Let’s look at a day in the life of a project manager by stepping through each phase of the project life-cycle: Define – Plan – Implement – Close.

By grouping project activities into phases, a project manager efficiently plans and organizes resources, measures achievement of goals and makes decisions on how to move forward and take corrective action when necessary.

Paying close attention to these details is the difference between merely doing things well and excelling as project managers.

A project manager’s job is to deliver the project within the various limits that have been agreed.

In the define phase the project manager sets up the project framework.

The project manager asks:
What are the high level goals for the project? What must be achieved? What are the critical success factors?

See our course on Defining Project Goals and Objectives here:
http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/defining-project-goals-and-obj...

And see resources here:
http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/setting-goals-and-objectives-f...

To help define project goals the project manager is involved in stakeholder mapping. This involves identifying and analyzing stakeholders to ensure their needs will be met.

See our course on Stakeholder Analysis here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/stakeholder-identification-and...

And see resources here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/stakeholder-mapping-key-to-suc...

Sometimes project managers have autonomy over assembling the project team, sometimes not.

For instance in a functional organisation the project manager will need to work with department managers to secure project team members.

The project manager develops the project charter, which is the formal authorization for the project to proceed.

See our course on the Project Charter here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/online-project-charter-course/

And see resources here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/what-is-a-project-charter/

The next phase is planning.

What does the project manager do during this phase? Their main task is to lead the preparation of the Project Plan. This provides the roadmap for how those high level goals identified in the define phase will be achieved.

The key to successful project management is in the planning. Often planning is ignored in preference to getting on with the project work. However, successful project managers understand the value of a project plan in saving money, time and problems down the line.

The work breakdown structure identifies each project task.

See our course on the Work Breakdown Structure here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/work-breakdown-structure-train...

And see resources here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/project-work-breakdown-structu...

A project work schedule takes all the tasks from the work breakdown structure and arranges them in time sequence so that we know how long the project will take.

See our course on the Project Schedule here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/project-work-schedule-online-c...

All projects cost money, take time, and require resources.

A project manager should have a realistic estimate of the project’s cost before project implementation.

It is also a key responsibility of the project manager to ensure that the project is on schedule.

One of the most important roles of project managers is to establish realistic expectations and to balance the project constraints of scope, time and cost.

Writing a risk plan to identify, rank and manage risk helps project managers mitigate risks and uncover opportunities.

See our course on Risk Management here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/project-risk-management-course...

And see resources here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/risk-management-steps-in-risk-...

You prepare a Quality Management Plan, which describes how quality will be managed throughout the life-cycle of the project to ensure the quality of both the project and its deliverables.

See our course on Quality Management here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/project-quality-management/

You write a Communications Management Plan which builds on the earlier stakeholder mapping and sets out a Plan for engaging and communicating with all stakeholders.

See our course on Communications Management here: http://continuingprofessionaldevelopment.org/communications-planning-course...

The implementation phase is where the project plan is put to work as the project manager monitors, executes and controls its implementation.

This is when the project manager uses their interpersonal skills of influencing, negotiating and communicating to resolve challenges.

The project manager interfaces with management and the project team as required, delegates responsibilities within the framework of the project, and organizes resources

The project manager puts the Stakeholder Communications Plan into action and communicates regularly with all stakeholders to ensure timely and successful completion of the project.

The project manager measures and reports on performance and progress.

The project manager monitors and controls project cost, time and scope.

The project manager implements the Risk Management and Quality Management Plans to monitor, manage and control risk and quality.

Is the project falling behind schedule or exceeding budget? The project manager takes corrective action as required.

The final phase is the closure phase. This is when the project manager delivers the finished project, documents the work, reflects on lessons learned, and acknowledges contributions made to the project.

The project manager delivers the finished project to the owner.

Reflecting on lessons learned ensures that experience is passed on to assist other project managers with new projects.

The project manager acknowledges contributions made to the project. And everyone celebrates!

This sums up 'A Day in the Life of a Project Manager.'

Find out more about our project management online courses and how they can help you become a better project manager at:
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