I'm currently involved in my first complete project that I'll get to see from inception to completion. Let's just say the organization is "interesting", and even as a beginner there are obvious breakdowns happening. I'm interested in peoples' views on the use of project management tools such as MS Project - to what extent do they help, and what do you find the drawbacks to be? Thanks in advance, Bernadette Saving Changes...
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John ZacharProduct Dev Manager| Association for Project Management (APM)Brackley,, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom
In my opinion, the best project management tool is between your ears. Lots of people acquire a software package, like Project, and think the world is their oyster.
Project is a scheduling tool, not a management tool. Create a project plan first. Get a good idea what the problem is that you are solving, not one of the symptoms, but the 'real' problem. Then, with help, decide what deliverables or products need to be in place to resolve the problem. The delivery of these products should spawn benefit, which is always good.
Once a good handle is obtained on what the project really needs to deliver, then you can go about deciding how you will do it, and with what resources. Once a firm understanding is obtained of what you will be building, how you will be building it, and what resources you need, you can then derive your risk exposure, which needs to be managed. All this will of cocurse help to determine what budget will be required.
An important aspect here is to ensure those around the project do understand that if things are done on a shoestring, cheaply, then the quality of hte products delivered will suffer, and likely as not the problem will not be solved.
Once all this is done, you can then begin the process of establishing the schedule. Hope this helps, do let me know if there are any further questions. Saving Changes...
Bernadette, John's "project is a scheduling tool, not a management tool" comment is correct. Software programs are just that, software programs! In addition, as a scheduling tool, MS Project is designed for casual use at best. The professional scheduling software I would recommend is Primavera Project Planner (P3) or SureTrak.
I've attached a PM checklist to help you hit the ground running. Good Luck! Saving Changes...
