Progress the Project
Often this is the main work for the project manager - keeping in touch with the individual activities and tasks that have been planned and progress chasing to keep them on track – particularly any which could delay the project.
This work covers four areas:
- The Work to be done
Having drawn up a time schedule for the activities and tasks to be carried out, progress them to make sure that they are done to schedule and particularly those on the critical path - those where a delay would delay the whole project.
- People
Ensuring that people are committing the time and effort they promised, those in the team but also the key contributors such as IT, HR, or contractors, who will all have other projects which demand their attention and time. (see link to Managing Contractors)
- Facilities & Materials
Ensuring that any equipment, space, or materials needed are booked in advance and will be available when needed.
- Finance
Ensuring that the necessary arrangements been made for financing of the project.
Then update the planning to reflect any changes or delays and look ahead for "Roadblocks" - implementation issues which could affect the project. During this, be particularly conscious that all too often, in managing projects the difficulties lie in the detail.
On many projects review meetings, team meetings and project reporting are a key vehicle for this. See link to Project Communications for more information.