Project Management is the process of leading a teams’ work to achieve all the project objectives while respecting the constraints and agreed parameters of the project. This is accomplished by the efficient use of relevant knowledge, experience, skills and methodologies. Project Management differs from just Management as it has a final deliverable that is linked to a finite timescale and budget whereas just Management on its own is an ongoing process.

There are five stages of Project Management;

  • Initiation

    This stage is the formal commencement of the project. It involves issuing the Project Mandate and authorization of the project budget. This stage often involves a Project Feasibility Study which justifies the need of the project and evaluates the projects’ potential for success.

  • Planning

    This stage involves setting goals for the project; the project scope, plan of work, and schedule are drafted in order to identify various parameters (time, cost, resources, milestones, roles, responsibilities, performance measures, etc.). Additionally, a Communication plan and a Risk Management Plan for unforeseen issues are also designed.

  • Implementation

    This stage involves putting all the plans to action, beginning with a Project Kick-Off meeting. The planned tasks and activities are carried out to produce the project deliverables by using a range of tools and processes relevant to the project. Careful monitoring at this stage as the tasks proceed can ensure keeping the project progress on track and not have it deviate from the plan of work.

  • Monitoring and Control

    This stage often overlaps with the Implementation stage as they often occur at the same time. Monitoring and Control involves measuring the progression of the project and performance of the team (individual and cumulative) with the help of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

  • Closure

    This is the last stage where the work is completed and the project is ready to be concluded. Closure does not necessarily mean that the project was a success; it just defines the final or end point of the project. A project closure may involve but is not limited to; handing over the deliverables, completion of all activities of the project, cancelation of contracts, archiving relevant project documents, releasing staff and/or resources, etc.