Project Management Stages: Initiation & Planning

• Project Management is achieved through a series of stages.
• The stages of project management are Initiation, Planning, Implementation, and Consolidation.

Project Management Initiation Stage

• Key activities include defining project goals and objectives.
• Key activities include identifying key stakeholders and their expectations.
• Key activities include feasibility analysis (technical, financial, and operational).
• Key activities include creating and approving the Project Charter.
• Key deliverables are the Project Charter (formal approval document), Stakeholder Register (list of key stakeholders), and Feasibility Report (if applicable).
• A Project Charter authorizes the project and details the scope, objectives, key stakeholders, and constraints.

Project Management Planning

• Key activities include the development of the Project Scope Statement.
• Key activities include creating a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
• Key activities include defining timelines and milestones, using tools such as a Gantt chart or CPM (Critical Path Method).
• Key activities include identification and allocation of necessary resources such as human, financial, materials.
• Key activities include conducting risk assessment and mitigation planning.
• Key activities include developing communication and quality management plans.
• Deliverables include a Project Management Plan(integrated document covering scope, schedule, cost, risk, communication, etc.).
• Deliverables include a Risk Register (list of identified risks and mitigation strategies).
• Deliverables include a Resource Allocation Plan.

Project Management Implementation

• Key activities include task allocation and progress tracking.
• Key activities include communication with stakeholders and managing expectations.
• Key activities include monitoring project performance using KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
• Key activities include controlling costs and managing changes.
• Key activities include ensuring quality assurance through periodic reviews.
• Key activities include addressing and mitigating risks and issues.
• Deliverables include Project Progress Reports, an Updated Risk and Issue Logs, and Change Requests (if any modifications are needed).

Project Management Consolidation

• Key activities include conducting a final performance eval and stakeholder reviews.
• Key activities include validating project deliverables against objectives.
• Key activities include closing contracts and releasing resources.
• Key activities include documenting lessons learned for future projects.
• Key activities include conducting post-project review meetings.
• Deliverables include a Final Project Report, a, Lessons Learned Document, Client Acceptance and Sign-off, and a Project Closure Document.

Project Life Cycle Graphical View

• The project life cycle includes phases such as preliminary system design, initial scheduling and budgeting, detailed design, and production.
• Project organization occurs through identification, definition, preparation, execution, and initiation of operations.
• The project manager is involved from preparation through operation.

Project Manager

• Project managers can do all work within their own companies, use a consultant, use a contractor, or use both.
• The role of the Project Manager depends on the work arrangement and role of the organization employing them.
• The project manager can serve as monitor, planner, coordinator, supervisor, and administrator/director.

Project Organization

• Project organization can include owners, licensors, consultants in engineering and/or management, Vendors and contractors.
• Consultants can be employed at various project development phases, and their involvement depends on the project owner's needs and previous related experience.

Managing Contractors

• A Managing Contractor is a firm or individual responsible for overseeing and managing construction or infrastructure projects on behalf of a client (owner or government).

Important Skills

• Important skills for project managers include scheduling and time management skills.
• Important skills for project managers include technical skills related Project Scope.
• Important skills for project managers include leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Important skills for project managers include marketing, financial management, and customer relations.