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PROJECT MANAGEMENT HM-401

Introduction to Project Management

Lec # 1

INTRODUCTION
PROJECT
A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service, involving research or design that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim.

A project can be considered to be any series of activities and tasks that Have a specific objective to be completed within certain specifications Have defined start and end dates Have funding limits (if applicable) Consume human and nonhuman resources (i.e., money, people, equipment) Are multifunctional (i.e., cut across several functional lines)

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INTRODUCTION
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Cont

The application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project objectives, to meet stakeholder needs and expectations. A method for organizing tasks. A structured framework to help a group work productively Tools to aid in task sequencing, dependency analysis, resource allocation, scheduling, etc. Tools to track progress relative to plan. On the other hand, involves project planning and monitoring and include items like Project planning
It is needed because. Multiple people Multiple resources (labs, equipment, etc.) Multiple tasks some must precede others Multiple decision points approvals Project monitoring Phased expenditure of funds Tracking progress Matching of people/resources to tasks Comparing actual outcome to predicted outcome Analyzing impact Making adjustments Definition of work requirements Definition of quantity and quality of work Definition of resources needed

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

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Project management Why Projects Fail Failure to align project with organizational objectives Poor scope Unrealistic expectations Lack of executive sponsorship Lack of project management Inability to move beyond individual and personality conflicts Politics

Project management Why Projects Succeed Project Sponsorship at executive level Good project charter Strong project management The right mix of team players Good decision making structure Good communication Team members are working toward common goals

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Laws of Project management Projects progress quickly until they are 90% complete. Then they remain at 90% complete forever. When things are going well, something will go wrong. When things just cant get worse, they will. When things appear to be going better, you have overlooked something. If project content is allowed to change freely, the rate of change will exceed the rate of progress. Project teams detest progress reporting because it manifests their lack of progress.

Benefits of project management Project management was developed to save time by properly planning a project and considering all relevant factors which may affect its outcome The benefits have been proven - it saves time and money - and generates a more successful outcome . if guidelines are followed
Even though project management gives the set of tools to schedule and organize, there are many factors that need to be considered if projects are to be successful. It is not a magical solution Project management does not do the work for person, but helps to be specific and organized without losing the overview of what to do and why.

Importance of project management

With limited resources, project management can be very important by: Increasing productivity Boosting efficiency Making the most of every resource Making sure that deadlines are met

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How does project management benefit you?

Your resources will be coordinated Your risks will be identified and managed You will increase the possibilities of time savings You will increase the possibilities of cost savings You will increase the possibilities of achieving the agreed outcome You will increase the possibilities to deliver projects successfully

Improved quality
Decision-making routes and processes are clearly defined Deadlines, costs and resources are controlled systematically
All processes in the project management activity chain are coordinated to ensure they remain in harmony with one another

The result will help you to get:

more speed greater flexibility improved quality

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What project management helps you to achieve

Plan tasks in project Avoid dependencies problems Reduce risks Track progress accurately Organize project process and timeline Improve stakeholder - staff communication Improve management of stakeholders expectations Complete within budget and on time

The triple constraint

Quality

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Role of a project manager

The role of a project manager is affected by the one-shot nature of the project The role of a project manager is difficult when team members are still linked to their permanent work areas
Members may be assigned to several projects simultaneously

Managers must rely on their communication skills and powers of persuasion

Project manager attributes

Leader & manager Facilitator, coordinator Communicator Credibility: Technical/ Administrative Work under pressure Goal-oriented Innovator Versatilist Knowledgeable about the organization Political sensitivity Conflict: sense, confront, resolve Can deal with stress, chaos, ambiguity Planning and followthrough Ethical dilemmas

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Project manager duties

Reports to senior management Communicates with users Plans and schedules Obtains and allocates resources Controls risks Manages people Coordinates Implements quality assurance Controls the budget Delivers results

Project teams
Diversity of knowledge needed Cross-functional Self-directed Often ad-hoc or temporary Often distributed (geographically) Start and end dates

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Project personnel skills

Technical Political Problem-oriented
(vs. discipline-oriented)

Goal-oriented Flexibility, adaptability High self-esteem

can handle failure, risk, uncertainty, unexpected can share blame and credit

Project management methodology scope

What is a methodology
The way we do things around here ! Communication, consistency, understanding, accountability

Project management vs. other activities This way project management uses the same approach for all situations

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The End

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