Project management is a process that consists of many stages and steps. Therefore, it is essential to understand the basics of this process from project planning to the project scope. So, if you want to learn what project success is and what steps you can take to have a successful project, you can read this article.
Table of Contents
1. Take a Methodical Approach
The first key element that makes projects successful is taking a methodical approach. The meaning of the methodology you should apply is the set of principles and practices. These principles will guide you to have a framework. For an efficient, and cost-effective working process, deciding on the approach is vitally important.
2. Determine the Scope
You should determine the scope of your project after deciding on the method. The project scope includes the goals. It is the only way you can accomplish all of your goals. If you determine the tasks, responsibilities, and criteria to meet, project management gets easier. This is also beneficial for the assurance provided to project clients.
3. Plan a Manageable Process
This step is related to determining the scope of the project. But it is less comprehensive. After determining the scope, you should plan the schedule step by step. You should come up with achievable goals and observe the process to understand whether it’s progressing the way it was planned. Better recognition of the factors preventing the successful completion of the project helps you come up with a solid plan.
4. Have Control over the Process
Even if you understand the scope and apply a perfect schedule, you should always control the process. To do that, first, you should know what criteria are used for a project to be successful. So, you can control these pieces of criteria and observe whether they are being applied step by step.
5. Know the Obstacles You Might Face
The best way to overcome the obstacles that you might face is to understand the obstacles first. By learning about the factors preventing the successful completion of a project, you can have a better understanding of the situation you are dealing with. The most common obstacles are about time, project scope, and budget.
6. Give importance to Accountability
Accountability is among the factors that make projects successful. Every employee and manager has their own responsibilities and duties. These tasks should be given to certain employees. So, when something is wrong, you can understand the problem and know the person who is responsible for it. Accountability is the key to a better-managed process. You shouldn’t overlook its importance.
7. Set a Budget
As mentioned before, budget is among the factors preventing the successful completion of the project. So, you should set a budget beforehand. To set a proper budget, you should make realistic assumptions. The budget is closely related to the scope of the project. You should consider the project scope as well.
8. Communicate with Your Team
Communication is the key if you want to make a successful project. While planning the scope of the project, you should discuss the key elements that effective project management should focus on with your team. You should also talk to your staff during the process. In this way, you can solve a possible problem beforehand.
9. Communicate with Stakeholders
You should also discuss the project with the stakeholders before and during the process. If the project manager, customers, and stakeholders have a better understanding of the project, they feel more powered. Besides, you can understand their needs and desires in this way. Since the criteria used for a project to be successful depends on the project, learning the aspects of the stakeholders is a necessity.
10. Consider the Project Parameters
The project parameters are time, cost, quantity, and quality. While these are the major parameters, there are minor ones as well. It is vital to plan the whole process thoroughly based on these parameters. It is possible by having a final deadline and middle deadlines.
Conclusion
As you read throughout the article, there are numerous factors that make projects successful. This means that the key elements that effective project management should focus on are comprehensive. However, by determining the goals of your project, and discussing them with the stakeholders, you can have a better understanding of the scope.
By planning the process elaborately, you can increase the success of the project. In addition to that, managing the process is also important. Throughout the process, you should communicate with the staff and keep track of the improvement. By recognizing the criteria used for a project to be successful, you can manage the project in a better way.
FAQ
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What are the features of a successful project?
A successful project should be specific, measurable, acceptable, realistic, and time-based. These features are essential to set a framework for the project. With a clear vision, you can realize the project you planned.
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How to plan a project?
To plan a successful project, you should consider the needs and desires. Then, the next step is to define the scope of the project. Your plan should include the duration, cost, and resources. You should set these qualities for the assurance provided to project clients.
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How to check the project when it is completed?
When the project is completed, you should control whether the project meets the needs and desires. This is essential in recognizing the mistakes as soon as possible and making a better project in the future.
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How to prioritize the tasks during the process?
By prioritizing the tasks, you can increase efficiency, make the process more cost-effective, and meet deadlines. To accomplish that, you should make a list of tasks and apply them in proper order.
Victor Z Young is a Civil Engineer with 35 years of experience working alongside the executive team of various construction companies. Victor specializes in construction insurance, delay analysis, performance analysis and engineering. He holds a Doctor of Project Management from Northwestern University.
It’s also worth measuring the project’s success to ensure everything goes well. You can use Kanban to do it, and here’s how it can be done.