This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Consultants' Tips
Determine the Approach To Use in Managing Your Project
Microsoft Project 2007 has a rich set of features that enable the project manager and team to track projects at a very detailed level. It also has enough flexibility to allow high-level tracking without a demand for the detail. It can be and has been used to support all industries and all domains within those industries.
Because the software has so many capabilities, it must be well-understood to be used correctly. The scheduling engine will anticipate your needs and move the dates or adjust the amount of work that is to be accomplished based on the parameters that you set. Because it will do this, project managers must have a clear understanding of the approach that they wish to use on their projects before they begin entering tasks.
Use WBS as a First Step in Project Definition
Always start with a WBS to help you be clear on the goals of the project. Wait to add the task-level details until you are sure that you have decomposed the WBS to the work package level that is right for the type of project you are leading. Do not confuse the listing of activities with the completion of deliverables.
Use the 5×9 Checklist for Planning
Remember the 5×9 checklist and consider it when planning and executing each project. As you move through the phases of your project's life cycle, spend a moment to consider which of the five process groups is most dominant at the moment and which of the nine knowledge areas plays the most important part in the project's evolution.