Project Management : A Useful Skill

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 Finding a pathway from start to finish

As a member of many projects in my lifetime—from growing bean plants in a Styrofoam cup for Science class to working on an Accounting group project during my university days—I think I know a thing or two about working on something with a deadline.

However, outside of the well-structured educational system projects are not as neatly defined and new problems can arise along the way.

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to ensure that the final product meets the expectations of stakeholders at a reasonable time. 

It turns out that this is easier said that done, there are always backstories of what went wrong behind the scenes even in the most successful projects.

For example:

The Sydney Opera House faced massive design complexities, budget overruns, delays, and political turmoil, but through innovative solutions, public support, and perseverance, it overcame these challenges to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an iconic cultural landmark. 


This is why it is called Project Management, we only need to manage what has the potential to get out of control, and without proper oversight, projects can quickly become chaotic.

With that being said I want to familiarize you with the key factors that one must consider when producing a high quality product or outcome: 

Scope

Clearly define project goals, deliverables, and boundaries at the start.


Risk Management

Identify potential risks at the beginning of the project.


Cost

Develop a detailed budget that includes all project costs, including resources, materials, and contingency funds.


Time

Monitor progress regularly and adjust the schedule as needed to address any delays.



Communication

Hold regular meetings to discuss progress, address issues, and ensure everyone is aligned.


Quality

Implement quality assurance processes to ensure deliverables meet the required standards.


As you can see, a project has many moving parts and requires the coordination of people with different skill sets. However, with the right mindset and adaptability to an ever-changing environment, even the most difficult projects can be successful.


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