As a project manager, you must know all the stages of a project, from planning to execution to monitoring and closure. Understanding them thoroughly will help you improve your project management skills. Project managers need to set up efficient workflows, monitor project progress, manage workforce efficiently and ensure effective collaboration between stakeholders.
Phases of and effective Project Management Strategy
Planning
The planning stage is one of the most important phases in the project management process. It involves determining the scope of the project, identifying stakeholders, and developing a project plan. It also involves determining budgets, resources, and defining requirements. Once a plan has been defined, the next step is to monitor progress and communicate with stakeholders.
During this stage, the project team must evaluate the project in terms of its objectives, scope, resources, and schedule. It must determine the stakeholders’ roles and influence over the project, and it should also set the expected success of the project. Once all the stakeholders have been identified, project team members must define specific requirements, timelines, and actions. The project charter also has to establish the budget and timeframe for the project.
Execution
Execution is the phase in which you put your planning into action. It is the time when concrete is poured, walls are framed, and windows are installed. The key is to stay focused and follow the plan, no matter what comes up. Often, planning is easier than actually executing. For example, a well-planned workout routine is much easier to develop than to implement. It is important to monitor the progress of your project at every stage to ensure that it remains on track.
The execution phase begins with a kick-off meeting, where the project team discusses their roles and responsibilities. They work together to create a project plan and develop detailed requirements for the execution phase. The project manager will help keep the team focused and collaborative.
Monitoring
Monitoring helps keep a project on track and recover from mistakes. It compares actual data to planned data and allows the project manager to take corrective action. The areas that should be monitored by a project manager include cost, schedule, and scope. The tools used to track these metrics will depend on the type of project.
Monitoring is an essential part of any project. Without it, the project is likely to fail due to factors like poor visibility, unrealistic schedules, and stretched resources. By creating a monitoring plan, a team can react quickly and keep the project on track.
Closure
The final stage of project management involves a number of administrative tasks, which typically include sending a final status report and requesting final payment. It also includes approving time sheets and re-assigning resources. At this stage, you should also thank your team members for their contributions and acknowledge your accomplishments.
Project closure is an important part of project management, as it is the stage when all loose ends are tied up and the project’s outcomes are reported internally. It is also a good time to review the project’s progress and identify areas for future improvement.
SMART criteria
The SMART criteria for project management is a set of guidelines that helps you create and measure goals in your project. This approach helps you define and track project stages, as well as the end result of the project. It can be used to guide individual project managers or teams. These guidelines, developed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, can help you create and manage your project effectively.
SMART objectives are measurable, specific, as well as time-related. These goals can be easily tracked. However, if you set goals that are unrealistic or impossible, you might find it difficult to meet them. Besides, setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and dissatisfaction.
CLEAR method
The CLEAR method of project management helps people get more done on their jobs. It helps them set goals and reach them. The process consists of three parts: the prep phase, the management phase, and the finish phase. The prep phase helps the team prepare for the project, and the management phase focuses on ensuring that the team completes it.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the stages of project management are essential for the successful completion of any project, regardless of its size or complexity. These stages, which typically include initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closure, provide a structured approach to managing a project from start to finish.Initiating a project involves identifying the project goals and objectives, stakeholders, and project scope. Planning involves creating a detailed project plan, including schedules, budgets, and resources. Execution involves implementing the project plan and completing the work. Monitoring and controlling involve tracking progress against the plan, identifying and addressing issues and risks, and making adjustments as necessary. Closure involves formalising the acceptance of the project and transitioning it to ongoing operations or maintenance.
By following these stages, project managers can effectively manage projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the desired quality standards. This ultimately leads to greater success and satisfaction for all involved parties.