Standard Project Management Methodology
By: Ray Myers, Jr., PMP
A standardized project management methodology is generally split into 3 phases:
- Initiation
- Control
- Closure
Project documents are often produced as part of each of the project control process
Initiation
- Projects start with an idea for a product, service, new capability or other desired outcome
- Project sponsors are identified and approvals are given to proceed
- The Project Plan is prepared with
- Scope
- Goals
- Deliverables
- Assumptions
- Budget
- Resource plan
- Schedule
- Authorization to proceed is given by project sponsor and funding source
- Start of the project signifies the end of the Initiation phase
Control
- Control is about tracking and managing the project
- Requires a Project Plan to be developed
- Project Plan typically consists of
- Gantt Chart with stages and tasks
- Milestones to measure progress
- Budgets
- Resource plans
- Risk management plan and log
- Communication plan
Closure
- An important aspect of project management
- Often overlooked
- Projects not closed will continue to consume resources
- Use the Customer Acceptance Form
- Once signed off the project team is disbanded and no more work carried out
- Issue the Project Closure Report to document whether the project achieved its objectives
- Complete and publish the Lessons Learned
About the Author: Ray Myers, Jr. is a PMP certified project manager with over 2o years experience planning and managing technology projects. Contact Ray at wwwpmservicesnw.com
Article source: www.pmservicesnw.com
