Online Project Management Tools – Top 5

Written by | Published September 26, 2011

Project Management tools are vital for time management and collaboration on a project; here we look at an alternative to software based project management – Online Project Management. These tools are all web based so require no downloads and can be accessed anywhere in the world – this is an obvious advantage for projects that span different countries! Online Project Management tools usually require less training than software and can be an easy way to keep clients involved in the project. Some are free while others are priced depending on usage – we’ve compiled 5 picks of the best with a range of prices and functions..

Although these tools are useful they will not make up for a lack of good Project Management Skills. PRINCE2 is the industry standard of Project Management accreditation and we offer a full range of PRINCE2 Training Courses.

Top 5 Online Project Management Tools

We’ve had a look at a range of Project Management tools on offer and have compiled a list of our favourite 10 with a summary of how they’re useful.

DeskAway

DeskAway is a web-based project collaboration software that provides a simple to use, training free application aimed at small to medium businesses. They really promote themselves with ease in mind as there is no hardware or software involved and you can be up and running in minutes. DeskAway claim to have the ease and cost of a simple Project Management tool while providing a service closer to a complex, expensive tool.

DeskAway project interface

DeskAway

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Take a closer look at the PRINCE2® Processes

Written by | Published June 2, 2010

PRINCE2 Training take a closer lookStarting up a Project

This process ensures that the pre-requisites for Initiating a Project are in place by asking “Do we have a viable and worthwhile project?”

Fundamentally there should be a sound business justification for the project and appropriate people in place with the authority to make the appropriate decisions. In addition, the work for the initiation stage is planned.

Directing a Project

The purpose of this process is to ensure that decisions are made at relevant and appropriate points in time by the Project Board.  This process is the control by which they are able to do this.

Initiating a Project

This process lays down the foundations for the project in the form of a Project Initiation Document. It enables all involved to understand what needs to be done to deliver the project.

Controlling a Stage

This process enables the Project Manager to manage the day to day work of the project by assigning work, monitoring progress and taking corrective action to ensure the stage remains in tolerance.

Managing Product Delivery

This process covers the work of a team or Team Manager. This process is the control used by the Project Manager to hand over work to a team or Team Manager for creation of the projects products.

Managing a Stage Boundary

The purpose of this process is for the Project Manager to summarise a stage that is coming to an end and prepare the detail for the next stage to present to the Project Board. The Project Board will review the success of the closing stage and the detail for the next stage along with the updated project plan, business case and risks

Closing a Project

This process provides a fixed point at which to confirm acceptance of the final product and achievement of all the project objectives laid out in the Project Initiation Document.

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A PRINCE2 Management Team Structure

Written by | Published May 19, 2010

PRINCE2 training structurePRINCE2® proposes a Project Management Team Structure consisting of:

  • Executive – Ultimately accountable for the projects success and is the key decision maker who is responsible for the business case.
  • Senior User – responsible for specifying the needs of the user, committing user resources and specifying benefits and ensuring they are realised.
  • Senior Supplier – represents the interests of those designing, developing, facilitating, procuring and implementing the projects products. This role is accountable for the quality of the products delivered by the suppliers.
  • Project Assurance (Optional) – for each member of the Project Board, one or more people can be selected to act on behalf of the Board member. This role is responsible for monitoring all aspects of the project’s performance and products independently of the Project Manager.
  • Change Authority – an authority for approving or rejecting requests for change or off-specifications.
  • Project Manager – who will manage the work on the project on a day to day basis and report directly to the Project Board.
  • Team Managers (Optional) – ensures the production of those products allocated by the Project Manager.
  • Project Support (Optional) – who will provide a support role to the Project Manager and Team Manager as well as act as Configuration Librarian.

Note While some of these roles are optional, the responsibilities are not. If these roles are not allocated, then the responsibilities default to the next level of management above them.

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