Not everyone who manages projects is a certified project manager. In the modern projectized workplace, many of our colleagues are required to manage initiatives from “the side of their desks”. This can be very stressful and it’s difficult to know where to start. Several years ago, I was given the task of compiling a primer for non-project managers to use as a guide to manage the initiatives. It was used extensively and I’d like to share it with you.
The objective of the primer is to give the non-project manager a basic introduction to the discipline of project management, by outlining the tools required to manage an initiative from inception through the planning phase, execution and finally completion. This is intended to be an introductory level guide.
The primer begins with an overview of project management, exploring definitions and considering the role of the project manager. It then goes through the Project Development Lifecycle step by step from Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and controlling, and Closure.
Along the way we discuss topics such as requirement gathering, project plans, roles and responsibilities, the Triple Constraint, Agile and Waterfall methodologies and numerous others besides.
Project Management is a complex, challenging, dynamic and often frustrating discipline to master. But when done right it is extremely rewarding, not just from a professional perspective but personally too. Only by being organized, flexible, patient and persistent can you excel at it. Become familiar with the tools and techniques outlined in this primer, always be willing to learn and you will be successful.
Tom Cremins 