Supervising and managing complex projects lies at the heart of a project manager’s job description. While an experienced and qualified project manager is essential, there are many other factors that influence that overall outcome of projects.
Dedicated project team
A project manager’s expertise and experience will only reflect if he or she has a dedicated project team to work with. Companies need to ensure that the project team consists of workers which are suited to the requirements of the project and have the attributes in delivering it within the completion time.
It is critical that team members coordinate and cooperate with one another and manage the activities related to the project under the supervision and guidance of the project manager.
Strategic planning
The outcome of the project largely depends on how strategically it has been planned for execution. It is firstly crucial that a feasibility study is performed to evaluate how what tools, equipments and resources will be required for the completion of the project and the time is would take to finish it. Senior company representatives as well as suppliers should also be on board to identify the challenges and risks of the project.
More importantly, costs estimates can signal the amount of working capital required for the project and whether the project team requires more financing to oversee the project’s completion.
Efficient Risk Management
A successful project is also dependent on how efficiently risks are managed during the course of the project. One way or another, project managers are most likely to face situations where the project does not conform according the strategic plan laid out for execution. It either may be taking longer than expected or the resources required for its completion may be short in supply that has pushed up prices considerably.
In such cases, it is absolutely critical that along with strategic planning, a carefully thought out risk management plan is also made. This way, the project team will have ample time to strategize various counter measures as well as prepare contingency plans should a project fail to conform to the needs and goals of the company.
Risk management for example will cover issues relating to unexpected power outages that could delay the minimum estimated project completion time by keeping a power generator for backup use.
Effective communication
There is no project management without teamwork and no teamwork without effective open communication. Instilling a culture of open information can allow team member to stay informed a lot more quickly and easily. This can allow employees to notify important changes and updates to activities that can be critical for saving time. This is because if project undergoes a problem, then the lack of communication can bring it to a standstill and lead to costly counter measures.
Management support
The support of senior management is also vital in ensuring projects receive the appropriate attention pertaining to funds, resources and manpower. Management must be convinced that the particular project can bring immense competitive advantages. Without it, projects that are less essential will be put on priority and can derail the competitive position of the firm.
For more information on our series of project management programs in Houston area, please dial Phone No now.
