Manage Projects Effectively

As more and more organisations search for ways to improve their bottom line performance, many turn to the techniques and tools of project management. Used correctly these can allow the achievement of key business objectives within clearly defined and controlled cost, quality and time constraints. This book introduces students to the skills and knowledge required of managers today to define, plan, operate and review a project. The first section of the text defines the terms project and project management, examines the specific skills a manager of projects requires, and deals with basic management concepts as they apply to projects, teams and individuals. Factors that affect projects, including quality, risk and Occupational Health and Safety requirements are also looked at. Section two explores the elements outlined in the Business Services Training Package unit of competency BSBCMN419A Manage Projects. Incorporated is a selection of tools and techniques to define the scope of a project, develop a project plan, operate and monitor the project, and to review the project.   

Table of Contents:
Preface PART 1 - AN INTRODUCTION TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT Section A: Project management and the skills required    Overview What is a project? A short history of project management Characteristics of a project The outcomes of a project Important considerations when managing projects The skills required for effective project management Section B: Managing the project team and individuals Overview Project leadership Team development Communicating with the team and stakeholders Motivating the project team Maslow’s theory of motivation Herzberg’s two factor theory Vroom’s expectancy theory The equity theory Managing poor performance How to improve poor performance Training project participants Dealing with project conflict Negotiating within projects Delegation for the project manager Section C: Factors affecting projects Overview The project life cycle Projects and quality Risk and project management Risk management Risk and occupational health and safety Project security PART 2 - COMPETENCIES FOR BSBCMN419A MANAGE PROJECTS  Section 1: Define project Project scope and other relevant documentation is accessed Project stakeholders are defined 1 Clarification is sought from delegating authority of any issues related to project and project parameters Limits of own responsibility and reporting requirements are identified Relationship of project to other projects and to the organisation’s objectives is clarified Available resources to undertake project are determined and accessed Section 2: Develop project plan Project plan including timelines, task breakdown, roles and responsibilities is developed Appropriate project management tools are identified and accessed Risk management plan, which includes OHS, is formulated for project Project budget is developed and approved Team members are consulted and their views taken account of in planning the project Project plan is finalised and any necessary approvals gained to commence project according to documented plan Section 3: Administer and monitor project Action is taken to ensure that project team members are clear about their responsibilities and the requirements of the project Support is provided to project team members to ensure that the quality of the expected outcomes of the project and the documented timelines are met Required record keeping systems are established and maintained throughout the project Plans for managing project finances, human resources, physical resources and quality are implemented and monitored Project reports are completed and forwarded as required to stakeholders Risk management is undertaken as required to ensure project outcomes are met Project deliverables are achieved Section 4: Finalise project Financial record keeping associated with project is completed and checked for accuracy Staff involved in project are assigned to new roles or reassigned to previous roles Project documentation is completed and any necessary sign offs obtained for concluding project Section 5: Review project Project outcomes and progress are reviewed against the project scope and plan Team members are involved in the review of the project Lessons learnt from the project are documented and reported within the organisation Glossary