Managing Project Delivery : Maintaining Control and Achieving Success

Why did I choose this resource?

I chose this resource to understand what is involved in delivering a project and how best to do it.

What did you learn from it?

I learned the importance of project delivery and how to create a control plan that will give me a clear idea of each component of the project.  I also learned some of the largest obstacles of delivering a project and how to overcome them by using certain planning tools.

Key Knowledge

• Projects, Programs,  and Portfolios
  • Projects are a set of actions formulated to complete a certain goal; all have a time frame and resources assigned.
  • Programs are made up of multiple projects that are connected to complete a certain goal
  • Portfolios are multiple projects or programs that are using the same group of resources
  • All are:
    • “Activity-based” – progress forward as tasks are completed
    • “Resource-based” – limited to a certain number of people, money, and tools
    • “Benefits-based” – intended to complete certain outcomes or changes

• Four stages of project deliver:
  1. Business case development
  2. Project delivery planning
  3. Project delivery
  4. Benefits delivery – A project is successful when the promised benefits come to fruition
• Create an Overall Control Plan by using the 3 following planning tools. This will create a precise continuing view of the entire project.
  1. Project Business Plan
     • Project’s sponsors, benefits, and business change
     • Relates the project to the company’s purpose, creates a strong relationship
     • Outlines how the project manager and project sponsor will work together
  2. Project Setup Plan
     • Type, scope, funding, and project team
     • Monitor and support the project team, motivate with a clear purpose
     • Only undertake necessary projects, complete all promises, stay in or under budget
       • Money is on everyone minds!
     • Create a plan everyone involved can understand and follow
       • Lack of planning can lead to a failed project
  3. Project Control Plan
     • Risks, review process, and contracts (internal and external)
     • Maps out how the project will be controlled and delivered
     • Four main project concerns: “risk management, contract and supplier management, project controls, and project review”
• How to avoid a failed project
  1. Create a firm delivery plan: “failure to plan is planning to fail”
  2. Stay on the route planned
  3. Monitor and maintain project controls
  4. Create a project that can be executed, not just look good on paper
  5. Strong sponsorship/backing from upper management
• Failures are only truly negative if you do not learn something from them

How are you using what you learned?

I am using what I learned to create a control plan for all projects, large and small, that I am undertaking. I am also using the idea of planning to monitor and complete larger tasks that need to be done.

Key Changes / Key Actions

• Create a control plan for all projects no matter the size
• Monitor projects more closely
• Examine failures more in depth to gain knowledge and improve on the process/execution

Source

• Name : Managing Project Delivery
• Author : Trish Melton and Peter Iles-Smith
• getAbstract.com: Link to Book