Project Management Basics: For When It's Not Your Day Job!

Project Management Basics

For When It's Not Your Day Job!

An understanding of project management basics is becoming increasingly important for today’s managers. Managing projects effectively: delivering outcomes on-time; on budget; and to quality standards, arguably requires specialist skills. All but the most straightforward projects were once considered the responsibility of specialists, managed either by in-house teams, or by external consultants.

However the increasing importance placed on organisational change and innovation means most managers now have far more involvement in the projects needed to implement these changes.

Effective change, continuous improvement and organisational development all require project management skills. Yet how many general or operational managers feel totally happy when initiating or managing projects, either directly or through delegation? Especially when the burden of project management is added to the day job!

No site dedicated to the happy manager would be complete without offering some help on the subject of project management guidelines and skills. Below is a list of pages leading to articles, information and practical tips both on this site and beyond. Pages on this site are intended to support non-specialists charged with projects to manage. Links outside the Happy Manager are intended for those who wish to develop their project management skills even further.

Project Management Basics

Project Management Checklist

About to start a project? You'll need a project management checklist, especially when project management isn't your day job.

Project Management Guidelines

What are the most important project management guidelines? Always start with the end in mind. How do you do that? Ask the right questions to ensure the project is properly defined.

Project Management Model

When you are a busy manager and managing a project as well, then often what is needed is a clear simple process to follow. The 4D model provides such a process.

Project Management Resources

Some project management resources and links used on the Happy Manager site, along with suggested further reading.

Before You Start.....

Firstly though, some introductory advice on project management. The UK’s Chartered Management Institute has produced a common sense checklist of advice:

View a project as an opportunity to enhance your knowledge and career;

Keep your priorities under regular review;

Say “no” when necessary;

Ask for help when needed;

Don’t agree to anything which is impossible (remember nothing is impossible for the person who doesn’t have to do it);

Don’t push yourself too far or work unreasonably long hours, even if you feel energised;

Don’t get so involved in the project that you forget your day job;

Don’t try to hide any problems.

What to do next? Start with our project management model to provide you with an initial framework for your projects.

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