Project Management

How often do you hear of projects over running? Has it ever happened in your business? The answer to these two question will probably be "lots" and if truthful, "yes".

Is it because projects are incorrectly specified? You may think yes, but actually the is very rarely the case. The overwhelming reason for project overrun or even failure is poor project management, incudling lack of resource. Everybody is busy these days and taking on an additional project management task is often out of people's comfort zone and/or capabilities.

Bringing in an outside expert who has no agendas and no political bias or baggage is an ideal the solution. An independent project manager, like and Interim Manager, is 100% focused on getting the job done.

The additional cost of employing an independent project manager should make an overall saving of at least 4:1 against their costs.

Projects

Projects go through a number of phases. Managing its progress can ensure it all runs smoothly.

A typical project starts with someone having an idea, which then gains acceptance from a wider group: probably informally through discussion with colleagues and then through a more formal process involving senior management, the management committee or board. This leads to a funding approval process, which usually causes significant delay, and then when the funding is successful the project can start, staff can be appointed and work can begin. This work has to be planned and managed, problems dealt with, until the project concludes, hopefully successfully, and is wound up.

The key elements of project management consist of:

• Defining the project accurately, systematically clarifying objectives.
• Dividing the project up into manageable tasks and stages.
• Controlling the project through its stages using the project definition as a baseline.
• Highlighting risks and developing specific procedures to deal with them.
• Clarifying roles to provide the basis for effective teamwork.
• Redefining the project when things change - they do.

The need to provide accountability and effective communication is implicit throughout.

If you are the stage of planning or approving a project to go ahead contact Sapio Associates before you get into 'Project Overrun' and worst of all 'Overspend'.

For a confidential conversation regarding Project Management please contact us on 01709 539912.