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The Focus of Project Management = Control + Communications + Documentation

November 28, 2008 | Author: PM Hut | Filed under: Concepts, Role of the Project Manager, Project Management Best Practices

The Focus of Project Management = Control + Communications + Documentation
By John Filicetti

Control

  • The project manager controls:
    • Scope by working with the client to define the scope and objectives of the project and managing to those definitions during the project implementation.
    • Costs by managing the project budget.
    • Resources by organizing and managing schedules according to project objectives.
    • Risks through risk identification and mitigation.
    • Changes through change control process.
  • The project managers must also manage work relationships through motivation, delegation, supervision, team building, conflict management, and other techniques.
  • The project manager uses General Management skills provide much of the foundation for building project management skills.

Communications

  • Communications skills are used to exchange information.
  • The sender is responsible for making the information clear, unambiguous, and complete so that the receiver can receive it correctly and confirm it is properly understood.
  • The receiver is responsible for making sure that the information is received in its entirety and understood correctly.
  • Stress how Project communications is critical and what aspects it takes on.

Documentation

  • Another aspect of communications is Documentation.
  • If you ever work a project with me, you will hear me use the term, “write it down” all the time.
  • The need for documentation during the life of a project cannot be stressed too much.
  • The more times you can document a conversation, a process, a plan, a schedule; and have it validated by other team members or a client, the more you will be seen to be organized and in control of the project.

John F. Filicetti, PMP, MBA
John Filicetti is a Sr. Sales Engineer/PM-PMO-PPM Consultant with a great depth of experience and expertise in enterprise project management, project management methodologies, Project Portfolio Management (PPM), Project Management Offices (PMOs), Governance, process consulting, and business management. John has directed and managed project management teams, created and implemented methodologies and practices, provided project management consulting, created and directed PMOs, and created consulting and professional services in such areas as project portfolio management, Governance, business process re-engineering, network systems integration, application development, infrastructure, and complex environments. John has enjoyed many years as PMO Director for large corporations in the Seattle area and leads the PMO Roundtable discussion group and forum.

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