By: Daiv Russell
What is project management? Project Management is a field of employ in which the manager must control resources, such as people, money, and time, effectively. These controls help complete the project in the necessary time with desired quality. The skill of project management also reduces the cost of the project through application of better methods. A few examples are projects would be the construction of a dam or the implementation of a new computer network.
Project management includes the development of a project plan, frequently in the form of a Gantt Chart, which includes defining project goals and objectives, specifying tasks or how goals will be achieved, what resources are needed, and associating budgets and timelines for completion. It also includes implementing the project plan and to ensure that the plan is being managed according to plan.
A specialized bar chart is used to give a graphical overview, schedule of all activities or to provide elements and dependencies of a work effort. This is a chart with rectangular bars. The length of each bar is proportional to the value to which it corresponds. You can compare tow or more values with this bar chart. One of such charts is Gannt chart. The final product illustrates the schedule of a project.
The Gantt chart depicts the begin and end dates of the terminal elements. It also illustrates summary elements of a project. The work breakdown structure of the project is illustrated by the terminal elements and summary elements. A few elements also illustrate the precedence and network relationships between activities.
The initial format of the Gant chart was developed by Henry L. Gantt, hence the name. Henry Gantt created many different Gant charts and inspired many others. The Gantt chart that is popular today was described in 1942 as a layout chart by W. Clark. The use of additional charting lines to show the dependencies between tasks was a much later innovation and did not really become established until the late 1980's.
In project management, the chart can show when the project terminal elements start and finish, summary elements or terminal element dependencies. A terminal element is defined as the smallest task tracked as part of the project effort. Most modern project scheduling packages are able to produce a representation of tasks in a Gantt format. Other project management applications avoid this concept in favor of simpler communication tools (message boards, to-do lists, simple scheduling, etc).
When creating the chart process, first figure out what the required activities are and list them. Next, draft a preliminary version of the chart. Analyze the dependencies and pencil in the activities. Determine the amount of time in hours that each activity will take. Specify who will accomplish each activity. Then, analyze the total time required.
The main advantage is that it is a common technique which gives a good graphical overview and it is easy to understand. The main disadvantage is that projects are often more complex than that can be communicated effectively with this chart.
Author Resource:-> Daiv Russell is a management and marketing consultant with Envision Consulting in Tampa, Florida. Consult our Project Management Course Guide or learn more about Project Management Basics, and How to draw a Gantt Chart.
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Showing posts with label project management. Show all posts
Showing posts with label project management. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Matrix Organization in Project Management
By: Daiv Russell
In the 1960s and earlier, frequently big corporations were logically arranged into silos, in which divisions of employees reported to a line or functional manager. The attempt to restructure the organization to develop workable project management teams is referred to as a matrix organization.
Several different categories of matrix organizations exist. In each, the goal is to create a balance of power between each manager's particular functional needs. The primary types of matrices include: The Weak Matrix, Strong Matrix, and Balanced Matrix organizational structure. This article will cover the benefits and drawbacks of the strong matrix organization structure.
A Balanced Matrix Structure
There is a wise old saying; absolute power results in absolute corruption. Power struggles occur in all forms of matrix structures. Usually, the result of this type of power struggle will be detrimental to both groups who are struggling, the project and to the business organization as well. Sometimes these harmful effects may not be immediately visible. For example, if one project manager controls another manager and thus, forcing him or her to hand over important team members to aid in the completion of the project, the entire group suffers. It is imperative to find a manner with which to avoid this conflict.
Guidelines need to be in place to solve any problems that might arise due to conflicts with organizational boundaries. These guidelines should clearly state when each manager is in control of a particular worker. For example, make a rule stating that a worker may only be managed by the functional manager for projects lasting less than a week. For projects expected to take longer than one week's time, the rule could be that the project manager will control that employee. Another rule to consider is that one person may not be employed for two consecutive projects by the project manager.
To balance power between project and functional managers, it may be imposed a variety of rules and structures, in order to avoid the win/lose condition. Obviously, the name of the balanced matrix originates from the balanced power resulting from such organizational structure.
Author Resource:-> Daiv Russell is a management and marketing consultant with Envision Consulting in Tampa, Florida. Get more information on matrix organizational structure at project-management-course.info. Choose the right Project Management Software and better your Gantt Charts
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Successful Project Manager - An Effective Team Leader
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By: Daiv Russell
Project managers are individuals who are responsible for an entire project. A project manager will not be responsible for the nitty-gritty of completing every individual task, and it is rather unlikely that they will even have the skill sets to complete every aspect of an entire job. The project manager is simply the last word for all decisions. They usually are responsible for the ultimate success or failure of a project unless there is overwhelming evidence indicating another reason for success or failure.
What set of skills make for a successful project manager? Among the most important is being a strong team leader. Another important factor is being inquisitive and resourceful. It's critical to be able to track down information, and then combine it to do forecasting and make business decisions. These abilities combine and form the basis for effective project planning and implementation. Also, presentation skills are crucial, since managers need to communicate options and even advocate certain courses of action to persuade other staff members or customers. If you are not effective at planning and scheduling, you may wish to consider another career. If you are committed to being a good manager, you'll need to develop these skills.
A project manager must be decisive and impartial while planning the overall project. It is the manager's responsibility to motivate the team and to stay focused on the task at hand. This will allow budget and time constraints to be met. The project manager must be able to determine when the team should pursue a different direction. Proper planning and scheduling will ensure that the final result meets all quality standards.
The project manager also must keep in mind project goals and to define a plan and manage change. Project goals, as well as plans for achieving them, must be developed. The processes must be managed without allowing the scope to range beyond project goals. Risks must be identified, and contingency plans must be available in case they are needed. Any changes in the scope of projects must be determined, costs estimated, and documented in writing with the client.
Evaluating both team assets and liabilities can lead to good leadership qualities. A good project manager can also use their knowledge and aspire to successful results from the team effort. Diplomacy and assertion, as opposed to aggression, would be the best combination of skills in this field. While clear lines of communication to the team are also essential. However, on a more important note, the schedule may be the job for the manager to be responsible of, but the team should also be required to contribute as well.
The Project Management Institute, or PMI, was created in 1969. The intent of this organization was to ensure successful project managers attained necessary skills to be successful. Therefore, in 1981, the directors created standards and guidelines for this career path. Known as the PMBOK, this is a guide for the body of knowledge for project management. Reviewed often, this authority should be studied by those who desire to pursue a successful career as a project manager.
Author Resource:-> Daiv Russell is a marketing and management consultant with Envision Consulting in Tampa, Florida. Consult these resources to learn more about Gantt Charting, Pert Charting, and Project Management Software.
Get cash now for your privately held real estate note, structured settlement, annuity, or structured lottery winnings. www.cash4you123.com or call 1-800-908-9312.
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By: Daiv Russell
Project managers are individuals who are responsible for an entire project. A project manager will not be responsible for the nitty-gritty of completing every individual task, and it is rather unlikely that they will even have the skill sets to complete every aspect of an entire job. The project manager is simply the last word for all decisions. They usually are responsible for the ultimate success or failure of a project unless there is overwhelming evidence indicating another reason for success or failure.
What set of skills make for a successful project manager? Among the most important is being a strong team leader. Another important factor is being inquisitive and resourceful. It's critical to be able to track down information, and then combine it to do forecasting and make business decisions. These abilities combine and form the basis for effective project planning and implementation. Also, presentation skills are crucial, since managers need to communicate options and even advocate certain courses of action to persuade other staff members or customers. If you are not effective at planning and scheduling, you may wish to consider another career. If you are committed to being a good manager, you'll need to develop these skills.
A project manager must be decisive and impartial while planning the overall project. It is the manager's responsibility to motivate the team and to stay focused on the task at hand. This will allow budget and time constraints to be met. The project manager must be able to determine when the team should pursue a different direction. Proper planning and scheduling will ensure that the final result meets all quality standards.
The project manager also must keep in mind project goals and to define a plan and manage change. Project goals, as well as plans for achieving them, must be developed. The processes must be managed without allowing the scope to range beyond project goals. Risks must be identified, and contingency plans must be available in case they are needed. Any changes in the scope of projects must be determined, costs estimated, and documented in writing with the client.
Evaluating both team assets and liabilities can lead to good leadership qualities. A good project manager can also use their knowledge and aspire to successful results from the team effort. Diplomacy and assertion, as opposed to aggression, would be the best combination of skills in this field. While clear lines of communication to the team are also essential. However, on a more important note, the schedule may be the job for the manager to be responsible of, but the team should also be required to contribute as well.
The Project Management Institute, or PMI, was created in 1969. The intent of this organization was to ensure successful project managers attained necessary skills to be successful. Therefore, in 1981, the directors created standards and guidelines for this career path. Known as the PMBOK, this is a guide for the body of knowledge for project management. Reviewed often, this authority should be studied by those who desire to pursue a successful career as a project manager.
Author Resource:-> Daiv Russell is a marketing and management consultant with Envision Consulting in Tampa, Florida. Consult these resources to learn more about Gantt Charting, Pert Charting, and Project Management Software.
Get cash now for your privately held real estate note, structured settlement, annuity, or structured lottery winnings. www.cash4you123.com or call 1-800-908-9312.
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