Four key stages of project management
With the ever-increasing need for a collaborative work environment, project management skills are vital to lead team-based operations.
Today’s fast track business and global environment place emphasis on how to increase project production efficiency with limited available resources. And, although you have developed countless skills throughout the course of your career, there are four key stages of project management you need to master in order to be an effective project manager.
Stage 1: The project launch
The launch stage of a project can be exciting, but nerve-wracking at the same time. You must be able to set clear goals and objectives, as well as show how you will measure the success of the project once it is completed. It’s imperative that you know how to pick the right people with the right skill sets for the task and delegate accordingly.
If you’re interested in learning more about this then Project Launch, the first course in the Project Management Certificate, may be the perfect place for you to start!
Stage 2: Project planning
During the planning stage, you get to showcase your time management skills. This gives the whole team a view of the big picture. It also sets realistic expectations for those who are waiting on project results. Once you have a schedule, it is vital to arrange the tasks needed to complete the project in the order they must be finished. Your team will function more efficiently if all members know what is expected of them and what their deadlines are.
Stage 3: Project execution
Any experienced manager will tell you that having a solid plan is not enough. Even with a highly motivated, independent team, you are responsible for making sure the schedule goes as planned and tasks are completed correctly. Learning how to manage all your resources, including your team, effectively is key to being a successful project manager.
Stage 4: Managing multiple projects
Managing one project is challenging enough, but as you advance in your career, you will likely find yourself needing to juggle multiple projects at a time. You must be able to prioritize your own tasks across projects AND lead your teams in doing the same. Allocation of resources can become more complicated with multiple irons in the fire, so it’s important to develop the skills you need to manage resources well.
Continuous professional development is what builds effective leaders. No matter how much you know about your field, you can always improve your skills. If you want to take a deep dive into learning more about the four key stages of effective project management, PowerED’s Project Management Certificate in partnership with the University of California-Irvine can help you do just that. Learn more today!
