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Managing projects.

Article Excerpt
[check] This checklist outlines the steps in project management and provides a framework of sequential action for the manager undertaking a project.

Project management is recognised as a special process which differs in approach from general management or change management. The traditional project management focus has been that of completing defined work within given time constraints and cost limits. Recently the focus has shifted more to the quality of the final output delivered to the customer.

Definition

"Project management is a specialized management technique to plan and control projects ... A project is generally deemed successful if it meets pre-determined targets set by the client, performs the job it was intended to do, or solves an identified problem within the pre-determined time, costs and quality constraints."--Burke

A particular approach to project management that is becoming widely used is PRINCE 2, an acronym for PRojects IN Controlled Environments. This approach was originally developed by CCTA (the Central Computer and Telecommunications Agency) for IT projects within the civil service and other public sector bodies. The methodology, in eight interlinked processes, has been expanded for use in any type of project. It lays emphasis on making a business case for any project, defines more clearly the role and responsibilities of the project board, the project manager and the team manager, and outlines the control processes and quality reviews necessary to ensure successful delivery.

This checklist offers a general synthesis of current practice, and incorporates elements from...

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