If you have used project management software tools to assist in scheduling a pro

Question

If you have used project management software tools to assist in scheduling a project, please share your experiences by describing the following: The name of the software application and a link to the web site where your colleagues can find additional background information The types of projects on which the software application was used Your analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the tool in assisting the scheduling process Any feedback you have received from the project team and stakeholders on the use of the tool Any additional observations and recommendations that would be helpful to share with your colleagues

Explanation / Answer

Regardless of the size of the project and if you’re hired as freelancer or in-house, project managers have the difficult task of not only launching a project, but also making sure that everything runs smoothly and collaborating with team members and the client. It can actually get stressful. But, if you properly plan and manage the project, things don’t get as hectic.

If this is your first opportunity at managing a project, here’s how you can efficiently manage a project from start to finish.

Plan Your Project

Each and every project manager will tell you that the success of your project comes down to planning. This may take some effort initially, but in the long-run having a clearly defined project plan will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches once the project launches.

To get started on creating project plan, focus on the following components:

Once you have your plan in place, and everyone involved is on board, write the plan down so that it can be used as your road-map during the course of the project.

Essentially, driving without any idea of how you're going to get there is the same as working on a project without a schedule. No matter the size or scope of your project, the schedule is a key part of project management. The schedule tells you when each activity should be done, what has already been completed, and the sequence in which things need to be finished.

Luckily, drivers have fairly accurate tools they can use. Scheduling, on the other hand, is not an exact process. It's part estimation , part prediction, and part 'educated guessing.'

Because of the uncertainty involved, the schedule is reviewed regularly, and it is often revised while the project is in progress. It continues to develop as the project moves forward, changes arise, risks come and go, and new risks are identified. The schedule essentially transforms the project from a vision to a time-based plan.

Schedules also help you do the following:

Schedule Inputs

You need several types of inputs to create a project schedule:

A project manager should be aware of deadlines and resource availability issues that may make the schedule less flexible.

Scheduling Tools

Here are some tools and techniques for combining these inputs to develop the schedule:

Project Review

Once you have outlined the basic schedule, you need to review it to make sure that the timing for each activity is aligned with the necessary resources. Here are tools commonly used to do this:

After the initial schedule has been reviewed, and adjustments made, it's a good idea to have other members of the team review it as well. Include people who will be doing the work – their insights and assumptions are likely to be particularly accurate and relevant.

Utilize Project Management Software

No matter how detailed your plan and prepared you are, you’re bound to run into a number of hiccups. Thankfully, technology has made managing everything from social media accounts to customer relationships more effective and convenient. Project managers also have access to software that has made their lives easier.

Here are a couple of suggested project management software providers to keep you organized and better communicate with your team.

Time Management

As the project management, you also have to be skilled at effectively managing your time. If not, how do you expect the project to be completed on-time?

While there there are variety of techniques that you could use to manage your time, here are some of the best techniques to follow:

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