Applying Project Management in the Workplace - Softcover

Jeff Crow

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0966046935 ISBN 13: 9780966046939

Publisher: Blackbird, 2003

Synopsis

A pragmatic guide to applying the tools and techniques of Project Management to common workplace activities. Specifically developed for those who complete projects in business and other organizations, often without the benefit of managerial authority. Contains complete descriptions of planning processes and implementation techniques. Also includes 21 project planning and management checklists; 11 project planning and management forms; and, 14 problem-solving tools.

About this title

About the Author:

Jeff Crow is president of Crow Development Corporation. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Crow Development serves clients world wide.

Jeff is the developer of this innovative project management methodology. He has over twenty years experience in business and organizational development and training. He and his associates provide consulting and customized training in project management, process improvement, organizational effectiveness, strategic planning, operational planning, and team development. His clients range from small, family-owned enterprises to multi-national corporations, government, and non-profit organizations.

In addition to his consulting practice, Jeff teaches a number of courses, seminars, and workshops for Portland-area colleges and universities. He is the faculty advisor and an instructor for the Project Management Certificate Program at Portland State University's Professional Development Center.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.:

Chapter 4: Project Planning. Project planning is the most critical single activity on any project. Without a well-thought-out plan, your project is in trouble before you ever start to work on it.

Several points need to be made at the outset:

Project planning, at least at the beginning, is a sloppy, chaotic, confusing process.

Project planning is best done by at least some members of the project team as a group activity. It can be done by a single person, but the process presented here is intended for, and results in a better end product when done by, a group.

Project planning is a repetitive process it is done in "layers" and the "layers" are created in successive passes through the plan. In the first several passes, flexibility is the key to success. If you try to finalize your plan from the beginning, you'll find that you have forgotten pieces; others are out of their correct order; details are missing; etc.

Project management software is just that project MANAGEMENT software. It is not designed as project planning software and is not, in most cases, appropriate (or even usable) for the planning activity.

Project plans are almost never "set in stone." At best, they're set in semi-firm Jell-O . The chances that some part of the plan will need to be changed as the project progresses are almost 100%.

The finished project plan is the source of all the management tools necessary to track and control the project.

About this edition

• Publisher: Blackbird
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0966046935
• ISBN 13: 9780966046939
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 301