Posts Tagged ‘Project Management’

As a manager or leader, chances are that you will have to manage one or more projects.   These projects could range from a small scale internal project to a significant change project.  So how can you become more effective at managing projects?

Tip 1: Set clear goals

Projects are often established in response to a particular challenge or may be in response to a particular new development.  Whatever the reason for setting up a project, make sure goals are clear.

Tip 2: Develop clear plans

You would not set out to make a trip without some form of plan.  So why would you try to complete a project without clear plans.  Make sure that for every project, no matter how small or large, you have clear project plans.

Tip 3: Set milestones

Milestones are stepping stones along the way which allow you to track progress towards completion.  Using our analogy of the trip, you would need to research travel options, possibly book flights, arrange accommodation, pack your suitcase to name just a few.  These are all milestones along the way to a successful trip.

Tip 4: Review regularly and act

All projects have review processes but one difference between those that succeed and those that don’t is that action is taken when things are off course.  They also follow up to make sure that the actions are taken.

Tip 5: Keep project reporting simple

Have you ever received project reports in the form of huge spreadsheets?  While this level of documentation is essential at a project office level, those at a higher level need high level reports on the critical areas.

70% of projects fail to deliver the benefits anticipated at the outset.  By taking some simple but highly effective steps, you can greatly increase the likelihood of creating and delivering successful and sustainable projects.

Well we reached week 8 of series 5 of The Apprentice last night.  The task for the teams was to re-brand Margate, an English seaside town, which like so many in the UK is struggling to keep attracting visitors.

Empire was led by project manager Debra after a bit of debate with Howard.  Ignite were led by Yasmin.

Empire decided that they would focus on the Gay Community whilst Ignite decided to focus on the Family Market.

On both teams there were some good points that came up:

1. Team working was, on the whole, much better than in previous weeks.
2. Both teams really threw themselves into the task.
3. Both teams took the time to do some research.

The decision on the winning team came from the scores from a major advertising agency and a group of people from Margate.  Ignite won the task convincingly, getting 14 out of 20 points, while the losers Empire got 8 out of 20.

As always there were a number of learning points that arose.

1. The project management of the poster and leaflet production on Empire was poor.  They ended up with a half finished leaflet.
2. If you have not completed something, it is better to say so than come up with some half baked explanation in the hope that the recipient of the presentation will not challenge you.
3. If you are working with models for a photo shoot or in a business situation a team, you need to give clear direction
4. When making a pitch, you need to try and get a good opening.
5. When thinking about promoting something, you need to keep in your mind the overall aim.  It appeared that at times the teams lost sight of this.
6. Both project managers demonstrated once again that the communication skill of listening was not their strong point.

Back in the boardroom, Debra took in James and Mona to face Sir Alan and while it was a close run thing, Mona was the person who was fired.

You can watch The Apprentice every Wednesday on BBC1 or on the web on the BBCiplayer.