Top Ten Tips For Keeping A Project On The Right Track
Why do projects go awry? This is the question that many people ask or they are interested to know. Well, there, could be many factors that might affect the project success, and also it is very obvious that the reasons may be or may not be same for all. The project failure could be because of lack of resources, monetary issues, the inefficiency of the project manager... well sometimes the list can be never ending. According to a research conducted by an independent organization revealed that more that forty percent of information technology projects fail because of inefficient project management methods by the companies. The research organization also reported that some companies complete their projects but sometimes these projects go over-budget than that was estimated at project initiation stage.
The analysts have revealed that the major hurdle for keeping the project on right track has been inappropriate planning strategies, undefined project scope, lack of appropriate communication mechanism, and inadequate resources to name a few. There can also be many other causes for project failure or projects going off track. Unlike other industries, information technology industry is clouded by many issues such as unknown or partial known requirements, and the absence of formal scope. There are many more issues that can arise during production process.
If a project is delivered successfully, then the credit not only goes to the project manager but also goes to all the team members who are involved in the project. To keep it simple, it’s a combination of efforts of all the members associated with the project and also various other factors such as technology and tools. Even if one factor or resource is missing, then there are chances of project going awry. So, it is important that project managers keep a track of all the aspects related to the project so that the project doesn’t get out of hand or control. In this article, we will be focusing how project managers can ensure that the project is heading in the right direction. Listed below are ten points recommended for project managers to ensure that their project development process stays on the right path.
1. Project Scope
Defining a proper project scope is the first job of a project manager the project managers have to perform during the initial stages of the project. This phase defines the entire project scope, it covers aspects such as the delivery date, infrastructure requirements, human resources, technology, and tools. Sometimes it is possible that new recommendations come from the client side, project managers then have to make changes to the project scope as and when a customer or client proposes new requirements. Well, project managers expect such changes, but they have to also keep in mind that these change requests are only a minor one and also they have to ensure that these are not done very frequently or else there is every chance that the project might get slowed or even get delayed.
2. Meetings Planner
Project managers must conduct periodic meetings with the team members, which will give them the opportunity to study the progress of the project. During these meetings, project managers must ensure that all aspects of the project have been discussed. They can also conduct agenda based meetings with their team members.
3. Project plan
This is one of the important stages in the project, during this the project managers assign tasks and responsibilities to all the team members. This project plan is also shared with the stakeholders as they are aware of each and every stage of the project and the progress that has been made from time to time.
4. Project Documentation
The project managers must ensure that all the project development process is accurately and neatly documented and easily be understood to the end readers. This document will be shared with all the stakeholders and team members. The project managers must ensure that important information related to the project is well documented.
5. Reporting
Project managers must design and develop good and effective reporting mechanism so that all the stakeholders and team members are well informed about the project progress and developments.
6. Resource Management
One of the important tasks of project managers is to delegate the work to the right resources. If the work is not delegated properly among the team members, or it would be more appropriate to say right team members, then it might hamper the steady progress of the project. Project managers must be well aware of their team members abilities.
7. Assessing Risks
This is one of the most important traits of an experienced project manager. An experienced project manager can assess few risks that their project team may come across during the project development process. This trait usually comes with the immense project management experience and by referring project management books.
8. Team Effort
The success of the project depends on a lot of factors, and the complete team effort is one of those factors. Project managers must always motivate their team to give their best output.
9. Attitude
The project managers must also have a close watch on the team members, and always keep an eye on their behavior. Project managers must always encourage their team members so that they stay focused on the project deadlines, and if a team member is not serious or less focused they must counsel them and help their team member in regaining their focus on the project.
10. Project Manager Powers and Authorities
The management also plays a crucial role in ensuring that the project development process is on right track. The top tier management has to give some liberty to the project managers so that they can handle the project in a better manner.
Conclusion
Listed above few tips that project managers and management teams can employ for ensuring that the project is on the right track.