1. Project Management Overview Dick Workman

2. What is a project?
A project is a specific, finite task to be accomplished
Examples: Reflections, yearbook, membership drive, Fun Run, etc.

3. Attributes of a “project”
Purpose
Life cycle
Interdependencies
Uniqueness
Conflict
Policies (PTA, local school, FCS)

4. Why Manage Projects? Focus on end objective & how to achieve
Determine resources & tasks
Identify critical points
Monitor during project execution
Communicate more easily with board
Note: A project plan is no good if it is not written

5. Key Variables for a Project
Scope
What end product encompasses
Quality of end product
What’s included
Time
Start date, end date, duration, critical dates
Resources
People, money, things – what’s available vs. what you want/need
You CANNOT change only 1 of the 3

6. Steps in Effective Project Management
Determine purpose & objective
Determine 3 key variables
Lay out steps to be performed, assign responsibilities, & make financial plan
Sanity check
Identify critical checkpoints
Document your plan – GA PTA Plan of Work
Communicate your plan & get PTA & school approval
Execute your plan
Modify plan as appropriate
Evaluate & document end result

7. Document Your Plan Plan of Work
Typically documents who, what why, how, when & what is needed
Outlines goals, responsibilities, time required
Estimated cost & revenue
Facilities & other resources
Staff involvement (administrator – teacher - volunteer)
Sponsor/partner participation
Note: GA PTA Plan of Work form available in Leadership Resource Guide and at under “Forms”

8. Committee Plan of Work

9. Summary & Recommendations
All committee chairs MUST submit Plan of Work for each project
Board/executive council MUST approve prior to any work beginning – especially budget
Require project documentation – before & at end
Evaluate project success/failure & what you would do differently next time

10. Ancient Proverb – If you don’t know where you’re going, …….

11. Ancient Proverb – If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.

12. Another Ancient Proverb – If you don’t know where you’re going, …….

13. Another Ancient Proverb – If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you’ve arrived?

14. Questions?? Contact Dick Workman dickworkman@bellsouth.net