Let’s face it, planning how to manage a project effectively can be time consuming and tedious.

However,
it’s vital to have an implementation plan—it’s essentially a blueprint for a project’s success.

A good implementation plan will ensure that a project is managed properly and assessed after
completion. When you’re managing a project, it’s crucial to understand the entire planning process to
make sure all the “little details” are covered along the way. The concept seems simple enough, however,
failure to properly plan can greatly impact the outcome.

4 Steps to Achieve Project Success

Let’s take a look at the four key steps involved in a project implementation process:

1. Build a project plan: When building a project plan, first define the core goals. A couple of questions to
ask yourself are:

 What are you trying to accomplish? Your goals should tie back to core business drivers.

 Do you have the resources internally to execute and deliver? Internal resources could include
project managers, subject matter experts, logistics management and business management.

 What are the cost implications? Determine the costs of all resources so you can tie these
components back to the corporate budget. Throughout the project, remain focused on the core
goals that support the objectives of the business as a whole. In turn, this will help you stay on
track with what may be a limited budget.

2. Manage resources: Do you have the resources needed to deliver against the project goals? Can your
existing team manage the process without additional help? If not, perhaps working with an outside
vendor is needed. Consider outsourcing a training delivery partner who can assist with logistical details
such as: selecting training venues; required technology, including hardware or software; sourcing
instructors; training materials; managing digital content; travel logistics, including lodging,
transportation and travel. Be sure to choose a vendor who has a strong track record delivering in the
areas needed most by your project and company. When selecting a vendor, seek a training delivery
company that enables you to effectively manage your program with one single point of contact.

3. Stick to your schedule: As you’re putting all of these pieces together, be sure you’re sticking to your
original schedule. Unless a plan or resource is critical to the established goals don’t spend too much time
in any one area. If you choose to actively work with an outside vendor, determine how they can help
offset some of your workload. This will ensure your team can focus on the core needs of the project
itinerary without additional distractions.

4. Evaluate impact: Once you have completed and reached all of your project goals, it’s important to
evaluate the impact it had on your business. How are the systems or resources that were put into place
operating now that it’s complete? A good practice is to send out a short evaluation or survey to the core
business leaders of your organization to gauge the effect to their teams or systems post-project.
Through this feedback, you will have a better understanding of what went well and how you can
improve for your next task. Additionally, be sure all payment or billing arrangements have been made to
all delivered services. Any vendor who’s highly valued and paid on time will want to work with your
organization on any new projects well into the future. You’ll sleep easier knowing you have a helping-
hand just a phone call away!

Whether it’s your first time managing a project or you're a seasoned professional, one thing remains the
same: advance planning is the key to success! To attain your objectives, it’s important to pay attention
to both the big picture and the fine details. These four major steps will help make sure your upcoming
program goes off with ease.