Project management, step by step : how to plan and manage a highly successful project / Richard Newton

Acknowledgements x
Introduction xi
1 Step 1: Understand the basics 1
Setting the scene
2
Introduction to project management jargon
2
The step-by-step guide. Step 1 - Understanding the basics
3
Step 1.1: What is a project?
3
Step 1.2: What is a project management? What is your role?
3
Step 1.3: The project's customer
4
Step 1.4: The project team
5
Step 1.5: Delivery and deliverables
5
Step 1.6: The five dimensions of a project - scope, quality, time, cost, risk
6
Step 1.7: The stages of a project - a lifecycle
9
Key tips
10
2 Step 2: Define the 'why' and the 'what' 12
Setting the scene
13
Introduction to 'why' and 'what'
14
The Step-by-step guide. Step 2 - Defining 'why' and 'what
17
Step 2.1: Complete the Project Definition
17
Step 2.2: Check your role
30
Step 2.3: Agree the Project Definition with your project customer
31
Key tips
33
3 Step 3: Create your Project Plan 35
Setting the scene
36
Introduction to the Project Plan and estimating
37
The Step-by-step guide. Step 3 - Creating your Project Plan
49
Step 3.1: Brainstorm a task list
49
Step 3.2: Convert the task list to a skeleton plan
53
Step 3.3: Estimate times, add dependencies and delays
55
Step 3.4: Add in who will do what
59
Step 3.5: Build the plan into a schedule
61
Step 3.6: Work out costs
65
Step 3.7: Add in milestones and contingency
65
Step 3.8: Review and amend
68
Step 3.9: Review the plan with your project customer
78
Key tips
80
4 Step 4: Manage delivery 82
Setting the scene
83
Introduction to the role of the project manager
84
The Step-by-step guide. Step 4 - Managing delivery
94
Step 4.1: Start the project
94
Step 4.2: Plan your day
95
Step 4.3: Collect information and reports
96
Step 4.4: Monitor and manage progress
99
Step 4.5: Identify and resolve issues
101
Step 4.6: Identify and manage risks
106
Step 4.7: Manage changes
111
Step 4.8: Take action to ensure the project's success
114
Step 4.9: Keep your customer informed
117
Step 4.10: Update the Project Plan or Project Budget
118
Key tips
118
5 Step 5: Complete your project 121
Setting the scene
122
Introduction to completing your project
123
The Step-by-step guide. Step 5 - Completing your project
125
Step 5.1: Test the deliverables
125
Step 5.2: Implement deliverables
126
Step 5.3: Provide support to your customers
127
Step 5.4: Release resources
128
Step 5.5: Review for next time
129
Step 5.6: Celebrate!
130
Key tips
130
Conclusion 131
Appendix 133
Glossary 141

eng.