Planning the Project: 450+ Words Discussion And TWO(2) Responses With 100+ Words (Strict Only $10) With Responses.
Project Management Overview
Venkata Nagarjuna Elisetty
University of the Cumberlands
Planning the Project
Dr Laura T Dolley
05/18/2021
As part of my reading and reflection on the chapter Project Management Lifecycle, I have several insights that I developed and several concepts I found worthy of mentioning in this article. Project management comprises of 4 unique stages called initiation, planning, implementation and closure (Project management, Adrian Watt). These stages have different purposes and durations and are all essential for the successful outcome of a project. All projects have closure regardless of whether it is a success or not. A successful project manager stays diligent during all stages of the project cycle. During the initiation phase of the project, the objective of the project and also the need for the project are deeply and extensively evaluated. It is usually at this stage that a feasibility study is conducted. It is common for a team to collaborate together to propose a recommended solution at this stage. This solution is sent for senior management approval failing which the venture is called off. If approval is obtained, it is common to observe the formation and coming together of a project team to work on the solution and ensure smooth delivery. This project team is usually appointed by senior management. A project manager is specifically assigned to lead this team and higher approvals or sought to progress to the planning phase of the project cycle.
During this phase, a much greater level of research is performed on what the project entails. The proposed solution is re-investigated for fine-tuning and development. Specific tasks are listed and broken down and the work content is analyzed. Project management tools are used to map the different tasks across an estimated timeframe. Emphasis is placed on analyzing resources required and successful allocation of resources for the project. Complex projects may require a very diverse set of resources, usually spanning different functional areas of expertise, and also different geographical locations. Resources could be labor, materials, schedules and cost estimates. These are usually dealt with by the project manager. During this phase, project teams make an attempt to assess external risks and to find solutions for the same. Risks could be understood as any event or circumstance that could derail the project path or cause the objective of the project to be compromised. Examples could be reorganizations, mergers and acquisitions, change in the government and political climate leading to different laws affecting the outcome of the project, economic instability, unexpected natural disasters etc. Since communication is crucial to the well-being of any project, all necessary stakeholders are identified, and a formal communication plan is put-together during the planning phase. This ensures that all parties are updated and on the same page. If a company is concerned about measuring the quality of their final objective, a quality assurance plan is put together. Next comes the execution phase. This phase is where the work happens and is considered the most time consuming. It also consumes the maximum amount of resources. Being a delicate stage of the project - constant supervision is required at this stage to compare with the original project plan and record any deviations. Accordingly, adjustments are made to the project with the primary intention of bringing it back in alignment with the original plan. Frequent team meetings help facilitate and keep track of progress made. This is done to monitor and steer the project in the right direction. Under adverse circumstances, the variations are recorded, and the original plan is altered. All metrics and deliverables established during the initiation and planning phase need to be assessed for closure using status reports and customer satisfaction. Upon customer approval the project can be readied for closure. Project reports should highlight anticipated outcomes in regard to cost, quality, delivery, scope and schedule. During the closure phase, which is also the final stage of the cycle, the delivered solutions are handed over to the client, resources are reallocated or released, and contracts are terminated. A deep and thorough reflection is conducted in this stage to identify lessons learned and what could have gone better.
Project Management: Adrienne Watt – Bcampus, Victoria BC