Project Management Part Two

Project ManagementPart Two

Planning the Project

First ThoughtsWhat are you going to do?

How are you going to do it?

Scope (WHAT) Objectives = what the project is trying to

achieve

SMART ObjectivesSpecificMeasureableAgreed uponTime framed

Objectives examplesWhich one is SMART???

To investigate color printing options for reference department handouts on campus and in the library.

To select, configure and install a larger server for web development projects in the Library IT department by the end of fiscal year 2008.

Your Turn:

Write an objective for a project in your library that interests you (pie in the sky) or addresses a known need (data driven).

Cost Information

How much do you have?Have specific purchases been identified?Know your limitationsKnow your wiggle roomKnow your institution’s purchasing guidelinesAre there RFP guidelines?

Time

How time sensitive is the project?Is it crisis-driven?Is there a drop dead date?Do institutional calendars drive it?Do vendor offers drive it?

Deliverables

End resultIn Libraries, is usually a service or

softwareCan be an object (equipment,

room, building)

The Devil is in the DetailsTask breakdownTime estimatesCost estimatesSequence of tasksScheduleMilestonesResource lists (people,

equipment)Management planIdentified risks

Do you need Workgroups?

Size driven (just how big is this project?)Cluster similar tasksSelect members with best skill fitIncrease efficiencyImprove organizationImprove quality

Planning Packet ActivityCase studySample worksheetsDivide up tasks

Two people do budgetTwo people do sequencing and timeline

Planning PracticesAllow extra timeAllow extra moneyBuild in flexibilityIdentify possible weak points