Project Management has different phases in order to supervise, plan and navigate the project throughout the whole project life cycle. The goal of project management is the successful closing by supervising, planning and navigating the project despite all risks.
The following five steps will be explained throughout this project management manual:
Initiating
Planning
Executing
Controlling
Closing
Table of Contents
1. Project Management
1.1. What is Project Management?
1.2. What is a Project?
1.2.1. Defined beginning and end
1.2.2. Specific time, cost, responsibilities and goals
2. Initiating
2.1. Defining the Project Scope
2.2. Establishing Project Priorities
2.3. Destination of the Project
2.4. Kick-off Meeting
3. Planning
3.1. Structure a Project
3.2. Time Planning
3.2.1. Bar Chart Planning
3.2.2. Network Planning
3.3. Resource and Capacity Planning
3.3.1. Benefits of the Capacity Planning
3.4. Cost Planning
3.4.1. Benefits of Cost Planning
3.4.2. Approach for the production of the cost plan
3.5. Risk Management Planning and Optimization
3.5.1. Portfolio and SWOT Analysis
4. Executing
4.1. What is executing?
4.2. The start of the project
4.3. Project Management
4.4. The project documentation
5. Controlling
5.1. What is controlling?
5.2. Time Control
5.3. Cost Control
5.4. Quality Control
6. Closing
6.1. The Product Analysis
6.2. Project Evaluation
6.3. Closure of the Project
Project Goals and Scope
This manual aims to provide a comprehensive guide to project management, focusing on the structured transition of project phases from initiation to closure. It addresses how project managers can effectively balance time, cost, and performance while managing risks and stakeholders.
- The importance of defined project scope and stakeholder alignment.
- Technical methods for project planning, including scheduling and resource allocation.
- Strategies for risk assessment and the application of SWOT/Portfolio analysis.
- The operative nature of project execution and communication management.
- Techniques for effective project controlling and quality assurance.
- The necessity of thorough project evaluation and documentation during the closing phase.
Excerpt from the Book
3.5. Risk Management Planning and Optimization
“The most dangerous in a project is the feeling of security.” (Drees, Lang & Schös, 2010: 51)
Possible risks in project management could be in not fulfilling:
the time schedule
the calculated resources
the calculated budget
the planned execution
The risk analysis belongs to the basics of project management and demonstrate potential dangers already at the beginning of a project. The consequences of non-recognized mistakes or risks are noticeable in the course of a project if suddenly bigger difficulties occur. Therefore, a portfolio or SWOT analysis are essential in project management.
Summary of Chapters
1. Project Management: Introduces the core concepts of project management, emphasizing the need for defined project life cycles, goals, and unique project characteristics.
2. Initiating: Details the fundamental steps required to start a project, including defining scope, establishing priorities, and conducting kick-off meetings.
3. Planning: Explains the dynamic process of structuring work packages, time planning, resource management, cost budgeting, and risk mitigation.
4. Executing: Covers the operative phase where plans are put into action, focusing on team coordination, communication, conflict management, and project documentation.
5. Controlling: Discusses mechanisms for monitoring project progress against the plan, specifically focusing on time, cost, and quality control.
6. Closing: Describes the final phase of a project, encompassing product analysis, evaluation of lessons learned, and formal project closure.
Keywords
Project Management, Project Scope, Planning, Resource Management, Cost Control, Risk Management, SWOT Analysis, Executing, Time Management, Project Documentation, Quality Control, Project Evaluation, Stakeholders, Milestone, Work Breakdown Structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of this project management manual?
The manual provides a structured guide to successfully navigate the lifecycle of a project, from the initial planning stages through to final execution, controlling, and formal closure.
What are the core phases of a project according to the authors?
The authors identify five key phases: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Controlling, and Closing.
What is the main objective of the initiation phase?
The main objective is to collect necessary information to satisfy stakeholder needs and define the project scope, objectives, and priorities.
Which scientific methods are highlighted for project planning?
The text highlights methods such as Work Breakdown Structure (Top-Down/Bottom-Up), Bar Chart Planning (Gantt), Network Planning, and Risk Management techniques like SWOT and Portfolio Analysis.
What does project controlling involve?
Project controlling involves comparing planned guidelines (debit) with actual data (credit) regarding time, cost, and quality to identify and mitigate deviations early.
How is the success of a project determined?
Success is measured at the end of the defined period by evaluating how closely the project met its goals, budget, and timeframe.
Why is the "Kick-off Meeting" considered critical?
It is critical because it aligns all project members and stakeholders on goals, future plans, roles, and responsibilities, helping to prevent failure due to unclear requirements.
What role does SWOT analysis play in the planning process?
It serves as a tool for internal and external analysis, identifying project strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to inform risk management strategies.
How does documentation contribute to project management?
Documentation is essential for supervision, information sharing, and management, providing a record of correspondence and decisions that contributes to the overall project history.
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- Laura Klöpping (Autor:in), C. Fechner (Autor:in), L. Hesse (Autor:in), P. Kuckelkorn (Autor:in), J. Radloff (Autor:in), 2011, Successful Project Management, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/189357
