COMPGZ09 Project Management
Definitions
Lecture 1
Graham Collins, UCL
graham.collins@ucl.ac.uk
Purpose of the course
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Help plan projects
Understand how the process selected is important and is
often the basis for project management
How the selection of project management methods is an
asset not an overhead
Create ‘buy-in’ from your team, supervisor and potential
employers and research funding bodies.
What is a project?
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Typically a unique set of activities. Although many of the
activities may not be new it is however the combination of
activities makes this unique.
Projects are instigated to achieve beneficial change
Limited by time, cost and performance (the term
specification is sometimes used)
Typically delivered by team with a project manager.
Although projects are delivered by individuals as well this
course concentrates on small team dynamics.
Project Management, a Definition
‘Planning, monitoring and control of all aspects of a
project and the motivation of all those involved in it to
achieve the project objectives on time and to the specified
cost, quality and performance.’
British Standard 6079 -1: 2000
Project management is regarded as the most efficient way to introduce beneficial change
Defining what has to be accomplished, generally in terms of time cost and
various technical and quality parameters.
Developing a plan and working through this ensuring progress is maintained.
Using appropriate project management techniques
and tools to plan, monitor and maintain progress.
Employing skilled project management staff,
including a project manager who are given responsibility for
introducing the change and are accountable for the
successful implementation.
Based on Project Management pathways edited by Stevens, M. APM, 2002
Roles and Responsibilities - Project Sponsor
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Appoint project manager
Ensuring the project is and continues to be a viable
proposition
Signing off / accepting the outputs of the project
Resolving issues outside the mandate of the project
manager
Chairing the Project Board or Steering Committee.
Roles and Responsibilities - Project Manager
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Benefit focused
Build in quality
Manage risks and issues
Exploiting enablers and removing blockers
Exploiting resources available
Key responsibilities:
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Provide single point of responsibility
Define and plan the project
Create the temporary organisation
Manage stakeholders
Monitor and control all aspects including risk, opportunities, issues,
scope change, benefits etc.
Ensure project objectives are delivered on time, to specified cost and
quality
Manage the hand-over and close down the project
Fundamental steps in Project Management
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Define the project
Design the project
Develop / build the solution
Test the solution
Implement the solution
Review the project
Close the project