Project Management Concepts

Chapter 1

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 Learning Objectives

 Definition and concept

 Key constraints within which a project must be managed
 How a project is “born”
 Life of a project
 Steps involved in the project management process
 Implications of global project management
 Benefits of project management

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 Definition Sport

 “ Competitive activity guided by established rules ”

Eitzen & Sage, 1986

 “ Activities involving physical powers and skill, competition,

strategy, and/or chance, and engaged it for the enjoyment
and satisfaction of participants and/or others ”
Spears & Swanson, 1983

 “ ……. Satisfaction and/or personal gain of the participant

and/or others (eg. Spectators) including organized and
recreational sports, as well as sport for entertainment ”
Wann, 1977
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 Definition Project

 The word project comes from the Latin word

projectum which mean"to throw something forwards"
The word "project" thus actually originally meant
"something that comes before anything else
happens".

 A project is an endeavor to accomplish a specific

objective through a unique set of interrelated tasks
and the effective utilization of resources.
Clements & Gido, 2009
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 Definition Project

 The word project comes from the Latin word

projectum which mean"to throw something forwards"
The word "project" thus actually originally meant
"something that comes before anything else
happens".

 A project is an endeavor to accomplish a specific

objective through a unique set of interrelated tasks
and the effective utilization of resources.
Clements & Gido, 2009
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 Definition Project…cont

 A project is a finite endeavor--having specific start and

completion dates--undertaken to meet particular goals and
objectives, usually to bring about beneficial change or added
value.

 This finite characteristic of projects stands in contrast to

processes, or operations--which is repetitive, permanent or
semi-permanent functional work to produce products or
services. In practice, the management of these two systems is
often found to be quite different, and as such requires the
development of distinct technical skills and the adoption of
separate management.
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 Definition Management
 “ Working with through individuals and groups to accomplish
organizational goals.”
Hersey & Blanchard, 1982

 “ The Process of administering and coordinating resources effectively and

efficiently in an effort to achieve the goals of the organization. ”
Lewis, Goodman & Fandt, 2001

 “ The process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling the work of

organizing members and using all available organizational resources to
reach stated organizational goals.
Stoner, Freeman and Gilbert, 1995

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 Definition Project Management

 Project management is the discipline of

planning, organizing and managing
resources to bring about the successful
completion of specific project goals and
objectives.

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 Attributes of a Project
 Has a well-defined objective
 Composed of a series of interdependent tasks
 Utilizes various resources
 Has a specific time frame
 May be a unique or one-time endeavor
 Has a customer
 Involves a degree of uncertainty

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 Examples of Projects

 Planning for Futsal Carnival

 Designing and implementing a computer system
 Hosting a telematch
 Designing and producing a brochure
 Hosting Gala Dinner
 Holding a reunion

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 Constraints

 Scope
 Cost
 Schedule
 Customer satisfaction

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 Unforeseen Circumstances

 Unforeseen circumstances may jeopardize

achievement of the project objective, such as:
– Higher than anticipated costs
– Inclement weather
– Additional redesign and modifications
 The challenge facing the project manager is to
prevent, anticipate, and/or overcome such
circumstances.

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 The Project Life Cycle

 Projects are “born” when a need is identified by the

customer.

 Project life cycles vary in length, from a few weeks to

several years.

 Not all projects formally go through all four phases of the

project life cycle.

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 Phases of the Project Life Cycle 1

 The first phase involves the identification of a need,

problem, or opportunity.

– The need and requirements are usually written by the customer

into a document called a request for proposal (RFP).
– However, not all situations involve a formal RFP.

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 Phases of the Project Life Cycle 2

 The second phase is the development of a proposed

solution to the need or problem.
– This phase results in the submission of a proposal.
– The customer and the winning contractor negotiate and sign
a contract (agreement).

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 Phases of the Project Life Cycle 3

 The third phase is performing the project.

– Different types of resources are utilized.

– Results in the accomplishment of the project objective.

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 Phases of the Project Life Cycle 4

 The final phase is terminating the project.

– Perform close-out activities

– Evaluate performance

– Invite customer feedback

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 The Project Management Process

 The project management process means planning

the work and then working the plan.

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 The Project Management Process (Cont.)

i. Clearly define the project objective.

ii. Divide and subdivide the project.
iii. Define the specific activities that need to be
performed.
iv. Graphically portray the activities in a network
diagram.

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 The Project Management Process (Cont.)

v. Make a time estimate.

vi. Make a cost estimate.
vii. Calculate a project schedule and budget.

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 Controlling Projects

a. Establish a baseline plan.

b. Monitor progress.
c. Measure actual progress and compare it to planned
progress.
d. Take corrective action if the project is behind
schedule, overrunning the budget, or not meeting
technical specifications.

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 Global Project Management

 Globalization adds unique dimensions to managing

projects.
 Factors external to the project can create a dynamic, and
unstable environment.

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 Global Project Management
(Cont.)

 Influencing factors:
– Currency fluctuations and exchange rates
– Country-specific work codes and regulations
– Interdependence of economies
– Corporate joint ventures and partnerships
– Political relations
– Availability of high-demand workforce skills

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 Benefits of Project Management

 Satisfied customers
 Additional business
 Expansion of career opportunities
 Satisfaction of being on a winning team
 Improved knowledge and skills

When projects are successful, everybody WINS!

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