Where to Start With Improving Project Management

Written by | Published July 11, 2012

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”

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PRINCE2 Process Model

Written by | Published May 2, 2012

PRINCE2 is a process-based approach for project management; providing a scalable and easily tailored methodology for the management of large and small projects.

Each process of a PRINCE2 project is defined with its key inputs and outputs together with the specific aims to be achieved and activities to be undertaken.

The  following diagram and explanations of the PRINCE2 processes will help you when managing projects with PRINCE2.

PRINCE2 Process Model

Read the rest of “PRINCE2 Process Model”

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What to look for in a Project Manager

Written by | Published February 28, 2012

What separates the good from the not-so-good when it comes to a Project Manager? Well, an industry recognised title such as PRINCE2 Practitioner certainly helps. Our PRINCE2 training courses have high pass rates and low clase sizes so that you get the most out of your course. Plus you get to spend a week in Brighton!

Here we give some tips on what, in our opinion, makes the difference between a good and a bad Project Manager. To be the best you need to have all these traits and skills.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

To illustrate what makes a project manager good we should firstly define the role and responsibilities.

A Project Manager is responsible for:

  • Planning
  • Managing resources
  • Monitoring and controlling progress
  • Ensuring that work is completed within an agreed time scale
tim-campbell-apprentice-winner

Winner of the first Apprentice, Tim Campbell is a shining example of a great project manager.

And, at the end of the day, the project manager is accountable for delivering the final project which meets the agreed specification.

Defining ‘Good’

In our experience, a good Project Manager is somebody who can consistently deliver project success. Success is recognised by meeting the clients’ business needs to an agreed level of quality, timescale and budget. And remember, a client can be internal or external to an organisation.

Wondering what makes a ‘bad’ project manager? Well, anybody who uses the phrases in this ‘S**t project managers say’ video needs to rethink their management strategy.

Personality Traits

Find these four personality traits in a person and you are well on your way to employing a good Project Manager. Display these four qualities to put yourself next in line for promotion.

  1. Leadership  – a good Project Manager needs to take charge of their projects. They are likely to naturally take the lead and manage others around them. A good PM also aims for clarity of authority levels within their projects.
  2. Good logical and analytical skills – to do the job effectively a PM must be able to plan and assess progress and foresee problems ard risks.
  3. A people person – successful PMs are generally easy to get on with. They are able to be empathetic and diplomatic, resolving issues between interested parties. They focus on building positive relationships and, at the same time, commanding respect.
  4. A completer/finisher – this is an essential quality. PMs must feel duty-bound to drive the project to a successful closure. This is often an inbuilt desire to achieve personal success rather than simply for the benefit of the organisation. Read the rest of “What to look for in a Project Manager”
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