BradEgeland.com #PMP #PPM #project #Agile #cybersecurity #planning #ai #SAFe #coronavirus #virtual #mindmap #remote #COVID19 #scaledagile #fintech #webdesign
  • Welcome
  • Contact
  • Mentoring Contact Form
  • Expertise
  • Blog
  • Find Local PM Jobs
  • Books / White Papers
  • Software / Service Reviews
  • This Week in PM
  • PM Video Series
  • Awards/Recognition
  • Templates & Downloads
  • Clients
  • Professional Services
  • Past Survey Results

5 Strategies for Successful Project Management

3/18/2011

20 Comments

 
Project management is fraught with potential dangers. Success relies upon one’s ability to not only identify critical and non-critical paths, but to excel at managing all facets of the project from budget constraints, and project accounting, to timelines and work tasks. So, given all that is required of project managers, are there any essential tips or strategies to follow? There most certainly are!

1. Declaration of Project Scope

Planning is an absolute necessity in project management. While it’s enticing to rely on experience and “wing-it”, it’s much better to take the time to establish an initial plan of action. Regardless of how easy a new project might appear to be, there are always potential dangers waiting to delay the project and blow its budget. Project managers must clearly outline the approaches to be undertaken before starting any new project.

2. Establish Critical & Non-Critical Paths

Every project manager should be well aware of the importance of identifying critical & non-critical paths. However, the importance is not to identify them during the project management phase, but to identify them before-hand and properly assess their potential impact on the overall project. The best approach is to identify those critical paths and provide working scenarios on how best to manage delays, should they occur.

3. Using Compiled Data

A project manager’s success is dependant not only on their own abilities, but on the combined efforts of those they work alongside. Using compiled data is essential in assigning priorities, keeping track of task completion, and project accounting. Project managers must have one central document, project management software or unified platform where they are able to track real-time data.

4. Manage the Project, Not the Plan

It’s paramount to success that project managers focus on managing the project, and not trying to force the project to meet their initial plan. Delays are commonplace in project management. However, their impact is mitigated when the individual focuses on finding solutions to the problems in front of them, rather than spending too much time on why the delay occurred. Manage the project and its delays in real-time, and review why the initial plan failed after the project is completed.

5. Relying on Collaborate Efforts

It’s essential that project managers come to rely upon the input provided by coworkers and peers and do everything possible to avoid duplicating efforts. Redundancy is a killer in project management and does nothing more than add time and increase costs. Clearly defining work tasks, and properly assigning them, is essential to success.

Project managers must wear many hats. They must not only manage the project’s costs, but must also track task completion and rely upon the valuable input provided by those they work alongside. Perspective can easily be lost in a project, especially if it goes off course. Valuing the input of coworkers is essential to properly mitigating the effects of delays. 

20 Comments
Pinchas Shachar link
3/19/2011 05:16:24 pm

Dear Brade,

I am quite agree with your point of view, especially with the point "Manage the Project, Not the Plan" .
I would like to add that the vision and experience are critical to control the process.
In addition to "Manage the Project, Not the Plan", flexibility is an essential character to meet unexpected causes and suprises.
A good project manager should have the ability to change the plan in order not to loose time to market and to meet project schedule and to achieve the needed productivity and quality.

Reply
tony fawaz link
10/4/2012 04:22:49 pm

Your thinking toward the respective issue is awesome also the idea behind the blog is very interesting which would bring a new evolution in respective field.

Reply
Nir Rotshtein link
3/19/2011 07:59:21 pm

Hi Brade,

I quite agree with what you said.

However, I would like to add one more tip:
Before you start a new project, make sure you totally understand what the expected product should be and do. This include matching expectations with your customers/ product-managers

Reply
Time tracker link
4/4/2013 06:01:02 pm

I agree with you. its necessary for project management.

Reply
Emma Johnson link
4/4/2011 04:54:15 am

Great post! Being a project manager really is a tough job. It requires a lot from a person and that is why it is essential, primarily and ultimately for the project, that all the resources are utilized properly. Having a plan and setting objectives and expectations are on the top list, but execution must not take the back-seat as well.

Reply
Joe MacNish link
6/6/2011 04:58:19 am

I think one other consideration, particularly on critical projects, is ensuring you've got the right resources aligned with the project - not just in terms of technical skills but also performance capabilities and experience. Not all resources are equal. On important projects you want to make sure your team includes people with solid track records and experience, who can help ensure the project stays on track and also act as mentors/role models to newer, less experienced team members.

Reply
pmp link
1/24/2012 12:59:34 am

I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the latest stuff you post.

Reply
Career Management link
4/8/2012 10:19:34 pm

Admiring the time and energy you put into your website and in depth information you provide. It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same out of date rehashed information. Although it took me time to read through all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. Keep up the good work.

Reply
Management certificate link
4/18/2012 06:40:55 pm

Nice tips for a newly manager who wants to achieve some great goals in life.The blog gives satisfactory reasons for every question.Like to read it again.Thanks.

Reply
Management courses link
4/25/2012 02:32:44 pm

I really appreciate you for your brilliant Efforts, The visitors and readers can easily understand the concept. I agree with your conclusions made on this topic which is really very informative

Reply
metal binding machine link
4/30/2012 03:37:51 pm

You made a great point right there. I made a investigation on the topic and found many people will agree with your article. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I wish you post again soon.

Reply
equity tips link
5/28/2012 01:41:17 am

What a great competition to hold. Thanks for keeping us up to date. I just went through some of your previous posts and now following you on Twitter and FB Fan Page. Keep up the great work. Thanks

Reply
resume cover letter link
1/14/2013 11:09:58 pm

It is also possible that by utilising online technology, we can too help to address the issue of unemployment.

Reply
Andrew link
4/1/2013 04:39:20 am

Wonderful materials

Reply
online invoicing link
5/1/2013 09:03:59 pm

Thanks for sharing this great article.

Reply
eric eduam
8/5/2013 12:02:48 am

This piece of information is very useful

Reply
mark
8/9/2013 08:59:49 pm

thanking you mr. brade.. its useful for my assignments

Reply
Stock Tips link
8/30/2013 04:22:24 pm

Nice blog, i have seen many blogger but your blogging skills are wonderful.

Reply
Anastasios link
2/9/2017 03:02:33 am

Great stuff! It proves really efficiently the true challenges that a construction manager has to face daily. Go ahead and check also our infographic on the role and the responsibilities of a construction manager

http://blog.geniebelt.com/construction-project-manager-infographic

Reply
Emma Jones link
3/23/2018 05:11:22 am

Informative article on ppm! I read similar posts on this page.
https://www.advaiya.com/services/project-portfolio-management/

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author:

    Picture

    Brad Egeland


    Named the "#1 Provider of Project Management Content in the World," Brad Egeland has over 25 years of professional IT experience as a developer, manager, project manager, consultant and author.  He has written more than 7,000 expert online articles, eBooks, white papers and video articles for clients worldwide.  If you want Brad to write for your site, contact him. Want your content on this blog and promoted? Contact him. Looking for advice/menoring? Contact him.

    RSS Feed

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    March 2011
    January 2011
    December 2010
    November 2010
    October 2010
    September 2010
    August 2010
    June 2010
    May 2010
    April 2010
    March 2010
    November 2009

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.