Video:How to Manage a Project
with Marc StephanThe success of a project always depends on its planning and management. Here you will find basic guidelines on how to manage a project with efficiency and positive results.
Transcript:How to Manage a Project
Project management is always about getting things done. I'm Marc Stephan for About.com and today we are going to talk about managing a project successfully.Understand the Goals of the Project
Before you can start you need to get the great picture. Gather all necessary information to define the task and the goals of your project by interviewing all people who fund and approve the outcome of your project. Make also sure to know what resources will be provided and in what limits you have to operate.Define the Project Tasks
Lay down the task in specific terms that make the objectives of the project clear. Produce a timetable that defines the milestone of your project and when they should be completed. Create also a listing that shows which member of your team will be responsible for what job. In some cases it might be also necessary to plan what equipment will be needed and when it will be available.Expect the Obstacles During the Project
Don't let unexpected incidents stop your project. Plan ahead and create safety lines by using a schedule that is not too tight and allows you to react to surprising events. Also have a strategy handy if members of your team quit or if deliveries don't arrive in time.Keep Everyone Involved in the Project Informed
Always let supervisors as well as other members of your team know what progress has been made. Also be clear about encountered obstacles and problems, so all involved people have a realistic picture of the status of the project.Never forget to report to your superior or clients in a regular fashion about the progress of the project. Also communicate problems if the outcome of the project is in danger. Giving account of the current status four times over the length of the project is an approved rule of thumb. So if your project is scheduled over four weeks, you should report every week. If its a four month project, you will provide feedback once a month. As you can see managing a project is a very diverse, and yet straightforward task.
If you would like to learn more about managing a project, a team, or a company, check out About.com.