This is a summary of the book titled “Project Management Step-by-Step: How to plan and manage a highly successful project” written by Richard Newton and published by Pearson Business in 2024. The author reminds readers that a project is an undertaking with clear endpoint and while it can be as small as cooking for a dinner party to as big as launching a business, he advises on how to get it done on time and on budget. The skill is both significant and worthwhile for people starting out on their professional journey and comes in all-the-handier as projects grow in size and complexity. Projects emerge in stages and with multiple dimensions including scope, quality and risk. Someone with this skill should know everything that the project seeks to achieve. So, working backwards from the objective and coming up with a clear project definition and project plan is helpful. Continuously monitoring the progress at every stage of the project, and completing the fit and finish at the end are good practice. Stakeholders and customers must be made aware of the deliverables and the project manager must remain flexible in how to get there.

Project management is essential for those starting professional careers, as it involves a series of stages and multiple dimensions, including scope, quality, and risk. A specialized approach is necessary for complex projects, such as launching a rocket or a company. Projects typically go through at least five stages: Project Definition, Project Plan, Execution, Checking Deliverables, and Closing Down. A project manager must state the project's scope and target, work with their team to fulfill goals, and determine acceptable risk levels. They must also understand standard details like completion time, staff and materials requirements, and costs. A specialized approach is necessary for complex projects with high stakes, as countless details can go wrong.

Project managers must understand the purpose and goals of their projects to ensure successful completion within financial and time constraints. They should ask simple, structured questions to understand the project's "why" and "what." They should also consider potential conflicts with other ongoing projects and potential stumbling blocks. Client-driven constraints like time and budget should be considered, and a broader definition should be agreed upon. Project managers must communicate with clients to ensure they understand the potential implications of changing plans.

A clear Project Definition and Project Plan are essential for project managers, outlining the project's purpose, responsibilities, and potential timelines. A Project Plan outlines the necessary work, tasks, and resources needed to complete the project. Estimating the time each task takes is a challenging aspect of formulating a project plan, but it is essential to estimate the time each task typically absorbs. Consultation with experienced individuals or comparing tasks with existing time frames can help clarify the process.

Project managers must stay actively involved throughout a project's life cycle to ensure it is completed on time and on budget. A solid Project Plan should allocate resources and provide leadership to move the project forward. A project manager's primary daily task is to manage and measure progress according to the Project Plan. Regularly assess progress, monitor budget allocation, and anticipate repercussions of running over budget.

Successful projects end with all loose ends tied up, and the Project Plan should include completion time, details, and expenses. The project manager is responsible for the project's final deliverables, and they must test them themselves to ensure they function as expected and meet the client's needs.

After completing a project, continue to support the client and stay updated on how the current project operates to learn how to perform even better on the next project.

To ensure customer satisfaction and high-quality standards, it is essential to test and integrate deliverables. Integration is a separate task that requires time and resources and should be included in the project plan. It is crucial to line up with people who can handle the integration process. Once the deliverables are complete, they need to function in the project's targeted environment. Change management issues must be addressed, and employees must be trained to demonstrate that the new deliverables will work for them. Project management is dynamic, and quality managers should stay open to alternative approaches. Agile project management, for example, focuses on experimentation and continuous improvement. A daily stand-up is a common practice in many organizations, where team members report on their progress, plans, and challenges. This helps team members help each other in a timely manner, leading to a productive agile project team.

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