Project Management Basics1 LawNet Presentation Project Management Basics Joe Buser Traveling Coaches, Inc.

Project Management Basics2 Project Management Challenges Unclear objectives Unrealistic schedules Over-committed resources Unclear or changing priorities Poor communication

Project Management Basics3 What is a project? A project is a unique effort with a defined beginning, a defined end, specific deliverables, and defined resources. ResourcesSchedule Scope

Project Management Basics4 Why do we need a project management model? To define & organize the project To plan the project To track & manage the project

Project Management Basics5 Define & Organize the Project

Project Management Basics6 Benefits of Organizing Everyone knows their role and their responsibilities A better understanding of the project goals Structured team communication

Project Management Basics7 Project Roles Sponsor Project Manager Project Team Project Management Office (PMO)

Project Management Basics8 Benefits of a PMO Manage scarce technical and project management resources Standardize data collection and status reporting Historical analysis Develop and maintain best practices

Project Management Basics9 Project Definition Document (PDD) Establishes in writing what the project includes and does not include Defines scope, schedule and resources Sign-off is required

Project Management Basics10 Project Procedures Document Foundation for all processes Review the document with project teams Reach agreement on each item Sign-off is required

Project Management Basics11 PM Procedures Categories PlanningTrackingPractices Relationships Development Deliverables Tools Tracking Reporting Meetings Project File Managing Issues Managing Change Ownership Communication Escalation

Project Management Basics12 Other PM Documents Requirements Issue Management Process Change Management Process

Project Management Basics13 Plan the Project

Project Management Basics14 Benefits of Planning Lays foundation for: Improved communication Minimized re-work Improved schedule predictability Quality products on time Visualizing the project

Project Management Basics15 Work Breakdown Structure Tasks with clearly defined: –Activity and deliverable –Work estimate –Resources

Project Management Basics16 Often Forgotten Tasks Project planning Approval cycles Key project meetings and client interfaces Quality control Testing Closeout activities

Project Management Basics17 Scheduling Enter WBS data into Microsoft Project Organize into master tasks and phases Add milestones Add lead and lag time

Project Management Basics18 Optimize the Plan Adjust calendars Adjust resources Critical path analysis Evaluate slack

Project Management Basics19 Project Risks Tasks on the critical path Tasks with several predecessors Tasks reliant on external groups Tasks using scarce resources Uncertainty of new technologies Extremely aggressive performance requirements

Project Management Basics20 Risk Management Plan Preventative actions Contingent actions Triggers Owner Risk Form Sign-off is required

Project Management Basics21 Track & Manage the Project

Project Management Basics22 Benefits of Tracking Provides clear indication of progress Keeps everyone informed Encourages the addressing of problems Provides credible completion estimates

Project Management Basics23 Collect Status Data Reports Project team meetings

Project Management Basics24 Where is the Variance Evaluate key milestones and the project finish date Do not assume that more time and resources will always fix the problem Resource problems are often overlooked because of stackup caused by working on multiple projects

Project Management Basics25 Take Adaptive Action Follow PM management procedures Follow Issue & Change Management procedures Review Risk Management plans Be creative and adaptive

Project Management Basics26 What to Report Schedule status Open Issues Change Requests

Project Management Basics27 Project Completion Capture lessons learned and formally end the project Follow up and ensure that all closing activities have been completed Include each closing activity in the WBS and the project plan

Project Management Basics28 Closing Activities Assess actual project cost Conduct project close out/review meeting Identify persons responsible for post project tasks Reward and recognize team members

Project Management Basics29 Questions & Answers

Project Management Basics30 Thank you! Joe Buser Traveling Coaches, Inc.