| There are three core elements for project
management to be considered:
Project organisation
A simple and clear project organisation defines the roles
and responsibilities of each team and its members. Experts
and specialists from line functions are integrated via dotted
lines. For specific tasks cross functional teams are created
temporarily. Senior management is involved through steering
committees.
Project processes
The basic principle is that there is a clear hierarchic top
down process of strategic decision making, project controlling
and task execution. Corresponding to that is a process to
report on milestone achievements, progress, next steps and
problem identification. For the latter, options for solutions
need to be proposed.
The complexity of the tasks usually requires the involvement
of many experts. A team oriented leadership approach is preferred,
but there has to be an ultimate organisational responsibility
for decisions-making.
Tools and Instruments
Readily available state of the art tools for office organisation
are sufficient for most projects. A well organized documentation
process supported by modern IT structures (access to shared
data bases) is an important discipline. At a later stage shared
online access to specific implementation plans could even
be extended to key suppliers.
For standard tasks simple templates facilitate the project
work. The project reporting should be standardized as regards
to updates, its content, and its format. The routine communication
of the project includes top management and satisfies their
needs. Only exceptional situations require specific documents.
To plan and manage projects different software tools are
available. The message approach ensures simple and
effective reporting, as well as skill transference in these
areas, as necessary.
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