Project Management Methodology

PMhome

What is a Project?

The term "project" has different connotations in different places.  Someone who likes restoring old furniture would consider the process of doing up an old wardrobe bought at a garage sale a project.  The Polaris Submarine Project carried out by the U.S. Navy in 1958 to develop nuclear powered submarines is a completely different kind of project.  Even though there are vast differences in magnitude, size, aim, and outcomes, these two projects do share some characteristics.

Unique task

Projects entail doing something that has not been done before, a "one-off", which is consequently unique.

Specific result

Projects have a very specific set of deliverables, end goals or outcomes.  When a project is finished something new exists that didn't exist before.

Resources

Projects utilise resources on a  temporary basis.  They are specifically allocated to the project. The most common resources required for a project are time, money and people.

Time limit

Projects have a defined start and finish.  A project has a deadline or target date by which the project must be completed.

What is Project Management?

According to the Project Management Institute, project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to a broad range of activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations from a project.

Project management ensures that available resources are used in the most effective and efficient manner.  It is a combination of steps and techniques to keep a project's schedule and budget in line.

"The planning, organisation, monitoring and control of all aspects of a project and the motivation of all involved to achieve the project objectives safely and within agreed time, costs and process criteria." International Association for Project Management.

The UWS Project Management Methodology is a set of tools and templates designed to help the project manager and to provide consistency of process. Each project or initiative undertaken is unique in its constraints and issues; the information contained within the methodology should be adapted to each situation.

The UWS Project Management Methodology consists of five stages:

 

Each stage contains a range of check lists, registers and forms to assist you in managing your project.  A template has been created for each of these.

Library of templates for use with UWS Project Management Methodology

 

The methodology is designed to be simple and provide the 'essential tools for consistent project delivery'. To eliminate the need for detailed management processes (as often found within large methodologies) the correct use of this methodology relies upon the user attending the Managing Small Projects course (staff login required) offered by the Organisational Development Unit.

As an overall project management tool, UWS recognises the value of MS Project as part of our holistic project methodology.

MS Project (staff login required) is also offered by the Organisational Development Unit on a regular basis. All Project Officers are encouraged to attend.

If you require any assistance, please contact the Executive Projects Office.