Communication Skills in Project Management

Communication Skills in Project ManagementTraining in project management techniques such as PRINCE2 will give you the theory of how to structure and run a project. We’ll also give you case studies and real-world applications of the knowledge to make it easier to start managing projects when you return to work. Understanding the importance of  other skills such as communication is also critical to project success.

Within any project management framework, there are important documents to be drawn up, referred to and maintained. This requires excellent written communication skills as well as knowledge of the paperwork required. Verbal communication skills are necessary in order to keep your team updated and motivated, to explain the project to stakeholders, and to provide the Project Board with progress reports.

With that in mind, here are our top tips for communication in project management.

Listen

When most people think of effective communication, they think of how they deliver information to others. This is far from accurate – communication is a two-way street and improving your skills must begin with making an effort to truly listen and understand. Read the rest of “Communication Skills in Project Management”

Where to Start With Improving Project Management

Where to start with Project ManagementThe importance of using formal techniques for project management is becoming increasingly recognised throughout all areas of business as a well to improve quality and efficiency whilst reducing overall costs. Demand for project management qualifications is almost the norm in certain areas of recruitment; and our PRINCE2 project management courses have never been so popular!

For businesses who have not yet adapted to this new, structured way of thinking, here are ten ways to get started with project management.

1. Understand what defines a project

It’s very important to start by identifying projects within your institution that could benefit from being formally managed. This could be anything from tasking someone to make a process more effective to developing a whole new product.

It’s also important to be aware of over-using the term ‘project’ – for more on this topic, have a look at our blog post on defining projects.

2. Pick the right methodology for you

There are several different frameworks/processes of project management, some of which are more adaptable to different size projects and different industries. Each one defines the roles within the project differently, so it’s worth thinking in advance of how their structure can be integrated with your existing set up. Read the rest of “Where to Start With Improving Project Management”

How Project Management Can Work For You

Basics of Project ManagementProject management is about making things happen in the most efficient and productive way. Many people think they don’t need to spend the time learning project management techniques because they are already achieving their objectives – but there’s always room for improvement.

One place to start is clarifying the definition of a project. What is a project?

The tips below are general pointers that apply to all the different project management frameworks. If you think they may be of use to you, your department or business, you’ll want to find a specific project management process such as PRINCE2 or Agile that fits best with your individual needs.

Some departments shy away from using project management techniques because they think the time spent planning could be better spent doing. The truth is that without utilising project management techniques more time is wasted through inefficiency and achieving the wrong objectives.

Project management assures all parties that they are on the same page regarding the results they want to see, and the ongoing benefits that last long after the project finishes.

The project management process is initiation, planning, executing and closure. Read the rest of “How Project Management Can Work For You”

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