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What is online project management? It is web based software that lets you manage your projects efficiently online or on the Internet. Gone are the days where you need to install software to each and every computer in your office for your team to have access and work on a project simultaneously with others. The modern technology of the Internet makes it possible for every computer to access the project database remotely without installing individual software. How did online project management started? Project management has been around since the 1900s when early architects planned on building infrastructures such as roads, bridges, railways and highways. It is a discipline wherein a process takes place that leads to a creation of an end product called a project, something that has never been created before or is revision of what has been created previously. How did online project management evolved? With the advancement in technology nowadays we are equipped with more ways to become ef...

A good and successful project stems out from a well planned and executed project management methodology . Successful project management is characterized by good planning, effective scoping and resourcing, realistic expectations of outcomes and strong management support. The more complex a project, the more important it is to have rigor applied to its project management through the adoption and use of a project management methodology. What exactly is a project management methodology? A project management methodology is a system of inter-related phases, procedures, activities and tasks that define the project process from the start through to completion. Each phase of the project produces a major deliverable that contributes towards achieving project objectives. Phasing of the project is also used to provide logical breaks in the project associated with key decision points. Phases consist of a number of activities that are groups of related tasks and, when viewed in isolation, give a cl...

The reason why project management templates are an essential tool for project managers is simple.  Using a template saves time and ensures uniformity of documentation.  Of all the tools available to project manager, templates are likely the most important and essential tool for project managers. Tools are the means that help managers and the team members successfully plan, manage and execute the different tasks involved in each project.  The best project management tools are not very sophisticated. They include primarily templates, check-lists (milestone reviews) and planning software. Given the wide range of project management tools available, the keys to selecting the right ones understand that different tools are needed along the different stages of a project life cycle, and knowing why project management templates are an essential tool for project managers. During all phases of the project, Milestones Reviews and Business Plans take a leading role.  In the Initiation phase, the P...

Using one or more business case templates can be of good use to the project manager, providing examples and guidance to ensure the manager’s final template is both easily to use and professional looking. Using templates can help the project manager with: Communicating the requirements of the customers to the project team without any ambiguity. Discussion on the requirements gathered and acceptance of the goals that must be achieved to satisfy the customer. Documenting the scope and feasibility of the job. If the plan is a worthwhile venture, it is documented. A part of the document goes to all the stakeholders to understand the scope of the project. Defining the project scope and goals Division of the plan into tasks and sub tasks Drawing up a project schedule to allocate work for each person and the deadlines for each of the tasks Determining if the cost predictions are comparable with the actual cost incurred Determining the effectiveness of the job, which can be measured by earned v...

Understanding why a business case is so important is an integral part of successful project management.  As the cost and complexity increase, so does the importance of the business case .  They are used in business, municipal and community projects, and not-for-profit groups. The purpose of the business case is to outline the rationale for undertaking the project, and to define the parameters and management factors involved in the project itself. It provides the project manager with a tool to guide the design, management and evaluation of the project. The business case serves three purposes: it provides the project manager the opportunity to think through the project in a systematic, step-by-step manner; explains why the project should be undertaken; and provides a framework for completion of the project on time and on budget. While the business case may be presented in various formats, there are certain elements to include in any written document.  Knowing why a business case is impor...

Project management software exists in many different levels of sophistication and variety of prices. This article aims to help project managers realize what kind of project management software tools they need and find out how computers can help them in everyday routine. Before choosing some particular tool you should have a look at the different kinds of projects to manage and corresponding project manager skills. It is very important to pick a project management software tool appropriate for you and your organization. The following types of projects and project management software solutions should cover the field broadly, though any categorization is very relative. Project management software for small projects, usually in single functional area At this level project managers usually plan and schedule only durations of project subtasks rather than resource capacity or work estimates. They do not need to track a project budget and their project status reports contain only completion d...

Running a business of any type can be a challenging endeavor.  However, when you decide to expand or change the way your business runs you should consider using a feasibility study template to help write out your plans. This type of study is conducted to help explain to your potential investors why your solution will work for your business. With the amount of risk that investors take when they decide to invest in any business, it may be hard for you to find an investor who will be willing to make the type of investment that you may need. However, if you present your potential investors with a full detailed report you are more likely to receive the investments that you need to complete the expansion of change of your business. When you use a feasibility study template you will have a guide to walk you through each step of the process of writing out a well thought out plan. When you are writing out your study you should first start by explaining the problem with your business or the op...

To fail as a Project Manager is easy; there are many ways to do it.  Some Project Managers do not actually manage the projects, they just coast along in their position with little or no ambition.  Some others are simply not up to date with the technological tools and improved practices.  There are Project Managers that will not delegate tasks to their support teams; and others that show no leadership as the project suffers from scope creep. It is easy to fail as a Project Manager.  But how to become a successful Project Manager?  The difference between failure and success for a project can be as simple as one word: effectiveness.  These seven tips can help you succeed. 1. Project Management tools : Learn to make effective use of available tools .  There are many software solutions available to assist Project Managers and their support teams.  However, just having the tools is not enough: you must understand them and ensure that your team does too. 2. Utilize time management techniques:...

The Business Case is an important tool for Project Managers.  It defines the particulars of the proposed project and provides justification of the intended work.  It is one of the first tools the Project Manager will use during the life cycle of the project. Using a business case template enables the Project Manager to quickly and easily create the necessary documentation in a format that is standardized and concise.  This makes it easy to read and reference by the project sponsor and other upper management stakeholders. 1: Executive Summary.  Usually composed last, the Executive Summary answers two questions: What is the desired goal of the project, and How will that goal be achieved.  Keep these answers brief, ten to fifteen lines maximum for each. 2. Purpose.  This section elaborates on the question and answer from the Executive Summary, What is the desired goal of the project. 3. Background and Chronology.  This is a detailed cause-and-effect explanation of the course of events, p...

Project Management Software can make the many jobs of the project manager much easier, facilitating progress from inception to completion.  Good software for project management should include most, if not all, of the following: Collaborative software Issue tracking system Scheduling Project Portfolio Management Resource Management Document Management Cost Control Budget Management Resource Allocation Communication Quality Management Documentation System Administrative System Project Management Software comprises a variety of different programs, and are available for purchase (proprietary) and for free (Open Source).  Some project management software is web-based, and others are not. Genius Inside, established in 1997, provides collaborative project management software solutions.  Their suite includes various modules: portfolio management, resource management, Gantt chart, risk management, document management an...

Any project you are preparing will proceed more smoothly and with greater effect by understanding and utilizing the Project Management Life Cycle .  It will assist you in narrowing the focus, keeping objectives in order, and of course bring the project to completion on time and under budget. The life cycle of a project progresses though five steps, which are Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring/Control and Closure.  There isn’t a single step that is more important that any other, and each step is critical to the successful completion of the project. The first step is Initiation.  It provides the over-view of the project and how it will be successfully achieved.  The most common tools or methodologies used are Project Review, Plan, Overview and Schedule Reviews.  The new project starts by defining its objectives, scope, purpose and list of deliverables to be produced.  During this initial phase the project manager will be appointed, and he will select his team members according t...

What is a project management methodology?  Some project managers assume that success of the project is dependent on a formal methodology.  A formal methodology is said to give direction, save time, and improves project quality. Many project managers use some kind of methodology: sticky notes on a project board, documented procedures, or software either customized for project management or adapted to it, such as a word processing and spreadsheet programs. The common theme of these and other methodologies is that they assist project management and can improve project success. What is a project management methodology? A methodology is “a set of methods, processes and practices that are repeatedly carried out to deliver projects.”  The key concept is that the same steps are repeated for every project undertaken.  Repetition encourages efficiency in the approach to project completion. When purchasing or developing a methodology, it should include a core set of processes to follow for delive...

Project management templates are an excellent resource for a manager’s first project, or a fine tool for the experienced project manager that produces numerous project documents.  Templates give a consistent and repeatable format for all products or projects that are entered and tracked in the company's pipeline of projects and products. This list indicates the common heading or sections in a project management template . Title Table of Contents Executive or Project Summary Mission Statement Objectives Needs Assessment Technical Analysis Project Work Plan Financial Plan Appendix Senior management will find consistency is very helpful for an objective and fast evaluation, comparison and decision-making.  They are the ones to decide whether a new project has sufficient economic value, especially compared to other potential projects, to be included in the company's project portfolio. Having determined the outline for the proje...

Project methodology is the manner in which a project is handled.  There are many different methodologies, most of them tailored to a particular industry. Project methodology guides an organization or an individual from start to finish. A project management methodology probes deep in the various steps of the project management life cycle. It is a checklist of tasks to be performed in the various steps of the plan. The project management methodology gives the manager a definite control over the scheme, allowing him or her to maneuver the team toward the destination called success. A project without a methodology would be a train running without tracks. It further allows the project manager to standardize the protocols of a plan, thereby providing a general structure of the steps, which can be followed in all other future projects. Project methodology phases: A project in general is divided into many phases depending on the life cycle model used for it. In general, the methodology deals w...

Project Managers have four essential tools to help them bring a project from start to finish, on time and within budget.  Without these tools in place and effective use, a project will most likely fail in delivery and client satisfaction. Specifically, the tools addressed in this article are: The budget; Work breakdown structure; Network diagram; Risk management plan . Effective use of these project management tools is the core of a successful project.  When put into use, they can help the Project Manager and support team stay on track and deliver the objective as required. 1. The Budget.  The budget is the project management tool that will be used the most throughout the life cycle of the project.  The Project Manager begins by allocating resources and assigns tasks within the budget allowance.  During the execution of the project plan, it is not unusual for the Project Manager to make adjustments to keep the project within the budget parameters. For small...

The project manager is the person responsible for projects from beginning to end. The basic mechanics of becoming a project manager can be learned and implemented by almost anyone.  But what makes a normal manager into a good project manager? Actions allow a strong leader to gain the respect of the project team.  Involvement of the team and organization in decision making is a principle action that gives the project manager respect. Allowing ideas to “bubble up” from all corners of the organization is an important mechanism for the project manager to utilize.  Good ideas often come from those on the “front line” of business every day. The project manager’s authority and responsibility for the big picture will not be negatively affected by delegating daily tactical decisions.  Team members that have enthusiastic ownership of their ideas will be invested in making it work. One of the surest ways to secure employee loyalty is recognizing people for their contributions.  Recognition and aw...

Project management software exists in many different levels of sophistication and variety of prices. This article aims to help project managers realize what kind of project management software tools they need and find out how computers can help them in everyday routine. Before choosing some particular tool you should have a look at the different kinds of projects to manage and corresponding project manager skills. It is very important to pick a project management software tool appropriate for you and your organization. The following types of projects and project management software should cover the field broadly, though any categorization is very relative. Project management software for small projects, usually in single functional area At this level project managers usually plan and schedule only durations of project subtasks rather than resource capacity or work estimates. They do not need to track a project budget and their project status reports contain only completion date trackin...

The project management process is key to ensure a project’s good start leads to a good finish.  It also ensures the project stays on course.  The project manager must stay aware of the progress of the project, especially as more people become involved and the tasks become more complicated.  The project manager also has to retain control over the project from start to finish. Project management is very important for every organization. The project management process can be defined as a combination of planning and controlling the execution of a certain project. The entire process is a combination of tasks to be fulfilled and actions taken to fulfill them. The project management process is divided into four stages: initiating the project, planning the project, execution of the project, and evaluation of the project. Here we describe the steps that give framework to the workflow. The initiation of the project is the first stage. At this stage, a problem or an opportunity is identified for ...

Project management methodology is the method used to manage a project.  Project management plans, organizes, and manages resources for the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. One type of project management methodology is PRINCE2: PRojects IN Controlled Environments.  It is an effective process-based method for managing projects. The PRINCE2 project management methodology helps determine who should be involved in a project, and the roles and responsibilities they will have.  It has a set of processes and explains what information needs to be gathered. Most organizations interested in using this project management methodology start with accreditation training.  Unlike some methods, PRINCE2 is a complex system with many angles and processes.  The training provides the knowledge needed to manage a project and an understanding of the terminology used. In training, the principles are logical; putting theory into practice, however, proves to be problematic for some...

The project management methodology is often determined before a project starts.  In some cases, selection is made by inertia and custom, doing what has been done previously to good effect.  Other times, a company-wide initiative calls for review of other available methods to find one better suited or easier to use. It is important to be aware of the many different project management methodologies, and to have understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in various methods. A selection of Project Management Methodologies: Adaptive Project Framework The core values of the APF approach are: Client-focused Client-driven Incremental results early and often Continuous question and introspection Change is progress to a better solution Don't speculate on the future Agile Software Development Agile software development is a conceptual framework for undertaking software engineering projects. Most agile methods attempt to minimize risk by developing software in short time...

The beacon for companies that look for a specific type of project managers is project management consulting.  These project managers have fiery leadership skills and a dedication to seeing a project to completion.  In addition, you need to have the following characteristics: Confident Problem solver Motivated Obsessive Lateral thinker Personable Flexible Assertive Honest Realistic The fewer of these trains you have, the less likely you are to become a project manager consultant.  Fortunately, many of these traits can be acquired or learned so it is not the end of the road.  As long as you are determined and willing to show your dedication to becoming a project management consultant, and if your portfolio supports your claims, there is a fair chance you will find your way into a consultant position. Project management consulting is probably best described as a ‘job-on-wheels’ since projects are usually a set of tasks that have a definite schedule: developme...

Knowing why project management templates are useful when carrying out large projects is the first step to a smoothly-running project.  There are numerous templates available for different project management tools , like Gantt Charts or Risk Analysis, and a manager should take advantage of any template solution found to be applicable to the project.  Templates can save time and money and help the manager avoid mistakes.  A good template is adaptable to a specific project and future ones as well. Save Time Why project management templates are useful when carrying out large projects is because of the time saved in developing a project plan from scratch.  There is no reason for a project manager to redo work that is already done, and simply needs to be filled in on a template. Although it might take some time to find the right template or templates, once they are found the investment of time is a once and only investment.  A project manager will see the value added to the management proces...

A Project Management Consultant could mean the difference between success and failure for projects, and even for businesses.  As a “fresh set of eyes” a consultant can often see where processes or methods are lacking, and recommend solutions based on previous experiences. The best time to consider hiring a consultant is before your company faces serious trouble.  For example, if your small business is doing poorly and or your profits continue to get smaller each year, and you are in desperate need of cash flow to pay your overdue bills, it may be too late for a project management consultant to help turn things around. Retaining a consultant to review your business or plan objectives only makes sense if you are going to follow the consultant's advice.  On the other hand, if you do not want to follow the consultant's advice, chances are your business will continue to slide until eventually your cash is gone. Here are some things successful owners have in common when hiring a Proj...

The reason why project management templates are an essential tool for project managers is simple.  Using a template saves time and ensures uniformity of documentation.  Of all the tools available to project manager, templates are likely the most important and essential tool for project managers. Tools are the means that help managers and the team members successfully plan, manage and execute the different tasks involved in each project.  The best project management tools are not very sophisticated. They include primarily templates, check-lists (milestone reviews) and planning software. Given the wide range of project management tools available, the keys to selecting the right ones are understanding that different tools are needed along the different stages of a project life cycle, and knowing why project management templates are an essential tool for project managers. During all phases of the project, Milestones Reviews and Business Plans take a leading role.  In the Initiation phase,...

Methodology includes a philosophically coherent collection of theories, concepts or ideas as they relate to a particular discipline or field of inquiry.  If refers to more than a simple set of methods; it refers to the rationale and philosophical assumptions that a particular study. In some cases, methodology does not refer to research or analysis techniques.  It can refer to any or every thing that can be Another key (though arguably imprecise) usage for methodology does not refer to research or to the specific analysis techniques. This often refers to anything and everything that can be summed up for a discipline or a series of processes, activities and tasks. Methodology is developed by the outline of who, what, where, when, and why. The processes themselves are only part of the methodology along with the identification and usage of the standards, policies, rules, etc. To install a methodology, a project for this purpose should be established.  Use of a project management system wil...

Management Process is defined as activity which involves Planning, Controlling and Decision Making. Management Process describes functions of a manager and functions to enable the workers. Workers enablement gives authority to staff in the operation level to plan, control, and to make decisions without requiring authorization from middle or top management. Worker enablement is done based on the philosophy that the workers are considered very close to the job and are capable to give input and suggestions, to get ideas, and have an active role in problem solving.  Workers are given permission to stop production so they can identify the problem and solve it. They are asked to give input and ideas which are used to improve the production process. The involvement to manage the company through workers enablement is a core element to promote continuous improvement. Worker enablement is similar to High Involvement Organization (HIO) which allows high participation of the workers in all aspects...

Define the risk management methodology to be used, the risk assumptions, the roles and responsibilities, the timeframes, risk rating/scoring techniques, establish risk thresholds, define risk communications, and develop a risk tracking process. 1.    Define the risk management methodology to be used: The risk management process is scalable to ensure that the level, type, and visibility of risk management are commensurate with both the risk and the importance of the project. A.  Risk Identification: Risks will be identified by using the Risk Assessment Questionnaire Template, augmented to include other project specific risks, as appropriate. B.  Categorize Risks – The Risk Assessment Questionnaire Template groups the risks into categories.  The project will create additional categories, as required. C.  Risk Impact Assessment - For each risk identified, assess the risk event in terms of likelihood of occurrence and its effect on project objectives if the risk event occurs.  This inform...