Effective Project Management Techniques

This assignment provides an in-depth analysis of managing a project, highlighting its specific characteristics that must be followed in every project. A Gantt chart is used to monitor project activities, and a project manager's skills are essential for effective project management. Risk management and budget control are crucial for the successful accomplishment of big data projects. The assignment draws from various books and journals, including 'Managing Change' by Carnall, 'Managing a Big Data Project' by Dutta and Bose, and 'Advanced Project Management' by Harrison and Lock.

Managing Projects

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1. Core principles / Characteristics of any projects and its importance......................................1
2. Scope statement for a project..................................................................................................2
3. Gantt chart and Critical Path...................................................................................................2
4. Developing a project budget...................................................................................................2
5. Develop a Risk Strategy for a project.....................................................................................3
6. Quality methods to ensures a project is completed successfully............................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
Identification of the skills and competencies for the project manager........................................4
The Project Management Process...............................................................................................5
Project life cycle stages...............................................................................................................6
Leadership...................................................................................................................................7
Administration.............................................................................................................................8
Control problems.........................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFRENCES.................................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
Project management may be defined as application of various procedures, methods, skill,
knowledge and experience which are to be considered for attaining particular goals or aims of
project. It should be unique, transient endeavour that undertaken for achieving planning
objectives which can be described in term of positive outputs and outcomes as well. There are
some major factors that must be considered during project including time, scope, quality and cost
(Turner, 2014). A project management is the practice to initiate, plan, implement or execute,
control and close the work to meet the specific requirements within time frame. This report is
based on Wroxham boat builders design company that deals in leisure industry. It will define the
project management process for installation and start up of new ERP system. This will explain
the importance and characteristics of project and stages of PLC (Project life cycle).
TASK 1
1. Core principles / Characteristics of any projects and its importance
A project may be considered as temporary in which it has beginning as well as ending
time with defining scope and resources. It is unique because there is no any routine operations in
the project but it generally designed for meeting specific goals and objectives. Here are defined
core principles of project and its importance such as: Defining possibilities of the project: In this, organisation incorporates deliverable time
and limit where the task to be started and ended. It describe time factors, costs and
budgets, resources, and proficient as well. Plotting a full Gantt Chart and Critical path: The Gantt chart diagram generally
demonstrate the majority which is required for making project and completing tasks. Its
main purpose is that finishing particular project on time as per their condition. Using cost management: In a cost saving advantages investigation, it is necessary to
undertake costs or expenses for getting adequate advantages (Kendrick, 2015). There is
required to set up costs and manage it effectively in term of measuring proficiency and
viability. Assessing and managing risk: In this, project manager considered various kinds of risks
and uncertainties that can occur during project work. It is necessary to manage them
effectively and efficiently.
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 Missing quality management methods: This is associated with quality methods which
required for appropriate project management. It help in keeping venture on line as well as
on time.
2. Scope statement for a project
In the project management, scope statement have significant role as it is crucial segment
of particular task or project (Fuller and et. al., 2017). The proclamation of viable degree is play
an important role in defining the effective finishing. In this included various informations such
as:  Justification: There is necessary to have connection with respected business
requirements so Project Charter generally holds various clarification and justification of
specific project. Product scope description: In this describe the aspects, risks and potential products in
detailed form. Acceptance criteria: The acceptance criteria is defined as the prerequisite action
regarding project that should be materialised before its acceptance. Deliverable: in this undertake objectives about results and procedures of project.
 Assumption: Statement of various data that are to be addressed considering imagine,
arrange and play out any project.
3. Gantt chart and Critical Path
Task Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors
Auto
Schedule
d
a 1 wk Thu 8/23/18 Wed 8/29/18
Auto
Schedule
d
b 2 wks Thu 8/30/18 Wed 9/12/18 1
Auto
Schedule
d
c 1 wk Thu 8/30/18 Wed 9/5/18 1
Auto
Schedule
d
d 2 wks Thu 9/13/18 Wed 9/26/18 2,3
Auto
Schedule
d
e 1 wk Thu 9/27/18 Wed 10/3/18 4
Auto f 1 wk Thu 10/4/18 Wed 10/10/18 5
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Schedule
d
Figure 1Network diagram
Tasks completed
[In weeks] 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th
Task A
Task B
Task C
Task D
Task E
Task F
4. Developing a project budget
For successful project, there is needed an appropriate budget which described the overall
expenses and costs and help in achieving set goals or targets in adequate manner (Turkulainen,
Aaltonen and Lohikoski, 2015). Here are defined various components of generating budget that
helpful for project such as: The hardest project budget considering: In this, the model is to be considered for the
purpose of planning comparative project and experience to compose points for spending
plans in adequate way. Perceiving from other projects: It finds a past project where compare with present one
that should be sort and degree for better completion of project. Estimating score costs: In the project work, scale generally used for finishing the task
within financial plan. Flexibility in budget estimates: Budget must be flexible that can be changed as per the
requirement or unexpected situation as well.
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 Monitoring resources: In this measure the project work by considering asset and check
its efficiency through monitoring several resources in an effective way. Realistic decisions: It is necessary to make realistic decision in various circumstances
and changing external environment (Polonsky and Waller, 2014).
 Spotting scopes: The budget must be flexible which is enough to spot the every risks,
scope, and other issues as well.
5. Develop a Risk Strategy for a project
In the project management, there is necessary to undertake several kinds of risks and
uncertainties that can be occurred during project and can effect on its completion. Risk strategies
must be formulated by the project manager which is beneficial in managing project in an
effective manner. Here are defined some strategies such as: Risk Identification: In this process, various risks and other issues that can affects on the
project succession and its completion as well. Risk impact assessment: In this strategy, project manager find the consequences and
assess profitability over the project work (Harrison and Lock, 2017). It included costs,
schedule, capabilities, technical performances and many more. Risk prioritization analysis: In this, risks are to be analysed critically and in this
considered decisions analytics where rules are applied for identification of risks events
from most to least.
 Risk mitigation planning: In this stage, risks assessed as medium or high so it might be
go into risk mitigation plan. It is essential in implementing the risks with the help of
tracking and monitoring in an appropriate manner.
6. Quality methods to ensures a project is completed successfully
There are defined various methods which are beneficial in making project successful and
meet requirements such as:
Project evaluation: In this method, manager evaluate the project that incorporates
system, strategies, and instruments which helpful in dealing with configuration and development
of conveyance form that helpful in meeting project objectives and goals as well.
Monitoring: This is best method for reviewing and monitoring all procedures by
considering results, encounters and other outcomes that must be in adequate manner (Harrison
and Lock, 2017). Observing may be defined as checking progress against arrangements as well.
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Controlling: It is defined as the information social event, administration and explanatory
procedures that are must be controlled. It is necessary to control over the project and its
procedures in an effective way so that best possible outcomes can be attained.
TASK 2
Title: Managing the Conversion of Wroxham boat builders & ERP systems
Executive summary:
The Wroxham boat builders and designs have steady marketplace with loyal group of
reliable customers. As per the case study, there is required for Wroxham to focus on internal
efficacy that build according to customers demands. Therefore, elimination of exchange
boundaries or other globalised universal exchange, company have to understand the situation
because developers wound up competition with other manufacturer around the globe. So, ERP
system has been introduced that beneficial in developing more rapid customers delivery. Hence
there is conversion which is cost £750,000 pounds and Eight week for restore it. In this covered
various topic in detailed to understand regarding particular project.
Identification of the skills and competencies for the project manager
The project manager should have a vision, goals and innovative ideas along with this they
should also have skills which can be beneficial for Wroxham Boat builders in undertaking ERP
system in an effective manner (Hering and et. al., 2015). Some of skills and qualities are
mentioned below -
Correspondence skills – A good correspondence skills are required in a project manager
as they lead to the effective planning, strategies and leadership. It enhances the presentation
attitude which is needed to have in business meetings whether it is with parter or the internal
customers.
Leadership : As being leader the project manager is responsible to lead a team which
puts efforts to reach out the goals. A leader should always focused on goal and they should also
have technical knowledge about the business operations to over come the obstacles. This will
inspire the subordinates while working with an effective leaders.
Strategic team management : An effective management can be define as managing the
activities and operations among the team members. The project manager gathers the information
and distributes the activities according to capabilities of the workers (Lundin and et. al., 2015).
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They set up the time and cost of the task that have to be complete in specified time in order to
meet the predetermine objective and goals. Project manager controls the operations and people
who are involved in a project. They resolve the conflicts among the team and also promote the
team work with motivation.
Skilled negotiation perception : It is required for a good project manager that they
should be excellent in the negotiation. It can include the use of resources, budgets and schedules
are the important part attributes for everyone. So it is skill for the manger to satisfy everyone
and gain the advantage of the attributes.
Realistic consequences oriented : This refers that a project manager should be goal
oriented. They needs to monitor the activities on each stage before entire process reaches to the
final execution. Their main focus should be on the final goals that has some value for the entire
process.
Managing customer engagement : The manager should have the calibre to encourage
the customer engagement. They have some skills which increase the employees involvement in
the organizational activities that reaches towards the completion of the task (Dutta and Bose,
2011). If they encourage employees engagement through increasing their involvement in the
meeting and decision making process it will be beneficial for the firm and increase the
productivity.
The Project Management Process
For the project management and its completion, manager use well established project
management methodologies and procedures so that it can become more successful and meet
predetermined goals or objectives. Project manager consider various phases and stages for the
purpose of ensuring deliverable produced that must be achieved their purposes. For ERP system,
there is necessary to undertake all phases so that Wroxham can deliver its products or services in
defined time period without any delays. Here are considered some stages of project management
process such as: Project conception and initiation: In this stage, the basic leadership group are be
distinguished for the purpose of finishing particular project with effective time period. In
this describe the project with detailed manner and figure out for ensuring its advantages
or benefits as well.
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 Project definition and further planning: In this, project moved for further stage which
is assemble a project team and make plan for starting a specific project so that goal or
objectives can be achieved within budget and on time (Hillson, 2017). In the plan,
various components are included such as scope, definition, tasks cost, schedule,
organisation and staff as well. Execution: In this stage, the planning are to be executed and implemented where a road
map has been created for the purpose of achieving set goals or objectives in adequate
manner. Here are described the task assignment and deals with some administration of
paper work. Project manager circulate task among group of people as per their education
and obligation as well. Project performances: In this phase, the project are to be tested as per the performances
of project team so that effective goals can be attained. Project manager compare the
performances with vision and goals in an adequate way.
 Controlling and flexibility: In this, project are to be controlled as per the status and
proper arrangement of particular work for attaining goals. In this, project manager
control and review the plan and decide to make changes or modification as per the
requirements. It elaborate the importance of project.
Project life cycle stages
It is describe as the beginning the task or particular project where defined various stages
and levels. Project manager undertake different phases of project that helpful in achieving set
goals or objectives in an adequate manner (Kerzner and Kerzner, 2017). Wroxham boat
builders are going to adopt ERP system for the purpose of providing better quality of products
and services to the customers so that they will be loyal for longer time period. Here are some
stages of project life cycle such as: Project defining and planning: This is the first phase where project manager consider
the critical evaluation and effectiveness which spotlights for building adequate guidance
about project. Manager defined the specific project and plan for its success so that
predetermined goals or objectives can be achieved. Project execution: It is another next phase in which deliverable are to be produced and
finished as well. There is required proper execution and implementation of project with
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the helps of time, cost, and schedule to attain success (Liu, 201C). Manager undertake
assignment of task, setting up management process and many more. Project control: this is associated with measurement where projects are to be executed
and movements that should be based on project success and its effectiveness. Project
manager focus on using Key Execution Indicator (KPI) for the purpose of figure out the
task that it is on track and will achieve best possible outcomes.
 Project Close: This stage generally defined the finished time and considered the ending
time which must be based on time. Manager ensure regarding temporary workers who
employed for particular project and tasks and now they are fired after meeting criteria
and objectives as well.
Leadership
A project reaches towards the success when a leader involves its team members who
works efficiently and effectively. In order to achieve the success a leader should have a clear
vision, reason and practical approaches that have the capabilities to motivate a talented and
efficient team. Leadership has some importance as it maximizes the efficiency of the team
members.
A leader is a personality who starts the work by communication the plan of action to its
subordinates. In the initial state it tells their employees that from where the task is going to start
by emphasizing on plans and policies (Carnall, 2018). For an example, Wroxham is a boat
builder and they wanted to adopt the ERP system for that the leaders will guide the employees
what is the utilization of the such technology and how it is beneficial for the firm. As it the initial
stage to adopt a new technology in firm. They motivates their team to get change with the new
amendments in the organization and when the employees will get encourage with the new
changes and they will become friendly with the new technology. The employees will get the
attracted towards the new technology and their use. This will be beneficial for the company top
grow in the future.
The leaders will provide the guidance to the employees to reach towards the objectives
and goals. They gives the instruction to their subordinates to follow the path and if there is any
hurdle on their way then the leaders over come their obstacles that are arrived in the path of the
team members. As when the team gets the guidance the Wroxham employees put efforts to
reach towards the target. Along with this the leaders also boosts the confidence of the team
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through showing faith in them and make them able to increase self confidence. They also give
them the direction and tell them to step towards aim.
It is also important in Wroxham to build a positive environment where the people can
work with enthusiasm. If the workplace is optimistic and culture friendly then workers will be
able to work in more efficient way that enhance the productivity and performance of the
organization. It become easy for the people to coordinate and cooperate with other employees to
manage the work in a effective manner which is fruitful for the organisation (Carnall, 2018).
The employees will be able to deliver the things on the time that will enhance the Wroxham
performance.
Administration
Administration of every organisation play an crucial role in managing entire business
procedures and operate functions with adequate way. It is necessary to undertake proper
administration and management while working on a project so that goals or objectives can be
achieved in an accurate manner. Wroxham boat builders should undertake administration
because they perform different kinds of obligation and duties for the purpose of performing
entire business operations and function in an appropriate ways (Hering and et. al., 2015). Here
defined some basic roles and responsibilities of the administration panel such as: Planning: It is most important component that administration have to considered for
arranging all resources regarding starting a particular project as well. Administrator play
an crucial role in arrangement and they focus on figuring out what must be done in
achieving success. They take responsibilities for managing the project work and assign
task among team to get better outcomes. Organising: In this, administration panel focus on organising the appropriate project
structure and set objectives so that project can be carried out to meet objectives. Leading: In this, They lead to the entire project team for accomplishing goals as
Wroxham boat builders can undertake the ERP system so that they can implement their
production process and achieve goals.
 Controlling: In this Administration panel try to control over the project and its deviation
that can be found out during work. It is necessary to make proper action plan and
strategies for the purpose of handling the issues or problems and control in proper manner
to achieve best possible outcomes.
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Control problems
There are founded various troubles and critical issues that may be raised on the project
plan. Wroxham Boat builders also may have to face various kinds of problems and uncertainties
which directly affects on the project and its completion as well (Lundin and et. al., 2015).
Therefore, manager have to ensure about such uncertainties and make appropriate plan so that
company can adopt ERP with adequate way. Proper control and review are required for
managing project and risk in adequate manner.
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be summarize managing a project has some specific
characteristics that has to be follow in the every project. The project activities are monitored by a
Gantt chart which as the scope and regular activities. Further it can be included that a project
manger should have some skills to carry out a project in an effective way. Moreover, risk
management and budget are crucial for the successful accomplishment of the project.
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REFRENCES
Books and Journals
Carnall, C., 2018. Managing change. Routledge.
Dutta, D. and Bose, I., 2015. Managing a big data project: the case of ramco cements
limited. International Journal of Production Economics, 165, pp.293-306.
Fuller, M.A., and et. al., 2017. Information Systems Project Management: A Process and Team
Approach, Edition 1.1. Prospect Press.
Harrison, F. and Lock, D., 2017. Advanced project management: a structured approach.
Routledge.
Hering, D., and et. al., 2015. Managing aquatic ecosystems and water resources under multiple
stress—An introduction to the MARS project. Science of the total environment, 503,
pp.10-21.
Hillson, D., 2017. Managing risk in projects. Routledge.
Kendrick, T., 2015. Identifying and managing project risk: essential tools for failure-proofing
your project. Amacom.
Kerzner, H. and Kerzner, H.R., 2017. Project management: a systems approach to planning,
scheduling, and controlling. John Wiley & Sons.
Liu, G., 2014. System and method for managing project, process, and meeting tasks over a
network. U.S. Patent Application 14/354,727.
Lundin, R.A., and et. al., 2015. Managing and working in project society. Cambridge University
Press.
Polonsky, M.J. and Waller, D.S., 2014. Designing and managing a research project: A business
student's guide. Sage publications.
Turkulainen, V., Aaltonen, K. and Lohikoski, P., 2015. Managing project stakeholder
communication: The Qstock festival case. Project Management Journal, 46(6), pp.74-
91.
Turner, J.R., 2014. Handbook of project-based management (Vol. 92). New York, NY:
McGraw-hill.
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