FAQs
These are a set of questions that people have asked, mainly about applying the project management approach to their normal work situation. We have tried to give what we feel are "best practice" answers but cannot pretend that the answers are definitive.
- When should something be called a project?
- What is a Project Manager?
- Do all projects need single project manager?
- Have you any tips for a project manager?
- What should I do if I become project manager of a project that someone else has already started and left?
- What about computer software for project management?
- What is a Project Sponsor?
- Do all projects need a project sponsor?
- Have you any tips for a Project Sponsor?
- What is PMI?
- What is the Gateway Process?
Have you any tips for a project manager?
First and foremost, make sure that you
have a sponsor
That someone or some group is acting as client or sponsor for the
project. Just as if you take a job you want to know who you report
to - who is your boss. If there is no project sponsor, then
perhaps establish who you would like it to be and then suggest to them that
they should act in that capacity for you.
Second, organise sponsorship
If your sponsor is a large (above six people) steering group,
project board or management team; try to ensure that someone in that
group is acting on your behalf - in fact is acting as your sponsor
on behalf of the group. Preferably, the person most interested in
your project.
Third, scope the project
Find a means of getting agreement to carry out a Project Scoping
Study - or if that fails carry out the study and present your
project scoping report anyway. This should only take a short time
and the project plan need only be two or three pages long.
Otherwise, you are simply accepting the objectives, timescales and
resources that others think are necessary.
Fourth, get organised.
The first thing an experienced project manager will do is open a
slim project folder, not to contain all the paperwork but simply to
contain the current state of play of the project. Often only an
update of the project plan. If you need to go to a meeting to update
a sponsor or a steering group, that project folder should contain
all you need.
Fifth, actively keep in touch
Build in time in your diary to keep up to date on progress. If the
project is a really large one then this may mean getting people to
do progress reports on their area. However, with most projects the
best way of keeping in touch is by talking to people. Get your
project sponsor to do the same at their working level. However many
reports, meetings and systems are used, much of project management
still comes down to progress chasing.