
and that Budgets and Timescales are agreed and will not be
compromised without additional approval.
Project Managers are usually in a Matrix management function,
utilising resources from Operational and 'Fire-fighting' requirements.
Many organisations now recognise the additional need to support
projects and avoid delays caused by the removal of these resources.
The Capability & Maturity Level (CML) of an organisation
is key to determining what form this support will take and,
in most cases, this leads to the adoption of a Project Management
Office (PMO) structure.
The main aim of a Project Office is to provide a consistency
of approach to Project Management requirements. A PMO can
operate on different levels and complexities and can provide
a wide range of support functions, dependant on the needs
of an organisation. Examples range from the provision of training,
facilitation and consultancy providing help directly to project
teams, through to Senior Management Administration (monitoring,
reporting and communicating on Key Performance Indicators
providing 'scorecard' and 'dashboard' updates),
We have designed this site specifically to help you integrate
Project Management methods into the every-day business environment.
We are currently working on overviews of more key project
management concepts which will be added in the not
too distant future........
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- differences between project
management methodologies
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- reviews of project management
control software
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- project roles and responsibilities
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- capability maturity models
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You can help by submitting what you would like to see. We
will then try to expand on topics focussing on relevant needs.
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though the Feedback
page
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