Project Management is the discipline of organizing and managing resources in such a way that these resources deliver all the work required to complete a project within defined scope, quality, time and cost constraints. As I stated in a previous post, I am taking two classes in the upcoming session at Kaplan University. Project management is the second class I am taking, and is a must for any effective manager.
Project management is such a broad topic, but this course is going to focus on the concepts utilized for effective information technology project management. We’re supposed to cover project management knowledge areas and process groups, as well as the use of project management software. They will throw in a few case studies to further demonstrate information technology project concepts. (I love case studies… they are like reading an encyclopedia).
Project management is indeed a science. The project manager is responsible for planning the work or objectives, risk management, estimate the amount of resources needed to do the job, acquire human capital and resources, assign tasks to team members, analyze results, ensure quality, solve problems, track and report progress, report progress and results to the stakeholders and more.
There are several methods to project management. One of the most effective methods I’ve used in my job is the “SMART” method. This method is applied prior to starting the project. These guidelines are used to ensure that the project has Specific goals, Measurable achievement, Achievable goals, Realistic goals and outcomes, and is Time sensitive.
Kaplan has several classes that lead up to the project management class. The Technology Infrastructure class and/or Management of Information Systems are mandatory prerequisites in order to take this class. I took the Management of Information Systems class a year ago where emphasis was placed on management and technical concepts essential to business application and management control of information systems. We also covered procedures and controls used in maintaining communication channels. All of these have something (if even remotely) to do with project management. I will keep everyone updated as things happen.
P.S. I was hoping to be able to report in regarding the online seminar I signed up for at Arizona State University. I attended the seminar yesterday via telephone conference and webinar, but nobody showed up. It was supposed to be a Q&A session about their online MBA program. I will sign up again and see what info I can get and report back.