How to manage projects
Checklist
- Define clear objectives.
- Appoint a project manager; choose an individual who will champion the project, and motivate and manage the project team.
- Identify what resources the project requires.
- Break down large projects into smaller, manageable stages.
- Clarify the outcomes the project must achieve; set performance criteria and standards for the project as a whole and for each stage.
- Identify the key risks — for example, potential technical problems — and how likely they are; plan what you can do to minimise them and how you will cope with problems.
- Budget costs for each stage; include staff costs, overheads, materials and equipment.
- Set timescales for each stage.
- Identify the critical path - which activities must be completed before others can be started, and which can be undertaken in parallel.
- Include a contingency allowance - for both costs and timescales - to allow for identified risks and unexpected problems.
- Identify the overall project duration and costs.
- Confirm that it is worth proceeding with the project, taking into account the costs, timescales and risks you have identified.
- Monitor progress against plans and performance targets as the project proceeds; adjust your plans as necessary.
- Complete the project; evaluate its success and what you can learn from it for the future.
Cardinal rules
Do:
- set clear objectives and performance criteria
- set budgets and timescales
- allow for contingencies
- monitor progress against plans
Don't:
- tackle large projects without intermediate goals
- ignore the risks
- expect projects to proceed without problems and delays
