Mastering Project Management

 Successful project management is based on effective time management. Being a project manager, there is always a risk of getting lost in the variety of tasks, deadlines, and coordination of the work of the team. Nevertheless, it is possible to plan your time properly, keep the project within the timeframe, and avoid burnout, with the assistance of the appropriate time management methods. Some of the proven time management tips you can adopt to achieve better productivity and ensure that you achieve your project objectives effectively are listed below. 1. Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent-Important Matrix). The Eisenhower Matrix is a very basic but the most effective way to rank tasks in terms of urgency and importance. It makes you know what has to be done right now, what can be planned, what can be outsourced and what can be completely done away with. How it Works: Quadrant I (Urgent and Important): The tasks, which are urgent and critical to the project. These are to be done instantly. •...

 The project plan implementation is a significant stage of project management when the plans, activities, and resources identified in the planning stage of project management are implemented. Effective implementation can also make sure that the project undergoes as planned, achieves its goals, and provides the intended outcomes. This step involves a well-disciplined strategy, effective leadership, and communication. These are the steps to follow in order to implement your project plan successfully: 1. Kick-off Meeting The kick-off meeting is the commencement of the project and it is used to set the mood of the rest of the project lifecycle. It is critical in getting everybody to the same page in terms of expectations and objectives of the project including clearing up on the roles and responsibilities. Objectives: • Present major team members and stakeholders. • Look over the project objectives, scope, deliverables and timeline. • Communication and reporting expectations. • Discuss...

 Conflict is essential in any project and more so in a team setting where personalities, opinions and working styles vary. Conflict management is essential as a project manager in order to have a harmonious and productive team. Listed below are some of the conflict resolution strategies that can be used to address and resolve the conflict in a manner that will be beneficial to the project and does not disrupt the dynamics of the team. 1)Win-Win (collaborative) Strategy. This approach aims at seeking a solution that can please everyone involved so that cooperation is enhanced instead of rivalry. It is commonly called a win-win approach. How it Works: • The parties work together in order to find out the root causes of the conflict. A solution is formulated that takes into consideration the needs and concerns of all the people so that no one feels that he or she is excluded. The process focuses on problem-solving, active listening and open communication. When to Use: • When there is a...

 Project management requires effective communication to make sure that all the individuals involved in the project are in sync, aware, and working in the same direction. To enable this, some communication models can assist in structuring and streamlining the interaction between team members, stakeholders, and project leaders. Some of the major communication models applied in the management of projects are as follows:                                                                              1)Shannon-Weaver Communication Model. It is among the simplest and the most fundamental communication models. It was initially developed to explain the flow of information in technical and telecommunication systems but it can be used in human communication as well. Components: Receiver: The person who ...

 A project will succeed based on the leadership style. The style adopted by a project manager can define the ways of team work, productivity and ultimately the achievement of a project. Various leadership approaches are suitable in different project situations and team cultures, and an experienced project manager might have to change his or her approach depending on what the project requires and the composition of the team, and the organizational structure. The following are some of the leadership styles that are witnessed in project management: 1)Autocratic Leadership Characteristics: The leader is an individual decision maker and does not involve team members to contribute towards decisions. Emphasis is laid on efficiency, direction and control. Communication is generally downward and there is little room to collaborate or to give feedback. When to Use: During stressful periods and situations that have to be made under tight deadlines. In cases where the teams involved are demand...

 Powerful leader and team building is a key to project success. In this chapter, the author analyzes the steps to create a unified working group, identify the types of leadership and models of communication to better collaborate and overcome the conflicts that might occur in the course of work.                                                                               Building a Project Team The development of a workable project team is a vital process in the success of a project. Appropriate combination of abilities, personal forces, and positions may be the ideal way of ensuring all the targets are met, time limits are respectable, and the quality of results amazing. Here is a sequential or step by step approach to forming and or managing a project team: 1. Specify Goals and Scope of t...