The 1st Stage of Development Management
The first stage of Development and Project Management is far too often glossed over. If you haven’t heard of Chaos Theory, then do some research. It applies to all forms of Project Management…A small change in initial conditions creates exponential change later in the project.
Project Establishment is too often overlooked as an administration issue, or “below” the Project Managers’ level. Through many years of experience I can assure you that if you do not take the time to ensure your project is established along the following guidelines, then be prepared for chaos.
Securing agreement
Sounds simple but be very clear on your scope of works and ensure you and your client are on the same page and that the scope of works is agreed in writing.
Stakeholder management
Know your stakeholders and remember the guy with the money is not the only stakeholder. Stakeholders come in many different guises. If they can impact any part of the project process then they are a key stakeholder, and they must be part of your management strategy.
Scope Planning
Clients often have a clear view of the scope of works, but because they do not necessarily understand the process of achieving the outcomes, take time to sit down with them and get very detailed about what they want, and ensure they understand what is required to achieve these outcomes. Set their expectations up front.
Resource Planning
Understand who and what you need to complete the scope and exceed the client’s expectation. Don’t be afraid to ask for resources up front. Clients hate variations down the track.
Programming
Programming is interesting, I see many project managers wasting time on incredibly detailed programs. Understand major milestones, understand sub-milestones and keep the whole team focused on the milestones. If you don’t have faith in your team to achieve their milestones within their areas of expertise, then you have the wrong team.
Project Plan
Bring all of the information above together into one document. This then becomes the Bible for the whole team and the client. It sets expectations and sets all project parameters.
