The keys to effective project management are understanding and implementing the necessary steps in the process. Beginning the project with clear planning as well as a carefully thought out delegation of tasks is crucial. As the project gets under way, it's important for the manager to be able to adjust his or her original plan to provide solutions to any unexpected problems that arise. Proper project completion is a step that is often inadequately addressed by management. It's definitely one of the keys to effective project management because proper completion means access to archived information by people who need it as well as ensuring that what was learned can be used to improve future projects.
Management tools such as research and analysis should be used to establish the exact purpose as well as scope of the project. Determining what has to be done must be established before decisions about who will do each task can be made. Not just the exact project task, but the estimated experience level needed is information that can help determine the best employee for each objective. On larger assignments, project managers usually appoint task heads who report to them while supervising a team of workers. People with the necessary skills, time and motivation to perform the needed tasks are certainly keys to effective project management.
Project managers can't simply delegate tasks and teams to supervisors, but rather must monitor their progress through status reports and meetings. This communication is another one of the keys to effective project management because without it, small delays and problems could get worse enough to effect the end result. Management skills include being able to make any necessary changes and corrections in projects as they progress. Project solutions are ultimately the responsibility of the manager; having talented, communicative staff can make management's job a lot easier.
At the project's close, the manager should reflect, then note, specifics about what was learned that the company could use on future projects. All of the loose ends should be tied up, such as making sure the accounting department has payment information for contractors. Effective project management simply can't be complete without a proper close to the assignment. Files pertaining to the project should be accessible by all employees who require the information. Following proper storage and filing procedures according to company policy is the project manager's final responsibility at the assignment's close.
