Archive for the ‘Project Management’ Category
There are many different approaches to project management. The traditional approach is the most common, but depending on how a business is structured, critical chain, event chain or even extreme methodologies can also be useful. The key is knowing where your priorities are. Upon making that analysis, your next step should involve maximising your chosen methodology with project management software.
If a task was completed using traditional project management, it would go through the following stages:
1. Initiation
2. Planning
3.Execution
4.Monitoring
5. Completion
Such an approach works well for long-term projects where time is not a concern. As for software, a project management software system would be most helpful for the initiation, planning and monitoring stages. The task creation panels, along with the word processing or spread sheet options, would help managers in the initiation and planning stages, where the project is getting formed. For monitoring, managers can use digital timetables and calendars to determine if members are getting their work done on time. There would also be collaborative elements that would help members put their work together.
Critical chain management uses a different perspective. With this methodology, the focus is on getting the project in on time. While reliability is still important, managers may not focus on using as many tasks to complete their projects. For them, they would need the scheduling features available with project management software. Gantt charts might also be helpful. Through them, managers will learn how each task is progressing.
Next, there is the event chain methodology. In this approach, a cause-and-effect mind-set is used to plan assignments. Some of these events are planned in advance, but others might require a response as they happen. To deal with these issues, managers should focus on the collaborative elements associated with project management systems. Message boards and other similar tools could be used to keep managers up-to-date on the task’s next “event.” Even if everyone works in the same building, by communicating through the software, no one has to stop what they are doing. In addition, message boards give managers and employees the option to upload important files.
For visual representation, managers can use event chain diagrams. These use a series of rectangles to show what the next event is. A separate line for global occurrences would be used to help ponder any external factors that could create an unforeseen event. Note that with these diagrams, managers do have the ability to consider more than one event for a particular task. It is not completely linear.
Finally, there is the extreme method of project management. As its name would indicate, the extreme methodology uses very little if any form of organisation. The tasks are completed based on the whim of the company. On the surface, this may sound unusual, but for more relaxed industries, this approach could be somewhat freeing.
Regardless, if such an approach is used, managers will have to consider utilising the creative functions of project management systems. A brainstorming feature is the best example, though if this approach is going to be used in its entirety, it’s important that team members don’t spend too much time planning. Instead, they need to focus on how they will improve the tasks they already have on hand. With extreme project management, team members focus more on doing the project, even if they don’t have a solid direction.
James Bentham is a UK blogger writing on behalf of Iris who provide efficient and easy to use project management software to businesses. He has over 6 years’ experience in writing for the web.