Project Management 101

What is a project? “A project is a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. The temporary nature of projects indicates that a project has a definite beginning and end. The end is reached when the project’s objectives have been achieved or when the project is terminated because its objectives will or cannot be met.”

Project Lifecycle (Phases) Initiate Plan Execute Close Monitor & Control

Initiate Set the vision of what is to be accomplished (high-level summary) Define scope: specific goal or goals (should be measurable!) Identify stakeholders (who will be involved?) Formal authorization to begin

Plan Simply put: thinking the entire project through in advance Breakdown tasks and delegate (who will do what?) Determine schedule: when are tasks do; what needs to be done and by when? Identify resources: what will you need to accomplish your goals? Establish communication channels: document collaboration; meetings; exchanging contact information

Execute Actually doing the work! Checking tasks of the list

Close Wrap up once goals are met (or failure to meet)

Monitor & Control Ongoing throughout the life of the project Review and track progress Compare your plan to actual progress Take corrective action to get back on track as needed

Project Lifecycle (Phases) Initiate Plan Execute Close Monitor & Control

Tonight… Brainstorming! Before your group leaves, please submit THREE project ideas