Project management begins with planning to achieve a
goal. Many questions about a project must be considered before the
project even begins.
Why is the project
being initiated?
It's important to know who gave the directive to begin the
project. It's even more important to
understand why the project is being considered, which leads us to…
What problem is being
solved?
When a project centers on a solution it's difficult to tell
if that idea is the best or if it will even be helpful. "We need new software to perform this task"
is an example of a solution-driven project.
It isn't possible to design effective software without knowing what's wrong
with the old version.
Using the 5 Whys is a
method of root cause analysis. Getting
to the root of the problem can prevent frustration and unnecessary work. If the true reason for new software is
because someone doesn't know how to use the original version effectively,
there's a simpler and much less expensive fix:
training.
Who are the project's
stakeholders?
The stakeholders are the "customers" of the
project as well as anyone else that may be impacted. In the case of a software redesign,
stakeholders might include:
- Programmers
- IT
- End users of the software
- Recipients of the software's output (external
customers and/or internal customers)
Stakeholders should be informed at key phases in the
project. Their input could help identify
details that might otherwise go undiscovered.
Getting the buy-in of stakeholders can also help make sure that
implementation goes smoothly.
How does the project
fit in with the organization's goals and priorities?
When resources are limited it's good to understand how the
project fits in with the company's current objectives. It can be difficult for some to strike a
balance between essential operations and pet projects. In the end, valuable resources should be
applied to working on projects that help an organization achieve its goals.
When is the target
date of completion for the project?
Every project should have an achievable end date. If the project's objective is a "permanent"
one, like implementing quality control, there should be a date when it turns
into a process rather than a project.
The process should be documented and its
procedures should be followed going forward.
What do you think is
the most important factor to consider in project planning?
Learn more about project management on IHS
GlobalSpec. Read more about lean
manufacturing on CR4.
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