BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR PROJECT SUCCESS

Step 1 - Clearly Define the Project

During project initiation phase, it is imperative that key stakeholders have a clear understanding of what the project goals are and how success will be measured. The first step in defining the "what" of the project is to develop a scope statement. The scope statement outlines the justification for the project, its products, objectives, deliverables and serves as the basis for future project decisions. The Scope Statement can be as short as a few sentences or as long as a couple of pages. Of course, the scope statement will not be as detailed as the overall project plan, but should contain enough detail to help define the work required to complete the project. A well-written scope statement will become the primary input to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

Step 2 - Spend Quality Time with your Project Experts

Stakeholders often expect accurate estimates even before the project team has had an opportunity to assess, evaluate, and plan the work. At this stage pin point accuracy is not realistic but reliable estimates are very possible when the right people are involved in the process. To achieve this, it is essential that knowledgeable resources actively participate in the cost and schedule estimating processes. You must include the people who will be actually performing the work on the project or those who have experience with the type of project being estimated. In most cases, the project manager does not have the insight of those doing the work and team members are far more likely to endorse the plan if it reflects their own input.

Step 3 - Project Management Tools

On the down side, we do not always practice what we preach as it relates to the principles of project management planning. However, with the availability of the internet, public libraries and local bookstores, you will easily be able to find the latest information and valuable pointers on how to proceed. These sources will remind you of the the "Best Practices" that you learned in the classroom that tend to fall by the wayside when things get rushed as often happens during difficult or long projects.

When best practices are combined with the support of your group of experts you will be well on your way towards improving your projects success. By repeatedly following these tactics you will continue to deliver results that are consistent and measurable.

Lastly, one of the greatest resources for project information and direction that we often overlook comes from similar projects that you or your colleagues have done in the past. No matter how good or bad the outcome of a project, there will always be something valuable that you can take away and apply on your current or next project. So no matter how badly you want to forget a bad experience, keep the records in a safe place. You never know when you might be able to turn a bad past project into a future successful one.